Carpet Capital Culture Clash
Domestic-based Cultural Case - Cultural issues and challenges encountered between an Anglo
and Latino workforce in the U.S.
• Sanitation
In Latin America sewer systems can't handle paper product and thus Mexico is having major
sanitation problems and this is an issue to tje OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation
and Development). Moreover, the Mexican population are largely rural and agrarian
communities. In Mexico, toilet paper is disposed in trash cans inside the restrooms. However,
in the U.S. facilities don't have such disposal containers and Mexicans place their waste paper
on the restroom floor, if they don't see a trash can. (They are just acting accordingly to their
culture and ethnocentric behaviour).
Turning it around, the U.S. would also flush their toilet paper in the Mexican toilets, because
that is what they do at home.
• Group and Team Behaviour
The different tribes in the Mexican culture existing nowadays go way back in time, started circa
900 A.D.. In this culture the perception and importance of time is very different from the ones
we as the "Western" (also U.S.) countries know; where "time is of the essence".
Thus, people will have to adjust to this faster rhythm of production life in the Western world,, as
the pace of work and life is at a higher rate.
Generally, Mexicans come from small towns where there is little work available, making them
lower-skilled. Most of their motivation is economic.
Clock time and punctuality are learned behaviours along with the seriousness of absenteeism.
In some cultures, it is even rude to be on time. This is an extreme contrast to what we are used
to in the U.S. and the Western society of now a days. Because, the assembly-line demands all
employees to be on-time before their work can begin.
• Gender Roles
In Latin America, the wife is the boss at home and manages the children (associated with
home and family). Also few girls go to college or university. Latino males are also not used to
working with female managers.
• Translation without Information
Orientation in area companies is conducted by the HR department. Language barriers are still
there, even if their is very good translation.
Research also suggests that Mexicans perceive their stay as temporary and to earn money
and don't bother learning english. Also, they may lack skills to learn a language, due to lack in
educational backgrounds.
• Work Policies and Work Ethic
Mexico - embracing overtime (due to their poor economic conditions), they also desire to
pursue the American dream and send funds home to family in Mexico to improve their
situation . However, they believe their job is only a part of their lives and they don't set goals.
Personal terms mobility is valued!
Americans - defined by their work or job. Think of a jobs as something to use one's talents and
skills and as an opportunity for advancement. Upward mobility is valued!
• Respect for Authority
Disrespectful to look someone in the eye - Mexico
Respectful to look someone in the eye - America
• Distrust of Banks
Mexicans may distrust banks due to history of the country, pay cash?
Domestic-based Cultural Case - Cultural issues and challenges encountered between an Anglo
and Latino workforce in the U.S.
• Sanitation
In Latin America sewer systems can't handle paper product and thus Mexico is having major
sanitation problems and this is an issue to tje OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation
and Development). Moreover, the Mexican population are largely rural and agrarian
communities. In Mexico, toilet paper is disposed in trash cans inside the restrooms. However,
in the U.S. facilities don't have such disposal containers and Mexicans place their waste paper
on the restroom floor, if they don't see a trash can. (They are just acting accordingly to their
culture and ethnocentric behaviour).
Turning it around, the U.S. would also flush their toilet paper in the Mexican toilets, because
that is what they do at home.
• Group and Team Behaviour
The different tribes in the Mexican culture existing nowadays go way back in time, started circa
900 A.D.. In this culture the perception and importance of time is very different from the ones
we as the "Western" (also U.S.) countries know; where "time is of the essence".
Thus, people will have to adjust to this faster rhythm of production life in the Western world,, as
the pace of work and life is at a higher rate.
Generally, Mexicans come from small towns where there is little work available, making them
lower-skilled. Most of their motivation is economic.
Clock time and punctuality are learned behaviours along with the seriousness of absenteeism.
In some cultures, it is even rude to be on time. This is an extreme contrast to what we are used
to in the U.S. and the Western society of now a days. Because, the assembly-line demands all
employees to be on-time before their work can begin.
• Gender Roles
In Latin America, the wife is the boss at home and manages the children (associated with
home and family). Also few girls go to college or university. Latino males are also not used to
working with female managers.
• Translation without Information
Orientation in area companies is conducted by the HR department. Language barriers are still
there, even if their is very good translation.
Research also suggests that Mexicans perceive their stay as temporary and to earn money
and don't bother learning english. Also, they may lack skills to learn a language, due to lack in
educational backgrounds.
• Work Policies and Work Ethic
Mexico - embracing overtime (due to their poor economic conditions), they also desire to
pursue the American dream and send funds home to family in Mexico to improve their
situation . However, they believe their job is only a part of their lives and they don't set goals.
Personal terms mobility is valued!
Americans - defined by their work or job. Think of a jobs as something to use one's talents and
skills and as an opportunity for advancement. Upward mobility is valued!
• Respect for Authority
Disrespectful to look someone in the eye - Mexico
Respectful to look someone in the eye - America
• Distrust of Banks
Mexicans may distrust banks due to history of the country, pay cash?
