The culture difference in India and U.S.A.

You have a late evening meeting with a senior executive.  The calendar confirmation was received few hours before the time of the meeting. You would like one of your junior colleague to participate to maintain follow-on and maybe learn a few things. You are concerned for the potential inconvenience to your colleague due to the late confirmation.

How is this handled in India and U.S.A? Below is a very simplistic view 

  • INDIA

Most likely, you will ask your colleague the location of his home. If it is close by to the meeting location, you will ask the colleague to join the meeting. You may even insist your colleague joining.

  • U.S.A.

Inform your colleague of the meeting and, maybe, its importance. Ask if your colleague would like to join.

What is the difference? Asking your colleague the location of his home is considered personal in U.S.A. and best avoided.

What is the difference, again? In U.S.A. your intent is derived by your choice of words & sentences.

What’s that again? If it cannot be seen & measured, it is considered not to exist in U.S.A. So, in U.S.A., personal lives & professional lives have a Chinese wall; even if you are in invitee list of New Year/Christmas parties. It is no different in India, however, asking these questions may or may not result in a difficult situation.

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