Indian Cultural Tips
compiled by Ralph Budelman

Americans Are Too Independent
In 18 years I doubt if she will ask whom she should marry or get my approval before accepting a job. This is the case unless she grows up here in India. And if she does she will benefit greatly from a culture that values and respects the opinions of parents and older people. Americans are way to independent!

It is clear to me after living in India that the Independent and rebellious American culture leads to all kinds of problems. You may be surprised but I think the arranged marriage systems are better. Because there are so many people involved in the process they say that the marriage is "tied with many knots" and that it will not come undone.

This compares to the American system where only two people tie the knot. And we all know how easy it is to untie the knot in America. But it is not just marriage where there is value in getting the opinions and approvals of others.

At the core of many Indians is a respect for parents that results in involving them in decisions. I have done hundreds of interviews with software professionals in Bangalore India and I am amazed to find how often parents need to be consulted before a job decisions is made.

So all you Americans this cultural tip is: remember if you are in India that major decisions will not be done by the individual but as a family. This knowledge becomes relevant to the businessman or traveler in situations that where critical decisions are made but may not be obvious or relevant in normal day-to-day dealings.

* Disclaimer- Please keep in mind that there is no such a thing as Indian culture. India is the most diverse place on planet earth. There are some cultures in India that are matriarchal and others that are tribal and others urban Western etc etc. It is not fair to generalize but we did it in this cultural tip anyway.

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