外籍員工在重慶卡堤那：重慶是改變我人生的地方

□ 文/本刊記者 李靜

外籍員工在重慶卡堤那：重慶是改變我人生的地方

□ 文/本刊記者 李靜

隨著重慶對外開放的腳步越來越快，越來越多的世界500強企業(yè)落戶重慶，伴隨他們來到重慶的，還有越來越多的優(yōu)秀外籍技術人員。從異國他鄉(xiāng)來到重慶，重慶在他們的眼里是怎樣的一座城市，每天生活在這里有怎樣的感觸？本期,長安福特馬自達汽車公司動力傳動項目組主管——來自美國的卡堤那，向我們講述了他在重慶工作和生活的故事。

在中美文化差異中找到平衡點

今年是卡堤那來重慶工作的第五個年頭。回想自己剛來時的情景，他仍有幾分感慨。2010年9月，因為工作關系，卡堤那來到重慶，為公司的一個新成立不久的部門組建團隊，“那個時候我們的人員只有40名，現(xiàn)在已經發(fā)展到了140名。”卡堤那笑著告訴記者，組建這個部門讓他很有成就感，看到這個團隊從成立到發(fā)展至今的變化，能感覺到自己身上的一種責任，同時也是對自己在中國工作的一個肯定和證明。

雖然是中外合資企業(yè)，但是對于卡堤那來說，工作上似乎并沒有太大的語言障礙，員工能說一些英文，必要的時候有翻譯人員進行進一步溝通，但管理文化上仍然有很大不同。對于這一點，卡堤那表示深有感觸。在公司工作時，他發(fā)現(xiàn)，中國人在工作上如果遇到問題，喜歡從下至上一層一層往上縱向報告，而美國人喜歡在有問題時多個部門同時進行溝通，更注重橫向交流。對于這樣的差異，卡堤那剛開始很不適應，后來通過慢慢地觀察他們的工作方式和程序，同時與自己的同事進行交談，他開始了解中國的文化，也開始理解這樣的行為和企業(yè)文化?！拔幕町惪隙ㄊ怯械?，重要的是你要從中找到平衡點，才能互相合作?！笨ǖ棠钦f到。

在了解了兩國的文化差異以后，卡堤那漸漸摸索出了與員工相處的方式，工作上如果和員工出現(xiàn)意見分歧，他都會主動尋求解決辦法，向下屬提供多種解決辦法，而不是直接告訴他們應該怎樣做?！艾F(xiàn)在這個部門有7名外國員工，中外員工之間都相處得非常愉快?！笨ǖ棠钦f。

作為一名經驗豐富的外籍管理人員，對于重慶汽車市場，卡堤那認為，目前較發(fā)達的中國東部地區(qū)，其市場日漸飽和；而西部地區(qū)正在蓬勃地發(fā)展中，其對于汽車的需求量更大?！叭缃竦钠囆袠I(yè)競爭巨大，本地汽車品牌要得到長遠發(fā)展，也需要注入來自國外企業(yè)的新鮮血液和動力，揚長避短，相輔相成，發(fā)展才能更迅速。我們試圖將好的技術帶入中國，帶入重慶本土汽車行業(yè)，讓他們在了解全球經驗的基礎上，根據(jù)本地市場的特征，與相關政策相互適應融合，取得成功。”卡堤那信心十足。

感受重慶文化，不一樣的人生體驗

五年時間，除了見證自己的工作團隊地不斷壯大，卡堤那也見證了重慶的發(fā)展變化。從最初對這座城市一無所知，到現(xiàn)在，看到這里的樹木一天天增多，綠樹成蔭，越來越多的高樓拔地而起。生活在重慶，每天都是新氣象。尤其是現(xiàn)在，越來越多的外資企業(yè)來到重慶投資，讓他感覺在中國工作不僅新鮮，更是充滿機遇。

當初被派到這里工作，卡堤那也將自己的家庭一塊帶到重慶，“我覺得孩子可以在這里學習中文，有一個很好的語言環(huán)境。剛開始她們會不適應這里的生活，語言不通，沒有朋友，所以會感覺孤獨。但是經過半年左右的磨合，她們漸漸適應了這里的生活，我的太太也在孩子所在的國際學校作義工?！笨ǖ棠潜硎荆胰说睦斫馐菍λぷ鞯淖畲蟮刂С?，這讓他十分感動。

采訪期間，卡堤那也與我們分享了他在重慶生活遭遇的文化差異。剛來重慶，也許是這里的人們不經常見到外國小孩，陌生人、朋友看到他的孩子很可愛，總喜歡伸手摸摸孩子的頭，或者伸出手想抱他的孩子，剛開始他們不太習慣這樣的方式，因為在美國，這是有點不禮貌的。后來，他們才知道這是中國人表示友好的一種方式而已，中國的家長看到可愛的小孩都喜歡去摸摸頭或者抱抱?！拔幕褪切枰嗷ダ斫猓髞砦遗畠阂矟u漸習慣了這樣的示好方式。”卡堤那笑著說。

在重慶，卡堤那游覽了大足、武隆，感受了地道的重慶文化。閑暇時間，他喜歡打高爾夫、跑步，有時間還會參加馬拉松比賽。不過，讓他覺得遺憾的是，以前跑步的地方現(xiàn)在已經變成了車道，只有尋找另外的跑步線路了。在談到對重慶的建議，卡堤那表示，如今交通越來越擁擠，輕軌的確緩解了大家的出行壓力；但重慶的國際學校的確偏少，希望相關部門能多多改善這方面的情況，這樣會吸引更多的外籍技術管理人員來到重慶，并長居此地的。

