Cultural Differences in Interviews: Bridging the Divide

Introduction

Many psychologists assert that significant barriers can exist when a person of one cultural background interviews someone from a different cultural background. The differences in culture can encompass religion, race, ethnicity, upbringing, and nation of origin, among many others. One clear example involves Muslims who come to the United States and encounter a culture that is entirely different from what they are accustomed to in their country of birth. While it is possible to achieve a meaningful connection during an interview with someone from a different cultural background, bridging the cultural divide can be quite difficult even with the best of intentions.

Religious and National Differences as Interview Barriers

One major barrier to bridging the cultural divide in an interview — or in any substantive discussion — is religion. The common and dominant religion in the United States is Christianity, whether one is speaking of the Catholic Church or another denomination or sect such as Protestantism. However, to suggest that Christians are the only religious group present in the United States would obviously be false. A great many people come from different religious backgrounds, including Islam, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions. There is also a growing number of atheists and agnostics who believe, respectively, that there is no god or that it is impossible to know with certainty whether one exists.

As just one illustration of the implications for an interview, a devout Catholic interviewing a Muslim who adheres to sharia law would bring very different worldviews, general perspectives, and beliefs to the conversation. This is a fairly extreme example, but it is one that could absolutely occur in practice. Cultural divides can also arise when people from different countries are interviewed by a native-born American, and this holds true even when the non-American participant speaks English fluently (Leri, 2015).

Race, Class, and Urban-Suburban Divides

Cultural barriers can emerge even between people of the same nationality when their socioeconomic backgrounds differ significantly. For instance, a person raised in a suburban, middle-class or higher-income environment interviewing someone who grew up in a poor urban setting would likely encounter a considerable divide in perception and worldview. Such an interview would quite often involve a white interviewer and a Black or Hispanic interviewee. As one example, a minority individual from an urban environment would likely be suspicious of the police and their intentions, while a white suburbanite would probably trust law enforcement implicitly. These divergent perspectives can profoundly shape how questions are interpreted and how honestly they are answered (Leri, 2015).

Strategies for Overcoming Cultural Barriers

To counter these challenges, the interviewer genuinely needs to put themselves in the shoes of the person they are speaking with, especially as it pertains to the subject matter of the interview. If the interview concerns poverty or racism, the interviewer must structure their questions and overall tone around the recognition that living such a life can be harsh, unforgiving, and deeply wearing. The interviewer should approach the conversation without preconceived notions or assumptions about why the person faced such difficulties, and should not automatically attribute those difficulties to poor choices such as criminal behavior, alcohol abuse, or other lifestyle decisions.

Before the interview begins, the interviewer should set the tone clearly by telling the interviewee that complete and candid responses are desired, and that the interviewer genuinely wants to understand the raw feelings and specific details surrounding the subject being discussed. The interviewer should openly acknowledge if they have limited familiarity with the interviewee's perspective, while also making clear that the interview is designed to address that gap. Failing to establish this kind of tone could result in incomplete or inaccurate answers driven by the interviewee's suspicion or fear of judgment, which would severely compromise the validity of the data gathered. Even with the best intentions and a carefully laid groundwork, answers may still be affected by lingering distrust or fundamental differences in worldview (Leri, 2015).

Conclusion

Cultural divides can lead to many negative outcomes and incomplete objectives in the context of interviews. However, many of these barriers can be overcome through good faith effort and an expression of solidarity. Practical expressions of that solidarity can and should include a commitment to non-judgment and a sincere desire to surface the unfiltered truth. Breaking down cultural barriers ultimately requires open and honest communication, and that kind of communication will not occur without a foundation of trust and mutual respect. When those elements are absent, very little of value or substance is likely to be accomplished.

Leri, P. (2015). Interviewing across cultures. University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. Retrieved October 9, 2015, from http://fordschool.umich.edu/downloads/InterviewCrossCultures.pdf