Indian Culture

•Hierarchy in Indian society

•Respect for elders/ people in position

•Indians seemingly reserved by nature

Illustrations

• Initial impressions

• Non responsive

• Reluctant to ask questions

• Not sure if the staff have understood

• Like speaking to a wall

• Staff stand when trainer enters the room - every time

Introduction – A brief overview of India & its culture

• Diversity & continuity

• Ancient & adaptive

• Population & languages

Hierarchy in Society• Ancient Indian social system

Varna Vyavastha (caste system)Brahmins – the priestly classKshatriyas – the warrior classVaishya – the business classShudras – the lowest class

• Ranking of castes• The economic factor (wealth & power)• Hierarchy in day to day life

Structure & hierarchy in a business setting

• Respect for senior colleagues

• Decision making rests with seniors

• Relationship – boss & employee

• Face & self esteem

Respect for elders

• Special respect

• 5 forms of traditional welcome• Prathuthana – rising to welcome a person• Namaskaara – paying homage with palms together• Upasangrahan – touching the feet of elders or

teachers• Shaastaanga – prostrating fully with feet, knees,

stomach, forehead & arms touching the ground• Pratyabivaadana – returning a greeting

Namaste

• Suited for all occasions

• Namah + te = Namaste• I bow to you/ my greetings/ may our minds meet

• Bowed head – extending friendship in love & humility

• Varies in different parts of the country/ religion

Shared cultural characteristics in India

• Respect for elders & people in position

• Preference for conformity• Friendliness• Strong sense of community• Acceptance of hierarchy• Interpersonal relationships

• Self restraint

• Emotional dependence

Trainers can …

• Conduct a little test to ascertain the level of understanding

• Exhibit a genuine interest in the people