除了戶外活動，讓卡堤那最留戀的，便是這里的美食。麻婆豆腐、豌雜面、火鍋都是他的最愛?！皩ξ襾碚f，夏天吃火鍋、喝冰啤酒是一大樂事?！彼€喜歡散步，欣賞重慶的景色。卡提那認為，重慶是一座擁擠的城市，卻又非常多元化，在這里可以看到不同的風土人情，除此以外，還可以看到當一個老外在路邊吃小面時，街邊行人們驚奇的目光?？ǖ棠菚r常把在重慶的生活點滴放上網站，分享給家人和朋友，向他們傳遞關于重慶的信息。事實上，這樣的方法也非常有效，他的許多美國朋友在看到他的分享以后，都對重慶充滿了興趣，有的來這里觀光，而有的是來這里工作。

在卡堤那看來，一段經歷可以改變人的一生，不論是工作上、還是生活上。明年便要離開重慶，卡堤那很幸運自己能來到這里工作、交流，學習中國傳統(tǒng)文化。他坦言，在重慶的日子讓自己對生活有了想要探索的欲望，以前在美國工作都是家里、公司兩點一線，忙忙碌碌，從來沒想過要看看自己生活的城市是怎么樣的，而這次回國后，他希望可以發(fā)掘城市的多樣性，去旅游、去探索，去體驗不一樣的生活。

The fast paced development of Chongqing is attracting many of the world’s top 500 enterprises to invest in Chongqing and joint ventures have become a global trend. With that growth, an increasing number of qualified foreign technicians and managers are moving to Chongqing to start a new life experience. What are their impressions of Chongqing? How do they feel living in a city like this? Mr. Dana Katinas, Director of the Power Train Department of Changan Ford Mazda Automotive Company shared his story of working and living in Chongqing.

Finding a BaIance between the CuIturaI Differences of China and America

Mr. Katinas first came to work in Chongqing in September, 2010, nearly five years ago, to manage a newly established team. “There were only 40 employees in my team, but now it has grown to 140,” he said with a smile. Although it is a joint venture, there does not seem to be much of a language barrier to Mr. Katinas, as his staff can all speak English. They also have translators available when necessary. But, it is the culture of management that is quite different and evokes strong feeling from him. He noticed if people at work have problems, they will vertically report from the bottom to the top, while workers in America prefer to communicate horizontally among multiple departments. Although he was uncomfortable at first, after gradually observing the working methods and procedures and talking with colleagues, he came to understand the Chinese culture and began to understand their behavior and the corporate culture. “There is definitely a cultural difference, butwhat is more important is to find a balance to work with each other,” says Mr. Katinas.

As an experienced foreign manager, Mr. Katinas believes there is more potential in the Chongqing automotive market. Now that the eastern China market has been saturated, the Western region is being vigorously developed, creating a greater demand for automobiles. “Today’s competitive automobile market is huge. Local auto brands need to inject fresh blood and power from foreign companies to have long term growth and cooperate with each other to develop more quickly. We’re trying to introduce modern technology into the local auto industry in Chongqing, to help them achieve greater success. This depends on their understanding of both our global experience and the characteristics of the local market. Hopefully, there can be a mutual adaptation and an integration of relevant policies,” Mr. Katrinas said confidently.

Experiencing Chongqing CuIture and the LifestyIe Differences

During his five years here, Mr. Katinas has not only witnessed the growth and expansion of his team, but has also seen the rapid development of Chongqing. Observing more trees being transplanted and more buildings springing up, every day brings a new look to Chongqing, especially now that more and more foreign enterprises are coming to Chongqing to invest. This makes him feel it is not only a new China, but a country full of opportunity.

Mr. Katinas also brought his entire family to Chongqing after being assigned to work here. “Although it was difficult in the beginning, they got used to the life here after a few months of adjusting. Now my wife works at our kids’ international school as a volunteer.”His family’s understanding is a great support for his work, which Mr. Katinas deeply appreciates.

Mr. Katinas has visited Wulong and Dazu to feel the authentic culture of Chongqing. In his spare time he enjoys golf, jogging, even sometimes running a marathon. However, he feels it is a pity the path where he used to run has become a roadway. When asked about suggestions for improvement of the city, Mr. Katinas said that the light rail has really relieved a lot of the auto traffic congestion for everyone, as roads become more and more crowded. But, he hopes the relevant departments can encourage the building of more international schools in Chongqing, which will attract more foreign technical workers and managers to Chongqing, who could then stay here for longer periods and bring their families.

Besides enjoying outdoor activities, Mr. Katinas likes the local food. Mapo tofu, spicy noodles and hot pot are his favorites. “As for me, drinking a cold beer while eating hot pot in the summer, is the greatest experience.” He also likes to go for a walk and take in the scenery of Chongqing. He believes that Chongqing is a crowded city, but very diverse, where you can experience many different customs. He enjoys noticing the surprise of the local people when they see a foreigner eating noodles on the street. Sometimes Mr. Katinas shares his Chongqing experiences with friends and family in the USA, passing along information about the city. After seeing his photos, some of his friends from the United States have come here to visit, while some have come here to work.

Mr. Katinas believes such experiences can be life-changing. Although he will leave Chongqing next year, he feels very fortunate to have worked and lived here and to have learned about traditional Chinese culture. He admitted that these days in Chongqing have inspired him to want to explore more after he returns to America. He used to be too busy to enjoy a city in which he worked. Now he wants to take the time to explore the diversity of different cities, to travel and experience diverse cultures and people.

Working in Chongqing, A Life-Changing Experience A Foreign Manager of Changan Ford Mazda

□ Written by Li J ing