A project manager travels abroad to meet the offshore team and sends out a meeting invitation to review requirements.
However, many team members decline the meeting invitation.
The PM approaches one team member to determine why people are declining.
The team member indicates the project manager scheduled the meeting at a time when employees typically have permission to take a nap.
Which of the following is the project manager facing?
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A. B. C. D.C.
The project manager is facing a cultural difference in this scenario. The offshore team has a cultural norm of taking a nap during a specific time of the day, and the project manager scheduled the meeting at that time without realizing the cultural difference. As a result, team members declined the meeting invitation.
Cultural differences can impact project management, especially when working with international teams. Cultural norms and values influence how people communicate, work, and perceive time. For instance, in some cultures, being direct in communication is highly valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred. In some cultures, punctuality is highly valued, while in others, it is acceptable to arrive late.
In this case, the project manager needs to be aware of cultural differences and how they can impact project management. The project manager could have done some research before scheduling the meeting to understand cultural norms and values. Additionally, the project manager could have consulted with team members to find a suitable meeting time that works for everyone.
In conclusion, cultural differences can impact project management, and it is essential for project managers to be aware of them and take them into account when managing international teams.