Anna raises a concern. "One of my employees is from a different cultural background. I am trying to develop a more effective working relationship, but she seems extremely reserved and formal around me. What should I do?"

A brief response for this question is difficult. You have discovered that national culture may influence working relationships.

Many cultures have a more formal approach to communication, especially when there is a hierarchy involved. Research generalizations about her national culture as it relates to communication.

Do not take her cues of reservation negatively and use cultural knowledge to realize that not every reporting relationship will look and feel the same.

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