Comparing Values Across Cultures

If you're considering Mexico as a retirement location, it's more than liekly that you have more than a passing interest in the Mexican people and their culture.

If one seeks a thorough understanding of a people one must, at the very least, spend a number of years of working and living among them. Mexicans appreciate a foreigner's interest in their country and culture, even more so an American's sincere interest, as generally Norte Americanos are perceived as only interested in their point of view and are often regarded with suspicion and distrust.

As the chart below illustrates, different cultures may perceive and value behavior and attitudes differently.

Comparing Cultural Differences
One Culture May Value:	Another Culture May Value:
Values change	Values tradition
Favors specific communication	Favors ambiguous communication
Values analytical, linear problem solving	Values intuitive, lateral problem solving
Places emphasis on individual performance	Places emphasis on group performance
Considers verbal communication most important	Considers context & nonverbal communication most important
Focuses on task and product	Focuses on relationship and process
Places emphasis on promoting differing views	Places emphasis on harmony and consensus
Emphasizes competition	Emphasizes collaboration
Prefers informal tone	Prefers formal tone
Is flexible about schedules	Emphasizes rigid adherence to schedules

[table: courtesy of Passport Mexico]