The Quebec provincial government has banned Sikhs from wearing the Kirpan in legislature buildings, a decision quickly met with disappointment from the Canadian Sikh community. A higher level of Cultural Intelligence Quotient (CQ) among government policy-makers would have likely led to a very different outcome.

 

Culture plays a significant role in how we assign value and meaning to objects and symbols. This phenomena can lead to unexpected conflict when we do business across cultures. On assignment in North India a few years ago I faced this challenge in the most unsuspecting of circumstances.

Culture shock arrives inevitably for any international business leader; it has many faces, and can wreak havoc for even the most well-mannered and skilled professional.

Many companies are considering expansion into the extremely fertile Indian marketplace. India presents incredible opportunities for Canadian companies, but success there requires familiarity with Indian business and cultural etiquette. Remember to do your P.A.R.T. when considering the Indian market:

Recent events at two lower mainland hospitals in British Columbia have reinforced the need for systematic cultural training within Canadian organizations. Local news is reporting of two separate incidents wherein elderly Sikh men were shaved by medical staff without proper consent from family. The Indo-Canadian community is in an uproar and consequently the local health authority is faced with a media storm, potential legal action, a large disenfranchised patient demographic, and a potential overhaul of their diversity training programs.

 

Some context for readers who are not familiar with the Sikh cultural and religious paradigm and may be wondering what the fuss is all about:

‘Business as usual’ will no longer cut it in our highly globalized market. Organizations need to be prepared to adapt to changing markets, labor forces, and vendor expectations. The simple fact is that 70% of international business ventures fail. Business smarts alone will no longer ensure the long-term success of your organization. Organizations looking to adapt, overcome, and succeed for years to come will need an added level of intelligence. These forward-thinking organizations will need a high level of Cultural Intelligence in order to succeed. Cultural Intelligence will allow your organization to engage effectively across ‘national, ethnic, and organizational cultures’.

Engaging your organization cross culturally with the Indian community can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be incredibly challenging, depending on the level of your organization’s Cultural Intelligence. 

Let me give you an example of the subtleties of culture and the importance of Cultural Intelligence in the following brief story.