​Culture check: The limitations of a western background in engineering

Or how to calm the maverick within

This is the first "culture check" article I will write that will specifically look at different backgrounds (in a fairly broad sense because there are so many of them) and how it could cause issues in your engineering. I am focusing on the negative aspects because engineers love having problems to solve.

What are the key attributes of western culture?
Western cultures are typified by a longer period of wealth and a stronger focus on individualism over the focus on the group. There are other aspects, but these are the ones that I will focus on in the context of engineering – because they are the ones that proved significant in my research.
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And the effect on engineering?
If you are from a wealthy western country, then you are, most likely, from a post industrialised society. That means the majority of wealth comes from the services and knowledge industries – and it has also been like this for some time. And manufactured goods are frequently considered ultra-cheap; thus, the alternative name “The throw away society”.
In such a society, we become more interested in customised and bespoke products. Brands can hold some sway, but not because they are associated with wealth; because they are usually associated with an image or persona. You can’t as easily convince people you are successful by owning certain brands anymore – because the fact is many could afford something that is practically comparable. Status thus comes from uniqueness and thus exclusiveness.
An engineer from such a society will always have more of a tendency to try something new. But not because they know it will be a better solution – even though it might be. But for the sake of the novelty itself – and the perception that the cost is not that great, nor much of an issue.
Now couple this with the tendency to individualism.
Such an engineer would now be more motivated to pursue such an idea for their own glory. If it helps the company, then great. But if it becomes a success, then they would be more inclined to say “That was my idea” as opposed to saying “That helped to company enter a new market”, “That cut cost and boosted revenue”, that reduced down time” and so on.
Thus, with a tendency to gravitate to the novel without worrying as much about cost and with less thought given to the greater group, the western engineer is more likely to go rogue and be a maverick.
This might be what’s needed at times. But, let’s be honest, good engineering happens when the engineering team is implementing solutions that are aligned with each other and with the business goals.
 
And the practical implications are…?
Western managers are probably aware of this – even if they don’t know it – and can manage it. Acknowledging the great idea and engineering excellence and then noting that in a different context we could pursue it, but, for now, we need to focus on something more aligned with the broader goals. I know I have had to at times.
But if you are from another background, then this is something to be aware of should you ever be managing western engineers. And I mean based on cultural/economic/national background – don’t assume if they have a different ethnicity from what you expect, have some heritage similar to yours, or can speak your language, then they will think like you. These tendencies could still be there.
If you are a western engineer, then ask yourself now, and indeed then, and then then again, if you tend to pursue ideas for the sake of novelty and personal glory as opposed to doing it for the engineering team, the company, and societal, success.