Case study : collaboration between Swiss and Philippines

Introduction

This case study demonstrates the cultural gap and difference in the way of working of Europeans and Philippians.

Problem

When the author and his/her team had a meeting with local members of the staff (Philippians) , they were very kind and always answered yes to their questions. Despite always replying affirmatively they would never complete their task on time which made the organisers nervous and helpless as the work would be impossible to complete without their help.
This illustrates that people of different culture have different way of working.

Solution

The rising tension between the European organisers and the Philippians could only be resolved if both of them would respect and understand each other's way of working and lifestyle .
The Europeans are usually very focused and timely in completing their task where as Philippians although creative have to take their time and complete their tasks when they feel most apt to.
The Europeans understood that their(Philippians') yes was a certain kind of answer for , Ok it will be done rather than it will \be done now.
The problem could be solved only because both the people of different culture understood their differences and Europeans had to become flexible while working with Philippians and adapt to their way of working.
Only if people of different culture keep their cool and try to understand each other only then something productive can come out from the work that they are performing together.