I come from Bangladesh, a South Asian country with a rich cultural heritage and a working culture shaped by tradition, family values, and increasing globalization. As a developing nation, Bangladesh is experiencing shifts in workplace attitudes, especially in urban areas, while rural regions still preserve more traditional values. In this reflection, I will focus on leadership, communication, relationships, time, and gender, and share how my provincial background and upbringing shape my identity and communication style.
Leadership and Decision-Making
Leadership in Bangladesh often follows a hierarchical structure. Managers and senior employees are seen as authority figures, and decisions are usually made by them without involving junior staff. In many workplaces, there is limited space for open discussion or questioning a senior’s opinion. While this structure provides clarity, it can also discourage creativity and collaboration. I would like to see a change in this area – encouraging a more inclusive leadership style where everyone’s input is valued could lead to better decision-making and employee satisfaction.
Communication and Relationships
Communication in Bangladeshi workplaces tends to be formal, especially with higher-level staff. However, personal relationships play a significant role. It's common for colleagues to build close, family-like bonds, and trust is often built through informal interactions. This creates a warm environment, which I truly appreciate. At the same time, indirect communication is quite common, and people often avoid saying “no” directly to maintain harmony. While this politeness can prevent conflict, it may also lead to misunderstandings or inefficiency. I believe direct but respectful communication would improve workflow and reduce confusion.
Time and Quality
Punctuality is still a challenge in many workplaces in Bangladesh. Deadlines may be flexible, and being slightly late is often tolerated. In contrast, I have noticed that in Finland, time is treated strictly, and being late is seen as disrespectful. I think Bangladesh could benefit from adopting a more time-conscious culture, especially in professional environments, to improve productivity and respect for others’ time.
On the other hand, I admire how Bangladeshi workers are committed to maintaining quality in their tasks, especially in areas like the garment and textile industries. Despite working in tough conditions, people strive to meet global standards, which shows dedication and resilience.
Gender and Family Issues
Traditionally, gender roles in Bangladesh have been conservative, but this is changing. More women are entering the workforce, especially in cities. However, they still face challenges like unequal pay, lack of leadership opportunities, and pressure to balance work and family life. Family is a strong influence in career choices and work-life balance. For example, many people choose jobs based on how well they can support their families, not only personal ambition. While family values are important, I hope for a future where women and men are treated equally at work and given the same opportunities.
My Provincial Background and Identity
I come from a rural area in southern Bangladesh, where community and tradition are highly valued. This upbringing taught me the importance of respecting elders, being humble, and working hard. However, it also shaped a communication style that is more indirect and less assertive. When I moved to Finland, I noticed that being too quiet or not expressing opinions clearly can be a disadvantage in group work or professional settings. I am learning to adapt by being more open and direct while still respecting my cultural values.
In rural Bangladesh, people are also more emotionally expressive and rely on face-to-face communication. In Finland, communication is more formal and often digital, so adjusting to this style has helped me grow personally and professionally.
Conclusion
The working culture in Bangladesh is built on strong relationships, respect for hierarchy, and dedication to quality. While I appreciate the warmth and loyalty in Bangladeshi workplaces, I would like to see improvements in time management, gender equality, and open communication. My provincial background has shaped my values and communication style, and adapting to new cultural expectations has been a learning process. Embracing the positive aspects of both cultures will help me become a more effective and understanding professional in the future.