The Change Tolerance Dimension of the CultureWizard Intercultural Model® is a challenging Dimension to conceptualize because it can be more subtle and abstract than others. Change Tolerance or Aversion do not always correlate with obvious behaviors, but rather are reflected in patterns and preferences. Yet, as global business grows more complex, ambiguous, and riskier with each passing year, awareness of cross-cultural differences in Change Tolerance rises in importance.
As an educator in Côte d’Ivoire—it’s a point of international contention that most people still call it Ivory Coast despite its 1986 name change—I collaborated with my supervisor to set up a girl’s yoga class. Although my supervisor seemed enthusiastic, it took several weeks to reach a point where girls could begin signing up. Then, at the last minute, she told me we needed to change the name to “gym class,” or parents would think I was teaching Buddhism and would not allow their children to enroll.
As a product of a highly Change-Tolerant American culture, I was not aware that introducing yoga would be viewed as a threat to Ivoirian cultural values. This moment, however, was a clear example of how I could adapt my style and expectations to meet the needs of the local community.
Assessing how Tolerant or Averse your multicultural team is to Change is particularly important in today’s increasingly diverse workforce, where technology and globalization often generate change and the need for adaptable leadership. Consider the following signposts of Change Tolerant and Averse societies.
Signs of a Change Tolerant Culture:
- Change is viewed as a vehicle for progress and improvement.
- Change is implemented more readily and may happen in a short period of time.
- Leadership allows autonomy.
- General guidelines are sufficient because they provide workers with greater autonomy.
- Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are highly valued.
- Current trends or data carry more weight than historical precedent.
- Failure is viewed as a learning opportunity.
Signs of a Change Averse Culture:
- Change may be viewed as a threat to tradition and core values.
- When change is embraced, it is implemented carefully and/or gradually.
- Historical precedents are important in making decisions.
- Failure is avoided, and can be a vehicle for shame or self-doubt.
- Leadership tends to be direct.
- People avoid ambiguity and risk-taking.
- Instructions are outlined clearly, processes plainly defined.
To further improve your awareness of cross-cultural dynamics in the Change Tolerance Dimension, read our detailed blog post, The Change Tolerance Dimension: How to Lead Multi-Cultural Workplace Teams Through Changing Times.
