Is Shouting Still Accepted Across Different Cultures in the 21st Century?

Simoneta Vargova, Founder PARALLEL CONNECTIONS FZ LLC, Duba, examines the value of raising your voice in leadership.

OPINION PIECE

Simoneta Vargova

8/17/20261 min read

"I don't shout because I'm angry. I shout because otherwise things don't get done."

It's a statement I've heard in many countries throughout my career.

Sometimes it's explained away as "That's just our culture."

But is it really? Or is it simply a leadership habit we've accepted for too long?

Having worked with leaders and teams from dozens of nationalities, I've learned that every culture communicates differently.

Some cultures value directness. Others value diplomacy. Some are expressive and passionate.

Others are more reserved.

What is considered "normal" leadership behaviour in one culture may feel intimidating, disrespectful, or even humiliating in another.

And in today's global workplaces, those differences matter more than ever.

A leader may believe shouting creates urgency.

An employee from another cultural background may experience it as a loss of respect, psychological safety, or trust.

The consequences are often invisible at first. People don't always argue back.

Instead, they quietly adapt.

• They stop contributing ideas.
• They avoid taking initiative.
• They become reluctant to challenge decisions.
• They withdraw emotionally.
• Eventually, many choose to leave.

The result isn't stronger performance.

It's a workforce that complies rather than commits.

The most effective global leaders understand that leading across cultures requires more than technical expertise.

It requires cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence.

They know how to adapt their communication without compromising their standards.

They:

✔ Remain calm under pressure.
✔ Respect cultural differences while maintaining accountability.
✔ Give constructive feedback without humiliation.
✔ Build trust across diverse teams.
✔ Create environments where people feel respected, regardless of where they come from.

Because while cultures may differ...

Respect is universal.

And in the 21st century, leadership is no longer about who has the loudest voice.

It's about who creates the greatest level of trust across cultures.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have you experienced shouting being accepted in one culture but considered unacceptable in another?

How did it influence the team and its performance?

SIMONETA VARGOVÁ, Founder PARALLEL CONNECTIONS FZ LLC

www.parallel-connections.com

Simoneta’s profile :linkedin.com/in/simoneta-vargova-executive-coach-dubai