3 Core Values in Canadian Business Culture

Canadian Workplace Values You Need to Know

Work with Canadians or do business in Canada? In this guide, we’re going to explore 3 core values that shape Canadian business culture.

By understanding the role of these values, you will be better placed to adapt your approach and make a good impression with Canadians.

Although Canadian business culture shares many of the characteristics of generic Western business cultures, there are a number of features that make it distinctly Canadian.

Before we look at these in more detail, it’s important to first emphasise that Canada is one of the most diverse and multicultural countries on earth.

In fact, estimates suggest that there are over 250 ethnicities that collectively make up the Canadian people.

Coupled with slight differences between Anglophone and Francophone business practices, it’s important that you’re flexible when working with Canadians and that you don’t perceive the following points as hard and fast rules.

Photo by Dan Newman on Unsplash

1. Formality in Canadian Business

It’s fair to say that Canadian business culture can be slightly more formal than other Western business cultures.

Formality is reflected in a number of areas, such as in the business dress, which tends to be fairly conservative.

The importance placed on good manners is another area that lends to this formality. You’ll find that Canadians are incredibly polite and that everyday courtesies are valued and expected. You may also find that people who don’t know each other very well will use titles such as Mr and Mrs or Monsieur and Madame.

Some business practices, such as meetings, can also be fairly formal.

For example, they are usually highly structured with a focus on punctuality, time, purpose and tasks. Although they might start with a little small talk, they typically move quickly into business.

2. Equality in Canadian Workplaces

Another prominent feature of Canadian work culture is the emphasis on equality.

Canadians don’t place a great deal of value on position or rank.  As a result, you will find that many Canadian organisations are flat.

The value placed on equality is also demonstrated in the Canadian management style, which tends to be team-focused, egalitarian, and consultative.

It’s rare that you’ll find a manager who expects special treatment due to their position.

3. Independence in Canadian Teams

Equality is intertwined with another influential value – that of independence.

Although teams are an important part of Canadian business culture, employees tend to operate as individuals within that team, only calling on team members when they need input or support.

Team members are far less reliant on each other than they might be in more collective cultures. They tend to understand their responsibilities and typically work to deliver these independently of their colleagues.

When team members experience issues or challenges, they are expected to try and work them out for themselves before calling on others.

The values placed on independence and equality mean that discrimination is taken extremely seriously.

Any breach of rights relating to areas such as gender, race, disability, religion and sexuality is taken very seriously.

In fact, individuals who make comments or behave in a way deemed to be discriminatory can lose the respect of others at best or end up in disciplinary proceedings at worst.

Summary: Core Canadian Business Values

So, to summarise, Canadian business culture tends to value formality, equality, and independence.

In a country that sees its success as being derived from diversity, Canadians tend to be tolerant of each other and to respect each other through moderate speech and an emphasis on equality.

Communication and business transactions are all conducted with an appreciation for manners and professionalism.