Cultural misunderstandings can happen to anyone—even experienced professionals and world leaders! Take President Obama, for example. He once raised a toast to Queen Elizabeth while the British national anthem played—a breach of royal protocol and cultural faux pas.
As businesses become more global, teams are increasingly diverse. While this brings incredible benefits, it also raises the risk of awkward moments due to cultural missteps. According to our latest global research, which interviewed 915 employees across Spain, Mexico, the UK, the US, Germany, Italy, France, and India, a staggering 56% of professionals interviewed report the need to develop cultural competence to broaden their worldview and avoid cultural faux pas in their careers. Indeed, with awareness and training, these situations can be minimized.
Below are some real-life examples of cultural misunderstandings and how they could have been avoided with better intercultural skills.
Cultural Faux Pas #1: Oh! Is It Ramadan?
“I missed having lunch with my colleagues since we started working remotely. To bring us together, I organized virtual lunches. One day, my graphic designer showed up without any food. I joked about it, only to realize he was fasting for Ramadan.”
— Claire, Marketing Manager, US
Insight: Our research found that while 82% of the employees interviewed have traveled abroad, 52% acknowledge that overcoming cultural missteps requires more than travel—it demands adjusting behaviors with the right cultural knowledge. Understanding important cultural customs, such as Ramadan, goes beyond mere respect and it is crucial for fostering inclusivity and avoiding uncomfortable moments. This is why disregarding differences—what 59% of the employees interviewed report doing to address cultural differences—is not enough.
Learn more about our research here.
Cultural Faux Pas #2: Get Your Greeting Right
“Being German, I felt very awkward the first time my colleagues kissed me on the cheek to greet me.”
— Marc, Advertising Specialist, Spain
Insight: Greetings vary widely across cultures. While cheek-kissing is common in Spain, it may be unfamiliar to professionals from cultures where handshakes or bows are the norm. A simple awareness of these differences can prevent misunderstandings and create a more welcoming atmosphere. Up to 45% of the global respondents interviewed in our research believe that adjusting our behaviors is key to overcome these hurdles and be more successful as a team.
Cultural Faux Pas #3: Time Is Subjective
“A team member based in Mexico often arrived late to virtual meetings. I found it frustrating and addressed it privately. To my surprise, she didn’t think she was late at all!”
— Leo, Account Manager, Sweden
Insight: In some cultures, punctuality is flexible, while in others, it is strictly observed. Our survey indicated that 60% of those interviewed see prioritizing understanding during disagreements as a core way of addressing these situations. Indeed, cultural awareness, coupled with open communication, can help align expectations and reduce frustrations across global teams.
Cultural Faux Pas #4: Americans Have Feelings Too!
“When giving feedback on a recent training session, a colleague commented, ‘The trainer was good, though a bit too American.’ As an American working in the UK, I felt offended.”
— Helen, HR Assistant, UK
Insight: Stereotypes can slip into professional conversations, leading to uncomfortable situations. Our research shows that 53% of the respondents interviewed emphasize the importance of developing cultural competence to develop solid interpersonal relationships, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity to ensure success in team dynamics.
Cultural Faux Pas #5: Relationship to Hierarchy
“A new team member from India rarely spoke up during meetings. After a private conversation, I learned that in his previous jobs, juniors were expected to remain silent unless addressed by senior staff.”
— Sara, Lead Software Developer, Canada
Insight: Hierarchies play different roles across cultures. Our survey reveals that 77% of the respondents interviewed perceive themselves as culturally competent, but this perception may not align with reality. Encouraging inclusive communication and understanding cultural hierarchies can enhance participation. Find out more about the cultural differences and education you can receive in cultural training to overcome challenges.
Cultural Faux Pas #6: “Yes” Can Sometimes Mean “No”
“After a Chinese company acquired us, I thought we had agreed on new strategies during meetings. A few weeks later, I realized their ‘yes’ actually meant ‘no.'”
— Xavier, Journalist, China
Insight: In some cultures, especially in East Asia, “yes” can be used to avoid conflict or embarrassment. This underscores the importance of understanding indirect communication styles. A significant 40% of the respondents we interviewed believe that disregarding differences can bridge gaps, signaling a potential misunderstanding over what it means.
Cultural Faux Pas #7: What Office Hours Really Mean
“As a South African working in Japan, I realized my colleagues gave me odd looks because I sometimes left the office before my manager, which is considered inappropriate there.”
— Charlotte, Project Manager, Japan
Insight: Workplace norms vary drastically. Our research highlights that 52% of the employees we interviewed believe adjusting behaviors is key to thriving in diverse environments. Promoting awareness of such unwritten rules is essential for harmonious team dynamics.
Why Cultural Awareness Is Essential for Businesses
Global teams are no longer a rarity but the norm. Yet, despite the advantages of diverse workforces, cultural misunderstandings can lead to communication breakdowns, decreased productivity, and even conflict. Our research indicates that 53% of the employees we interviewed recognize the value of enhanced relationships through cultural competence, which translates into improved collaboration and innovation.
Recommended Steps to Avoid Cultural Faux Pas
Phase 1: Assess
Intercultural Assessment Tool: Benchmark your teams against the cultures they interact with most frequently. This will help you identify cultural knowledge gaps.
Phase 2: Explore
Dashboard Insights: Use the Intercultural Assessment results to facilitate discussions that highlight cultural nuances and common pitfalls across the team and organization.
Expert Advice: Schedule a session with a Learnlight trainer to guide your team in interpreting insights, exploring cultural dynamics, and understanding the significance of education.
Phase 3: Educate
Intercultural Programs: After identifying gaps and insights, enroll employees in tailored Intercultural Programs designed to address specific challenges.
Building a Global Team with Confidence
Cultural faux pas will happen—it’s part of working in a global environment. But by embracing cultural awareness and learning from past mistakes, your team can thrive. At Learnlight, we help businesses foster a global mindset, equipping professionals with the skills they need to navigate cultural nuances and build more connected, productive teams.
Take our quiz now to evaluate if cultural misunderstandings are affecting your organization’s performance and explore strategies to enhance intercultural competency among your teams.
Optimize your team’s communication with Learnlight’s Intercultural Training programs.
Further Reading:
[Understanding Intercultural Dynamics: Infographic]
[4 eye opening takeaways around how our cultural differences play up in the workplace]
[Cultural Competence: Why it’s essential in today’s workplaces]
