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How to thrive in an individualistic corporate maze
By venturing outside of their comfort zone, sensemakers can perceive problems with fresh perspectives and draw valuable insights from the experiences of others.
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Several Indonesian tech talents shared that working abroad provided them with safety from sexism, poor working conditions and rigid corporate culture. (Unsplash/Scott Graham) (Unsplash/Scott Graham)
Achieving success in a corporate environment demands a delicate balance between promoting individual accomplishments and collaborating effectively with others.
For professionals from high power distance index (PDI) and very low individualism countries like Indonesia, adapting to a corporate culture that highly values individualism and competitiveness can be challenging. Moreover, entering an organization with no traditional hierarchy requires a significant shift in mindset and approach.
According to Hofstede's framework on National and Organizational Culture, individuals from countries with a high PDI and low individualism tend to prioritize hierarchical relationships and group harmony, making the transition to an individualistic corporate culture particularly nuanced.
This is a case study of a persona with high PDI and low individualism roots who has worked in over 51 countries and thrives in a corporate setting across more than six transnational, multinational, or international companies. In these organizations, individualism and competitiveness are highly appreciated, while hierarchical structures are almost absent, and merit is highly valued.
It shows the importance of finding a subtle line between individualism and teamwork, and how the three lenses of organization (structural, cultural and political) can be applied to enhance career success. Moreover, an explanation of the crucial role of sense-making for professionals and many others helps them navigate the corporate maze while preserving their unique identity and cultural values.
In hindsight, it is found that sense-making is the first key ingredient that propels success and happiness. According to professors Debora Ancona and Henrik Bresman, sense-making is the ability to make sense of the chaotic and uncertain world around us and is characterized by four essential traits: open-mindedness, learning from others, creating meaning from uncertainty and a willingness to experiment,
A proficient sensemaker possesses the capacity to let go of existing mental models and paradigms to comprehend a changing landscape without being constrained by preconceived assumptions.
