Sandra has initiated a very very interesting discussion here.  Its been very touchy for me.   The views/comments of Chris and Amber are also impressive.


Well!  The web link referred by Sandra is self explanatory and explains in a generic manner.  I am not a Psychologist but as an IET Volunteer, i would love to take part in this discussion.  I think the IET is not only a multi-disciplinary professional institution but also a multi-national, hence, multi-cultural.  Any kind of org majorly depends on the communication.  As an international organization, the IET uses the British English Language which is not the first language of most of the Nations included in the family of the IET.  The IET Volunteers from all nations are the managerial part of the IET.  Hence, when they communicate with each other e.g. to the IET-UK H/Qs with the IET-Staff or higher tier Committees, most of the time, things are mis-interpreted.  Some time causes huge loss e.g. the Volunteers left their positions or even left the IET etc..


Beside the language, the Culture puts a great impact.  Let me share a real story of mine.  I am a citizen of Pakistan, hence, have the Pakistani Culture.  I went to Saudi Arabia for employment in a multi-national German Company.  In this company, as per my knowledge, more then 10 Nationalities were working.  Once, due to some reason, my immidiate saudi boss said me the word "stupid".  I seriously minded because of my culture and complained.  My Project Manager was German, he called me to discuss, i explained.  Then he said, the word "stupid" is a normal word.       So besides the language,  culture matters.  Pakistani, Saudi and German interpreted the same word differently.


Another aspect is:  IET-UK has Networks in India and Pakistan.  All the world knows the relationship of India and Pakistan.  IET-UK has its South Asia Region.  India had been ignoring and suppressing the Pakistan for IET related matters as far as Pakistan been the part of the South Asia Region.  The IET-UK could not manage it.  Finally Pakistan was attached with the EMEA Region.  All this affected the IET Volunteering at Pakistan whereas India progressed.  I mean to say that the IET-UK could understand this dimension at an early stage but now it is too late.


The purchase power of some countries where the IET exists, is very less.  So Volunteering does not matter to the citizens of such kind of countries because obviously they are putting their energies to earn enough money to fulfill their day to day essential needs.  The IET volunteering will also be affected until and unless the IET gives some financial incentives to do the volunteering.


So i would suggest that if the IET-UK is really serious on the subject matter, then at first, they should give trainings to all the IET-UK Staff, then the Volunteers, on this very very important issue.  I also suggest the IET-UK may make it essential for each and every non-british Local Network to conduct the English Language and Communication Skills Courses based on the British Culture/Society, at least two times a year, for every volunteer.  We, the volunteers, have to learn the cultures of each other.


Sandra, i am sure, by doing so, the IET Volunteering will be rised.


Thank you.

Sandra has initiated a very very interesting discussion here.  Its been very touchy for me.   The views/comments of Chris and Amber are also impressive.


Well!  The web link referred by Sandra is self explanatory and explains in a generic manner.  I am not a Psychologist but as an IET Volunteer, i would love to take part in this discussion.  I think the IET is not only a multi-disciplinary professional institution but also a multi-national, hence, multi-cultural.  Any kind of org majorly depends on the communication.  As an international organization, the IET uses the British English Language which is not the first language of most of the Nations included in the family of the IET.  The IET Volunteers from all nations are the managerial part of the IET.  Hence, when they communicate with each other e.g. to the IET-UK H/Qs with the IET-Staff or higher tier Committees, most of the time, things are mis-interpreted.  Some time causes huge loss e.g. the Volunteers left their positions or even left the IET etc..


Beside the language, the Culture puts a great impact.  Let me share a real story of mine.  I am a citizen of Pakistan, hence, have the Pakistani Culture.  I went to Saudi Arabia for employment in a multi-national German Company.  In this company, as per my knowledge, more then 10 Nationalities were working.  Once, due to some reason, my immidiate saudi boss said me the word "stupid".  I seriously minded because of my culture and complained.  My Project Manager was German, he called me to discuss, i explained.  Then he said, the word "stupid" is a normal word.       So besides the language,  culture matters.  Pakistani, Saudi and German interpreted the same word differently.


Another aspect is:  IET-UK has Networks in India and Pakistan.  All the world knows the relationship of India and Pakistan.  IET-UK has its South Asia Region.  India had been ignoring and suppressing the Pakistan for IET related matters as far as Pakistan been the part of the South Asia Region.  The IET-UK could not manage it.  Finally Pakistan was attached with the EMEA Region.  All this affected the IET Volunteering at Pakistan whereas India progressed.  I mean to say that the IET-UK could understand this dimension at an early stage but now it is too late.


The purchase power of some countries where the IET exists, is very less.  So Volunteering does not matter to the citizens of such kind of countries because obviously they are putting their energies to earn enough money to fulfill their day to day essential needs.  The IET volunteering will also be affected until and unless the IET gives some financial incentives to do the volunteering.


So i would suggest that if the IET-UK is really serious on the subject matter, then at first, they should give trainings to all the IET-UK Staff, then the Volunteers, on this very very important issue.  I also suggest the IET-UK may make it essential for each and every non-british Local Network to conduct the English Language and Communication Skills Courses based on the British Culture/Society, at least two times a year, for every volunteer.  We, the volunteers, have to learn the cultures of each other.


Sandra, i am sure, by doing so, the IET Volunteering will be rised.


Thank you.