Navigating the divide:
Acting with integrity when
cultural adaptation is required

Starting in marketing and advertising, Danielle Dielissen gained extensive experience in corporate communication, change management, risk culture, and reputation management, with behavior as a key focus. Her journey reflects a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between behavior and organizational success. Now, Danielle Dielissen leads the Behavioral Risk & Integrity team at Rabobank, driving risk culture and managing behavioral risks.

Culture and integrity are two fundamental aspects that shape our identities, actions, and interactions. In international business contexts, organizational factors such as targets and incentives drive behavior, but social and individual factors also play a significant role in shaping individuals’ moral standards and how they act with integrity. Growing up in a working-class environment while maintaining upper-class friendships, I have always been fascinated by the unique challenges and social norms of each environment, especially when transitioning into a business context where the background of senior management dictates the social norms.

Individual experiences and personality

Growing up in a working-class culture often means being surrounded by values such as hard work, resilience, and community support. These values are instilled from a young age and become integral to one’s identity. However, individuals face several challenges, including limited access to educational and professional opportunities, financial constraints, and societal stereotypes. When individuals from working-class backgrounds enter the business world, they often encounter a stark contrast in cultural norms. When upper-class culture is dominant in business settings, individuals from other backgrounds encounter a range of different social behaviors, communication styles, and expectations. This can create a sense of alienation and pressure to conform to these norms, which may conflict with one’s ingrained values and sense of integrity.

Navigating Cultural Dynamics

Adapting to a business culture that differs from the norms and beliefs that shaped you growing up requires understanding and learning new social norms without losing one’s identity. This involves observing and mimicking certain behaviors while staying true to one’s values. A strong sense of integrity is crucial in bridging this cultural divide. Individuals must find a balance between adapting to new norms and maintaining their core values. Confidence is key to overcoming the challenges of cultural adaptation. Individuals should recognize their unique strengths and contributions, which can add value to the business environment.

The Role of Integrity in Cultural Adaptation

Integrity is the cornerstone of navigating cultural dynamics. It involves being honest and having strong moral principles, which guide individuals in making ethical decisions. In a business context, integrity means adhering to ethical and professional standards, even when faced with pressure to conform to different cultural norms. This can be particularly challenging when the dominant culture in a business setting prioritizes profit over ethical considerations. Individuals must remain steadfast in their commitment to integrity, ensuring that their actions align with their values.

Challenges of Cultural Adaptation

Adapting to a business culture can lead to several challenges. One significant challenge is the risk of groupthink, where individuals prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking and integrity. This can result in a lack of peer pressure resistance, where individuals may compromise their values to fit in with the dominant culture. Another challenge is confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information and opinions that reinforce their adopted values while ignoring or dismissing evidence to the contrary. Balancing aspirations with a strong sense of self and a healthy dose of critical thinking helps to avoid these pitfalls.

Personal strategies for maintaining

Integrity Maintaining integrity while adapting to a new business culture requires several strategies. First, individuals should develop a strong sense of self-awareness, understanding their values and how they influence their actions. This involves reflecting on one’s experiences and identifying the core principles that guide decision-making. Second, individuals should seek out mentors and role models who exemplify integrity in their actions. These individuals can provide guidance and support, helping to navigate the complexities of cultural adaptation. Third, individuals should engage in continuous learning, staying informed about ethical standards and best practices in their industry. This helps to ensure that their actions align with their values and the expectations of their professional environment.

Business strategies for maintaining integrity

Promoting diversity and inclusion of different perspectives in business settings is essential for fostering a culture of integrity. When individuals with different backgrounds and different perspectives are included, heard and valued for providing their input, it creates an environment where different views are respected and considered. This helps to prevent groupthink and confirmation bias, encouraging critical thinking and ethical decision-making and can signal drivers that might lead to misconduct.

Conclusion

Navigating the divide between culture and integrity in business contexts is a complex and ongoing process. It requires individuals to adapt to new social norms while maintaining their core values and commitment to integrity. By developing self-awareness, engaging in continuous learning, and promoting diverse perspectives and inclusion, individuals can successfully bridge this cultural divide. Ultimately, integrity is the foundation of ethical behavior, guiding individuals in making decisions that align with their values and contribute to a positive and sustainable business performance.