Observation of the surrounding
work-related culture
Programa de formación
From 1 to 5 days
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Paper or a notebook
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Pen or pens
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A Word document or other document and a PC
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A sound recorder (only your own voice), such as a smartphone.
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A phone or other device for recording images and videos (with consent).
What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?
Culture shapes our values, expectations, behaviours, attitudes and everyday habits. The same applies to workplace, sectoral and hiring cultures. This tool examines the surrounding culture and its potential impact on workplace culture, along with issues related to employment and job searching. It is particularly important for individuals who are changing sector, planning to work in a different cultural environment, or navigating unfamiliar norms, expectations and unwritten rules that may influence how work is done and how opportunities are accessed.
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Define the purpose of your cultural observation. For example, are you looking for a job in a different country, region, or sector? Do you plan to stay in your current country or region? Or are you trying to understand how cultural norms, expectations and everyday habits might influence your work, job search or ability to adapt to a new professional environment?
Conduct a pre-observation investigation into the culture in which you plan to work. This could be a national or regional culture, such as Sicilian culture, or a sector-specific culture, such as that of the energy industry or a particular workplace. Research the key cultural aspects related to work, such as communication styles, attitudes towards hierarchy and gender, time orientation, risk tolerance, dress code, and expectations regarding collaboration, autonomy, and work–life balance. Select the elements you wish to observe. Create a one-page summary of the main findings.
Decide on the locations for your observations based on your objectives. Select one or more real-life settings. These do not have to be in the same sector. You can observe many elements in public places, such as cafés, libraries, and shops. Remember possible permissions. You can also request permission to observe in other locations. In this case, it is always advisable to obtain permission and an agreement in writing.
Prepare your observation materials. Make a list of the criteria and areas that you are going to observe. You could, for example, observe informality, interaction, friendliness, time orientation or independence. Written notes are preferable as they protect privacy the most, but voice recordings of your own thoughts can also be used. However, it is preferable not to take photos or videos. (Consent: make sure you comply with GDPR regulations).
Go to the location or locations, and observe quietly, taking time-stamped notes. As well as noting down factual information, such as the quality of the informal customer service, make a note of any emotional responses, behaviour, and other non-verbal elements you observe.
Analyse the results of the observations and compare them with the desk research conducted prior to the observations.
Summarise the main points of the comparison.
Make notes on how you could approach this (working) culture, apply for a job, and work there. Write down areas that are unfamiliar to you or that differ from your own culture. Then list your strengths and how you would approach this working culture.
Steps for using this tool
Tips and hints for using this tool
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Social media: Use a 'digital ethnography' to complement your in-person observations. Immerse yourself in the online community by following relevant hashtags, groups, and 'day-in-the-life' posts, where workers share their real experiences. Compare these digital insights with what you observed on site to gain a clear, comprehensive understanding of the job.
