Introduction
This report presents the features of the work on the position of the project manager in two different countries. After working as an information technology project manager for China and United States simultaneously, I am ready to share aspects of multicultural work between different countries. With the help of 4 functions of management, this report will determine cultural peculiarities that emerged during the project period.
Planning
As the department works in two countries, it is vital to consider each place’s circumstances to achieve a mutual aim. Current limitations connected to the pandemic became the most crucial thing to consider and complicated entry and exit from each country with PCR tests and a compulsory quarantine upon arrival. Therefore, it was supposed to hold meetings online, using specialized platforms. Different time zones made us hold meetings in the morning in China, and American employees joined in the evening. This was a significant difference; however, both countries managed to adjust to the format. It could hinder the department because American members could feel tired, but we held the meeting.
Organizing
Using the same online format, we determined how members from various countries would handle their duties. Members were assigned their responsibilities and were provided a direction for their future work. All members received instructions and due dates for each step of the team project. I also decided to set some rules to make sure every member feels comfortable. For instance, it is known that employees from the United States value individuality more than formal requirements. It means that each employee can express themselves irrespectively of the status.
On the contrary, China is a country with a strong hierarchy, and primarily it manifests in respect for seniors. To maintain healthy relationships within groups, I decided to combine the rules from each culture to make the shared list. Thus, it was pondered that everyone respects each other; indeed, everyone can propose their idea. It may give the department members the understanding of working with foreign customs and traditions.
Leading
As a project manager, I tried to guide and coordinate the process in a way comfortable for each member of the company. However, there was a significant problem of time zone difference. I decided to shift employees’ work schedules by 2 hours for the project period to synchronize before the end of the working day. There were some cultural and communicational barriers between participants. However, we overcame it with visual contact; everyone was asked to turn the camera on during the meeting. Sometimes, we had to use the translator and sign language; however, the communication was successful. The differences between the two countries are significant; Chinese culture suggests a high value of traditions and specific manifestations (e.g., Chinese employees “sleep” when they listen attentively). These customs may be unclear for people from other cultures and cause misunderstanding within the department, so I set standard rules. However, both American and Chinese people were very productive, and it helped the company reach an organizational goal.
Controlling
The control stage suggests measuring individuals’ and joint achievements according to the planned aim and standard. If there are any deviations, the mistakes should be corrected to ensure the achievement of organizational goals. Fortunately, we achieved our shared goal in time because Chinese and American workers were similar in productivity and hard work during the project period. During the project, I noticed that American middle management employees could easily correct top managers; the Chinese employees did not accept this. This situation could confuse the process in the department because of cultural differences; however, the work went prosperous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it was a successful project despite many factors that could cause confusion between employees from China and the United States. As it was seen, there are significant differences between American and Chinese cultures; indeed, both teams were productive and similar in their striving to the common aim. This multicultural experience enriches the company because it helps gain knowledge of communication within various countries and cultures.