from the eyes of an expat manager
TRANSCRIPT
From the eyes
of an expat manager
Managing in Turkish Culture
8th Mastering HR Summit, Istanbul Pınar Akkaya, Signature Consulting
Kevin, 38 year old, appointed to Istanbul
as the new GM of a German company.
Kevin is…
excited happy hopeful nervous and yes, a bit
It’s been 6 months…
This is tougher than I have
thought!
Kevin today…
Why do they come in my office in groups of 3?
I am frustrated when my Turkish team says: “Yes Kevin, but…” This “Yes, but..” drives me nuts!
Nobody wants to take a decision…
Are things done so differently in
Turkey?
I am always the last one who learns about
a problem in the office!
When you come to a new country,
you are culturally blindfolded.
For those who live in it, the
culture is like the water in the
fishbowl.
For those who don’t,
it is a tough journey.
Values, beliefs, attitudes + Behaviors
Because, culture is a complex
matter.
National
Identity Group
Organizational
Functional
Team
Individual
Professor Hofstede, clarifying
things for us.
Power Distance
Masculinity vs Feminity
Long Term Orientation
Individualism vs Collectivism
Uncertainty Avoidance
Indulgence vs Moderation
Professor Hofstede: Turkey?
Power Distance
Masculinity vs Feminity
Long Term Orientation
Individualism vs Collectivism
Uncertainty Avoidance
Indulgence vs Moderation
66
37
45
85
46
49
Let’s compare: Turkey, in a set of 10 countries
High power distance, low
individualism, moderate
masculinity
Let’s compare: Turkey, in a set of 10 countries
High uncertainty avoidance,
moderate long term orientation
and indulgence
welcome to Turkey!
Dear expat manager,
Turkey, where the two continents
meet.
A rich cultural heritage.
The crossing point of civilizations.
An emerging market.
A bridge between east and west.
And a country of contradictions.
A multitude of cultures “Since centuries, Anatolia has been the cradle of several different cultures. It is therefore not possible to understand the people of this country, neither their behavior through the norms of western cultures.
We should never forget that we are Anatolians and the children of a multicultural past. Indeed, we are contradictory beings. We are both “us” and “me”. We are very open to try new things but also very conservative.”
Strategy Director
Solving the mystery.
Source: Ipsos Research Report, 2012
Turkey is listed as the 1st
country
with the longest working hours.
Forbes, February 2015
Efficiency? Work life balance?
Forbes, February 2015
As an
expat manager
in Turkey…
There are 3 major factors upon
which your success will
depend:
Agility is the
key.
Business is personal.
Turkey has a relational culture.
The DNA of the
Turkish
employee
Key forces:
Devotion
Practical approach
Respect
They have a good sense of
responsibility
They have a practical approach
They can work long hours, with
no complaints
They are easily motivated
They have a good sense of
humor
They are friendly and kind.
You will love your team because…
Key challenges:
Managing the emotions and
the need for recognition
Managing the HR
dynamics in an emerging
market
Not delegating enough
Being less objective than
needed
Not being able to say “No” when
needed
Usually overpromising, yet
under-delivering
Their lack of confidence in each
other
Avoid taking action and being
more creative
They will challenge you with…
And, as their leader,
they will notice
every detail
about you.
What makes a Turkish team’s
heart sing?
Magic would work if you…
Inspire trust and respect, as their leader
Encourage solidarity in your team
Help them grow to advance in their career
Encourage participation and freedom of expression
Adopt an open approach to conflict
How to localize your leadership
style?
Be a sponge to read the
culture: Decode the locals.
Adapt your own style when
needed: “What would they do
if…?”
Invite them to speak and
explain when you have trouble
understanding: Initiate the
dialogue.
Why does everyone cry when
they leave?
Being an expat is a great
adventure.
Enjoy the ride.
Being an expat
is a great adventure.
in Turkey
Thank you.
Pınar Akkaya, Signature Consulting
@LinkedIn: https://tr.linkedin.com/in/pinarakkaya