1. Muslims coming to Britain Matthew Hill, Hill Networks Limited A Cultural Illustration for Managers and In-pats Sofia, Bulgaria 26 th April 2007

2. Matthew Hill Background to session – »Rapid entry into the UK »Visibility inside Professional Firm »Visibility to Firm’s clients »UK Managers experiencing significant resistance Key Ideas – Britain – Values and Beliefs Perceptions - Ours and the Other Persons »Culture and Communication »Working effectively with the British

3. Who was involved? Participants – UK HR PROFESSIONALS UK MANAGERS MUSLIM - INBOUND PROFESSIONALS NON – MUSLIM INBOUND PROFESSIONALS

4. Context – What stops us from dealing with the issues directly? Political Correctness – Euphemisms British Indirectness – Fear –offence, patronising Don’t mention the war Guilt – about media hype Fear of Litigation – Discrimination cases Legislation – Pressure to avoid the subject Company Ethos – Treat everybody the same

5. Context - Attitudes towards Foreigners Media hype – e.g. Terrorists Asylum seekers Government payments UK Job security The Black economy Immigration out of control

6. Critical Incidents Prayer times Authority – Taking orders from a female manager Staring Social interaction – Alcohol Punctuality / Productivity

7. The Other Perspective Gender – Compare overseas environment Prayers – Unconscious habit practiced by the majority Punctuality – Social norms Alcohol - How can you achieve social engagement in an alternative environment?

8. CULTURAL OUTCOMES Gender – Effect of UK women and Muslim ………….. Men Prayers – Raised Awareness / Sensitivity Punctuality – Compromise Alcohol - Social Attendance increased

9. Results Client Complaints - Dropped UK Manager Complaints - Dropped Assignment Failures - Dropped Culture Shock – HR reported as less severe Credibility of Programme – Good Feedback

10. Key Issues Invisible Difference HR Restricted Scope for Action UK Media Lead Attitudes Work Place Conservatism British Silence

11. Conclusion Fear and Rules - Obstruction Process Perspective ResultIncidents, Feelings LessonTackle the issue

12. Questions and Answers The End