Book Review: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

The Culture Map is a guide to working with people from different cultures by being aware of cultural differences. While the book deals in generalities, it acknowledges that every person is individual, while also being shaped and informed by the culture in which they grew up. It looks at how cultural practices vary in eight different areas: communicating, evaluating, persuading, leading, deciding, trusting, disagreeing, and scheduling. Awareness of the cultural background of another in each of these areas can reduce misunderstanding and create better working relationships. For instance, in some cultures time is very linear (e.g. Germany and Switzerland) and events should start and stop precisely on time. Other cultures (Middle East, India, Africa) are more time-flexible. You aren’t late if you arrive in the correct part of the day. A German may interpret a Saudi showing up thirty minutes late as inconsiderate, rude and irresponsible, while the Saudi may be confused at the German’s frustration.

Dr. Meyer is an American married to a Frenchman who has lived abroad for most of her adult life and consults with companies to prepare individuals for cultural differences. The book is thought-provoking, informative and easy to read. It is filled with real life examples from her work that make the concepts relatable, memorable and interesting. Readers will have a greater appreciation for their own assumptions and be better prepared to understand people from different cultures.

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