WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

OTHER QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
2. If you were a culturally sensitive leader, who had observed the cultural
differences in that team, what counsel would you have given to the leader and
the young Asians?
2 Flexibility
Sensitivity and flexibility are related. A flexible person is sensitive to
environmental factors and is able to adapt himself accordingly. This ability to
adapt to changing situations is an important asset in a new cultural
environment. The flexible person is able to adjust easily whereas an inflexible
person, being comfortable primarily in structured or organised situations will
find it difficult to adapt.
I have observed that many New Zealanders are naturally flexible because
of their accepting and easy-going ways. A New Zealander ministering in a
Southeast Asian country once told me how much he enjoyed the environment.
He did not mind the dirt or the lack of order in doing things. Pillion-riding on
his motorbike was an unforgettable experience for me. He enjoyed all the
shortcuts, riding like the locals, defensively or offensively as long as he could
avoid oncoming traffic.
It always takes time for me to adapt to a new environment. I remember
being caught in a traffic jam during one of my early visits to Manila. The cab
driver appeared most relaxed. I complained to my colleague with me of the
terrible traffic system. My colleague tried to change the subject so we would
not embarrass the driver. He was sensitive to the driver. Later I discovered
that almost anyone could drive in Manila if he learned the unwritten rules!
There indeed was a system.
Flexibility means that one is able to quickly adapt to the new culture
and its lifestyle. Adjusting to new ways of eating, speaking, greeting, dressing,
working, doing business are some adjustments that come easily to the flexible
person.
The physical and climatic conditions of the environment could also be
quite different from one’s home country. Food and water may be less hygienic.
Temperatures could soar to 40°C for long periods in some areas, or fall to zero
°C during winter in other cities. In some areas, one has to adjust to insects
and rodents. Dust and dirt could be continuous irritants. “Noise pollution” is
common almost anywhere in Asia, and personal privacy almost non-existent.
The person who is well-organised, efficient and somewhat set in his
ways will find it difficult to adjust to a new culture unless the culture is a
structured, highly efficient and organised one. In some countries, it may take
a whole day to accomplish a task which may take less than an hour in one’s
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