When understanding the differences between cultures, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is that no two cultures are alike, and even within a culture, there can be vast regional differences. The second is that all cultures are constantly changing and evolving. The third is that, as an outsider looking in, it can be challenging to understand another culture’s nuances and subtleties (Rohm, 2010). Hence, this project section will explore the co-cultures within the United States of America (USA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and how these regional differences play out in business interactions and social norms. We will also touch on how cultural intelligence can help bridge these gaps and build better relationships between people from different cultures.
There are many cultural differences between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Understanding these differences is essential to communicate and working with people from both cultures effectively. For example, the United States is an essentially individualistic society, while the UAE is more communal. An individualistic culture implies that people are more independent and self-reliant (Rohm, 2010). On the other hand, a communal culture, which is dominant in the UAE, implies that people are more interdependent and reliant on others. This cultural difference between the two countries will likely cause tensions for the Johnson family as they attempt to integrate into both cultures. However, with patience and effort, they should be able to successfully manage these differences (Bechter & Grigoryants, 2011).
U.S. citizens tend to be more direct in their communication style, while Emiratis tend to be more indirect. For instance, Americans might say, “I need you to do this for me” Emiratis may say, “Can you help me with this?” This difference in communication style can lead to some initial misunderstandings, but it also creates opportunities for cultural learning (Bechter & Grigoryants, 2011). For example, one member of the Johnson family may learn about traditional Emirati wedding customs while another learns about American traditions. They will also be able to share their experiences and insights, strengthening their relationship (Rohm, 2010). Ultimately, the Johnson family will experience a unique co-culture in both countries. They will learn about the customs and values of Emiratis while also getting to know the culture and lifestyle of Americans. This will be an enriching experience that will help them better understand each other and their world.
The U.S. has a low power distance, meaning there is less hierarchy between people. The UAE has a high power distance, meaning there is a more apparent hierarchy between people. This difference will likely create a clash in the Johnson family’s co-culture, as equality is one of the most critical aspects of their co-culture (Rohm, 2010). The UAE also has a more traditional view of marriage, which the Johnson family may need to be more comfortable with. The U.S. also has a more liberal view of sex. At the same time, the UAE is more conservative than the U.S. This difference in views could lead to conflict between members of the Johnson family because they have been in the U.S., where they have been taught to view sex in a more liberal way (Alexander, 2021). Ultimately, the Johnson family will likely experience co-cultures that are different from their own, but they will still be able to get along. This difference can impact how decisions are made, and information is communicated.
There are also differences in how time is viewed between the two cultures. In the U.S., time is a scarce resource that needs to be managed efficiently. In the UAE, time is seen as more flexible, and there is less focus on punctuality. The Johnson family will also experience different food styles. The U.S. is known for its burgers and fries, while the UAE has a wide variety of delicious Arabic cuisine (UNESCO, 2009). The UAE also has a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol, while in the U.S., it is viewed as being more dangerous. The U.S. view of Islam is also different from the UAE. In the U.S., Muslims are often seen as a terrorist threat, while in UAE, they are viewed as a valuable part of society (Alexander, 2021). Therefore, Mr. Johnson and his family will experience various cultures in Dubai. They will have to learn about the customs and values of each culture to ensure that they can live comfortably and successfully in their new home.
The two cultures also have different views on dress codes. In the United States, people usually dress casually, whereas, in Dubai, people usually dress formally. The UAE is Muslim-dominated, while the United States is not (Alexander, 2021). The Muslims uphold moral values regarding dressing modestly, while the Americans uphold freedom of choice regarding clothing. Muslim women are required to cover their hair, and American women are not. They mostly dress in Hijab, while the U.S. natives enjoy freedom in the dressing of their choice. These differences will be an initial challenge for the Johnson family in terms of adapting to their new environment (Pervez, 2013). Since Mr. Marc’s wife, Karen wants to continue with the teaching profession in Dubai; she will have to adapt to the different work culture. Back in the US, Karen was free to dress as she pleased. In Dubai, she will have to dress conservatively and follow Muslim guidelines in terms of clothing (UNESCO, 2009). Mrs. Marc will also have to adjust to a new lifestyle as she is used to living in a bustling city with high-speed internet, shopping, and entertainment. The UAE is a slower-paced society where life revolves around religion and family.
