International Inerview

International Interview: Cultural Differences India and US

For my cultural interview I had an opportunity to interview face-to-face my colleague from India, Devyani, who came for cross training to the US for three weeks. Devyani is a 27 year old female who works as a Pricing Analyst at Medline India. Besides work experience at Medline India, Devyani has worked in the Indian manufacturing company for four years in the pricing department quoting prices and finalizing bids.

In my interview I wanted to find out the cultural differences in work force in India and the United States. Specifically, I wanted to concentrate on the females in the workforce as well as work relationships with peers and superiors.

Currently there are 29% of Indian females working in the workforce. India has the lowest percentage of females in the workforce in the all BRISC nations . According to my colleague the new Modi government is promoting female employment in the corporate world. One example of this promotions is that tax incentives/tax credit. Females do no pay taxes on the first $5600.00, after that they pay 12% of the tax on the 40% of the remaining income. For example if female makes $10,000 year, on $5,600 she does not pay taxes on. For the remaining $4,400 she would pay 12% taxes on 40% of the $4,400. 40% of $4,400 is $1,760. 12% of $1,760 is $211.00. This is how much female would pay in taxes if she was making $10,000 a year. Her male colleagues would 12% on the 40% of his earnings, which would add up to $480. There is definitely and incentive for females to join the workforce.

From working with and the interviewing Devyani I have learned that relationships in India are highly valued. Workplace in India is like a one big family where individuals during and after work hours. Colleagues socialize together over the longer lunch and tea break. I remember, when Devyani has started working for Medline she would disappear for 30 min tea break which in my mind should have been only...