Three Countries, Three Lives. Six Big Observations By One Russian Guy

Tripoto
31st Mar 2015

Hi, I am Victor from Russia. I have worked in several companies in Russia, have stayed in China for more than two months and am now interning in India. This experience has given me the right to share with you my take on the differences in work culture and behaviour in these countries.

The boss

Photo of Three Countries, Three Lives. Six Big Observations By One Russian Guy 1/3 by Victor Banachin

Russia

The relationships are very formal. The boss leads you every time. The boss knows everything. You need just follow his instructions. There is a lot of micromanagement when the manager goes deep into your tasks and shows you how to do it.

China

The boss is a great leader. He manages the ship and you just need to believe the direction is right. But in your tasks you have far more freedom and they prefer to base relationships on trust. You can give them suggestions and they tend to accept them if your suggestions have a real base.

India

The relationships are far more informal in comparison to China and Russia. You have more freedom, less pressure.

The work lifestyle

Russia

In Russia, people are divided into groups. It could be on the basis of interests, lifestyle. The other relationships seem to be informal, but in truth they are very structured. It is very hard to get any support from colleagues. Most people have just one goal: Don't be fired. Not in any case, their actions correlate with the goals of the company.

China

Every person works smoothly and neatly. Attitude to work is very serious. There is the goal you need to achieve. After you do it, you are free to do whatever you want, even if you still have work hours left. Everyone trusts and respects you.

India

In India, the relationships are very open. The core is friendship. Most people try to find friends at their work place.

The after-work style

Russia

In Russia, you will have some very formal parties.

China

Almost the same situation with Russia.

India

It seems to me Indians live from party to party.

The food

Photo of Three Countries, Three Lives. Six Big Observations By One Russian Guy 2/3 by Victor Banachin

Russia

Russian food is close to European with some strange dishes.

China

Chinese is not so far away from European food, but spicy.

India

In India, it is usually a mystery what I ate.

Language

Russia

It'll take you a while to find an English-speaking person.

China

They totally don’t speak in English. But they use body language to understand it.

India

Most people at least in Delhi know some English words.

People behaviour

Photo of Three Countries, Three Lives. Six Big Observations By One Russian Guy 3/3 by Victor Banachin

Russia

People think about themselves.

China

Everyone respects everyone. If you are in trouble, there are a lot of people who want to help you.

India

Close to the situation in China. But people in cars think the pedestrians are immortal.