The thought of working in a foreign country for the organization I work for isn’t so far off. Habitat for Humanity International is truly a global organization. So – let’s say – I’m asked to take my experience as someone in charge of our Homeownership department – and my broad knowledge in financial wellbeing classes – to one of our affiliates in another country. The concern I have is – which one would I pick?
There are so many locations across the globe I would wish to work for – but many of them are not in locations I would choose as a prime location. For example, many of the homes are built in locations that have the most need and are almost always the most destitute.
Do I go where there is the most need, or do I go where I would be the most comfortable? You said my choice, so I would choose a European-based affiliate office, like somewhere in Ireland. This country – like many others in Europe – is most like American culture.
When looking at Hofstede’s dimensions there are many positives to Ireland:
- Individual or community – they are fine with being part of a whole but don’t require it.
- They are egalitarian by nature both by work and by sex – good news.
- They have a strong sense of community and believe in personal connections
But there are some negatives:
- Their country is religious-centric – which is a hard thing for me – personally
- Our office is not centered around religion but our organization is strongly set in that.
- This said I would have a hard time not being aligned with any specific faith.
But then there are a little of both:
- There is a slower way of life (I’m a type AAA personality)
- Would I have a harder time not “getting things done”?
- But they believe strongly in a work/life balance (what my AAA personality needs)
Suffice it to say I can’t see having many issues – outside of keeping a boundary around myself regarding religion – with working through Habitat in Ireland.
https://earthrelocation.com/blog/know-before-move-to-ireland-as-an-american/