There are also some critical regional differences between the United States and UAE that should be noted. The UAE is a much more collectivist society than the United States. This attribute implies that people in the UAE tend to emphasize group harmony and cooperation more than individualism and competition (Fornara, 2018). Also, the UAE is a much more conservative society than the United States. As a result, many cultural norms and behaviors considered commonplace in the U.S. – such as equal rights for women and acceptance of homosexuality – are not as prevalent in the UAE.
Further, the cost of living in the UAE is much higher than in the U.S. (UNESCO, 2009). This variance could be a significant obstacle for families relocating from the U.S. to the UAE. However, it is factual to argue that families who move between the United States and UAE will experience various cultural differences (Alexander, 2021). Most notably, they will likely experience different norms and values related to gender, sexuality, and social conservatism. While these differences may be challenging at first, ultimately Johnson family should be able to adapt and enjoy their new homes.
The two regions also experience different climatic and weather conditions, which would impact how the family lives. For example, in the United States, there is a temperate climate with plenty of rainfall. In Dubai, there is a desert climate with less rainfall and a lot more extremes in temperature. Summer temperatures in the UAE can reach 40 degrees Celsius in most countries (104 degrees Fahrenheit) (World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, 2020). In the U.S., summertime temperatures are typically in the mid to high 30s Celsius (86-90 degrees Fahrenheit) (Climate Change Indicators: High and Low Temperatures | US EPA, 2016). Hence, before the Johnson family adapts to their new home, they will need to acclimate to the climate in UAE.
Another key difference is that the UAE has a much higher power distance than the United States. This discrepancy means that people in the UAE generally defer to those in positions of authority and expect them to make decisions for the group. In contrast, people in the United States tend to be more egalitarian and believe everyone should have a say in decision-making (Fornara, 2018). Consequently, the Johnson family may have to adjust to a different way of life in Dubai. For example, they might have to defer to local authorities when making decisions and be more patient when waiting for decisions to be made (UNESCO, 2009). Additionally, they may have to learn new customs and values to fit in. This culture shift could be difficult, but it would be worth it if the Johnson family could find a place that matched their lifestyle and personal values (Rohm, 2010).
Finally, there are also some notable differences in communication styles between the two cultures. Primarily, people in the UAE are more indirect communicators than those in the United States, which means that they may avoid conflict or confrontation by being less direct in their communications. The Emiratis may not always be as familiar with common American idioms and expressions, so they may have to employ different language techniques when communicating with Americans (U.S. Relations with the United Arab Emirates – United States Department of State, 2022). In particular, Emiratis may find it helpful to use idioms and expressions specific to their region. This way, they can be sure that their American counterparts understand them. Hence, the Johnson family’s experience in Dubai will likely differ from that of a family living in California (Kalliny et al., 2011). They will likely have to adjust their communication style to better match those around them. Additionally, they may need help understanding idiomatic expressions used in Emirati culture.
Generally, there are some notable differences between the cultures of the United States and the United Arab Emirates. For instance, people in the UAE are more collectivist, while people in the U.S. tend to be more individualistic (Fornara, 2018). There are also regional differences within each country. For example, southern states in the U.S. tend to be more traditional and religious than northern states, while in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai (Kalliny et al., 2011). Despite these differences, there are many similarities between these two cultures. Both countries place high importance on family values and education. Arabic is spoken in both countries, although English is also widely spoken in the UAE. Moreover, both countries are known for their love of luxury goods and lavish lifestyles (Hanel et al., 2018).
Reference
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