|
 X-Expats interviewed Chacko Philip who lived for 3 years in France and worked as a consultant and trainer in intercultural risk management focusing on India after completing post graduate degrees in International Relations and Human Rights. Chacko recently relocated to New Delhi in India with his wife (a French national) and now works as a security analyst for a multinational company. He is a Visiting Lecturer on “India and Globalisation” at the Grenoble Ecole de Management in France and consults on political risk and security analysis, intercultural management, geopolitics and training.
X-Expats: What brought you back to India?
Chacko Philip: The opportunity to work in a multicultural environment, with people from different parts of the world, as well as the prospect of working overseas enticed me take up this position in India. In addition, my skillsets (political risk and security analysis), fluency in French, and various experiences in France and India were determining factors in this decision.
X-E: Did you prepare for your return to your home country? If so, how?
CP: I did prepare mentally for this return. I was excited to come back because I would be working and meeting new people. Although Delhi is not where I grew up (I am originally from Kerala, South India), I have some good friends living in this city and I lived there for two years with my wife previously. So, I was not worried at all about how my wife would adapt since she already knew the city and how things work here. In my mind, I repeated to myself that life would be different and that I would need to adapt to the changes. Also, I tried to pinpoint the positive things I experienced during my previous stay in Delhi. I think this is really important for someone who returns to his home country.
X-E: How would you describe Indian society compared to French society?
CP: Indian society is a vertical one with visible hierarchy at every walk of life. In general, foreigners find it difficult to accept. For example, auto rickshaw drivers would prefer that a client shows authority and firmness rather than being nice to them and treat them as “equal”. If they feel that they are treated as equals, they will express less respect for the client. Compared to France, this is an important behavioral pattern that differentiates Indian culture from many others.
X-E: How about corporate/business practices?
CP: Even in corporate and business practices, the hierarchy remains visible and duly respected. As someone working for a multinational company with colleagues from the West and India, I am able to see differences in attitude and management styles in the office. For me, it is interesting. I feel like someone with a foot in both camps trying to find a middle way approach. Indians require guidance and direction. They should also “be pushed” to complete their tasks. They look up to their manager. If the manager does not understand this message -which is why many Western managers find it difficult in the beginning to work with and manage Indian teams- it is a disaster.
X-E: What cultural practices/behavioral traits have you grown accustomed to, while living in France that may not be common or typical in India?
CP: The cultural practice that I like about France is “equality” at work. Everyone may have an opinion and express it. The hierarchy factor (even though it does exist) is not as visible as in India. Then, as in every culture/society, there are things that are really captivating and some others less interesting.
X-E: Since moving to New Delhi, what steps have you taken to alleviate reverse culture shock and/or facilitate the re-assimilation process?
CP: Personally, since my wife is French, I am always carrying a bit of France with me. It was a similar process for her when we moved from India to France 3 years ago. The steps that I have taken include making both mental notes and behavioral changes. I accept the fact that I am back in India and that people’s general behavior is different; that there are difficulties related to public transport, and a need to respect the hierarchy; while also trying to understand both Indians and foreigners. These are some of the steps that I have taken. As someone born and raised in India, I believe that in due time, I will find my own “Indian way of living” rhythm. I am currently going through a transition period.
X-E: Do you have any recommendations for an individual planning to return to his/her home country based on your recent experience?
CP: When living in a country which is not yours, every day you discover new things. You can even notice tiny changes that leave a big impression on you. You visit your home country once a year during your vacation. You are happy to be back home temporarily, meeting your family and friends. But when you live and work in your home country after an expatriation, the way you look at things is different. You try to make comparisons between both countries and lifestyles. I think this is a great experience for me, as I am able to look at India from different perspectives, as an Indian and also as a foreigner. I am able to empathize with foreigners when they complain about things they experience in India rather than getting my national feeling hurt. As a consultant and trainer in Intercultural Management, this experience is unique in the sense that it cannot be provided within an academic setting, by a book or other means. This is something each one of us has to experience and share. As someone who returned recently to his home country, I have this to share: accept the differences, adapt to them and learn from them. This will change the way you think, behave and live in your home country.
X-E: Thank you Chacko for sharing these first impressions following your repatriation. We wish you the best in your future endeavors. If you want to learn more about Chacko please read his blog.
Please do not cite or copy without author's or publisher's authorization.
|
