We will be highlighting some of our members in the upcoming months to find out more about their background and process as part of our team. As RW3′s Director of Content Development, Carrie Shearer is responsible for overseeing the team who maintains and updates the Country Profiles and cultural material. With 20 years’ experience in global HR as a manager as well as an expatriate and accompanying spouse, both in corporate headquarters and abroad, she has lived and worked in 7 countries. Carrie is also a writer, researcher, book author and acknowledged expert, especially in the areas of global compensation and expatriate concerns.
1. How do you do the research? How do you check for accuracy?
We begin with a review of published information – books and journal articles – that deal with culture in the specific country. We then search on specific cultural attributes. Then, we move to an internet search that includes basic cultural information, blogs by expats living in the country as well as blogs and material provided to NGO staff.
We then compile all the material from these disparate sources and determine where there are holes or where the information does not agree.
At this stage, we interview expats who live in the country. If there are not at least 3 who are willing to speak to us, we contact people who were quoted in articles. Then, we contact local nationals to find out the rationale behind behaviors and to gain an insight into the culture from their perspective.
2. How do you keep them up to date?
Culture itself does not change rapidly; however, behaviors do. On an annual basis, we review specific parts of the material (for example, last year we considered the impact of generational differences and revised the Culture Essentials and Role of Women). We also conduct interviews with international students, visiting scholars and expats on home leave to spot check countries. We also consider comments from site users.
3. Give us a little bit about your background?
I have a BS and MS from Cornell University and spent 25 years in HR in the oil and gas industry. I have worked overseas and traveled extensively for business, having spent time in over 100 countries. I cringe at how little I knew when I started on this journey.
4. Where’s the most interesting location you’ve lived?
That's a really difficult question. I think it's a toss-up between Thailand and Bahrain. Thailand is a constant awakening to sights and sounds and the people are wonderful. It truly is the Land of Smiles. Bahrain has an archeological heritage that is fascinating and the country itself is small enough to enable you to really feel you understand how the country operates.
Learn more about gender diversity in the global work place with our Cultural Wisdom Webinar: International Women's Day.
