The Balance of Cross-cultural Living: Adaptation vs. Authenticity

As an American who grew up in the laid-back, spontaneous culture of Southern California and later lived in Connecticut, I was used to a certain freedom in my social life. Whether it was a last-minute dinner plan or an impromptu weekend getaway, life in the U.S. often felt fluid and flexible. Calling or texting a friend to meet for drinks that same day was the norm—no detailed scheduling needed. This spontaneity was part of the American rhythm I had come to expect and enjoy.

When I moved to Austria, however, I encountered a different approach to social life. Here, even a casual coffee date might require planning weeks in advance. Spontaneous meet-ups were rare, and schedules were respected with near reverence. While I admired the thoughtfulness and structure Austrians brought to their plans, it was a world away from the easygoing impulsiveness that felt so natural to me.

This cultural shift made me reflect on a deeper question: How do we balance the push-and-pull of cultural adaptation without losing authenticity? Is it possible to respect and integrate into a new culture while still honoring the practices and values of one’s own?

For anyone navigating life across cultures, this is a familiar tension—the delicate balance between “when in Rome, do as the Romans” and staying true to one’s own roots.

The Value of Adaptation – When in Rome…

Adapting to local customs is often the first step to integrating into a new culture, building trust, and forming meaningful connections. When I moved from California to Connecticut, for instance, I found myself embracing new traditions like “leaf-peeping” and apple picking to experience the joy of autumn. These small adjustments helped me feel connected to a new community.

In Austria, I took adaptation a step further, adjusting to customs like celebrating Christmas on December 24, observing Faschingsdienstag, and enjoying festivals like Oktoberfest. Adopting these traditions allowed me to connect with my Austrian neighbors on their terms, creating a sense of belonging.

In change management, this type of adaptation parallels how organizations respond to shifting environments. Just as I learned to navigate Austrian customs, leaders can benefit from embracing the unique cultures within their teams, building trust, and creating alignment by integrating local practices into broader goals. Adaptation becomes a powerful tool for bridging divides and fostering meaningful change.

The Importance of Authenticity – Staying True to Self

While adaptation is essential to integrating into a new culture, authenticity plays an equally crucial role in maintaining one’s sense of self. Staying true to core values, traditions, and customs can provide grounding and preserve identity, especially in a foreign environment. For individuals moving between cultures, maintaining these authentic elements of one’s heritage can offer a comforting sense of continuity. Authenticity isn’t just about holding onto personal traditions but about celebrating them in a way that bridges two cultures, honoring one’s roots while sharing them with others.

When I first moved to Austria, I experienced a sense of loss as familiar American celebrations slipped away. Holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving didn’t exist in Austria, and there was no local excitement around Halloween.

To make Austria feel more like home, I decided to hold on to certain traditions. Thanksgiving became my anchor. Every year, I cook a traditional Thanksgiving meal and invite friends and neighbors, sharing the joy and meaning behind the American holiday. Last year, that meant cooking for 30 people and celebrating in a cozy local wine cellar, creating a festive blend of cultures. Halloween is another tradition I wasn’t willing to part with. To give my son a taste of this cherished holiday, my husband and I began throwing an annual Halloween party for our village and nearby town. It has grown larger each year, drawing excitement from children and parents alike, even making the local newspaper last year. These celebrations allow me to stay connected to my American roots while fostering community bonds and sharing a piece of my culture with those around me.

In organizational settings, authenticity serves as a foundation for meaningful and sustainable change. Just as I found ways to honor my American traditions in a new culture, organizations can honor their core values and identity even while adapting to new markets or diverse team dynamics. Leaders who uphold an organization’s essential values while embracing external change cultivate a culture of consistency, trust, and authenticity. By recognizing and celebrating what makes their organization unique, they create an environment where change feels aligned with purpose rather than disruptive. In this way, authenticity becomes a powerful counterbalance to adaptation, ensuring that change initiatives resonate and endure.

Balancing Adaptation and Authenticity in Practice

Navigating life across cultures means making choices about which customs to adopt and which traditions to hold onto. It’s a delicate balance that allows for a richer experience, one that respects the host culture while preserving personal identity.

One question I am often asked in Austria is whether I will pursue Austrian citizenship. While I respect and admire Austrian culture, my answer is no—I would need to give up my American citizenship to do so. The decision to remain an American citizen, despite the local pressure to fully integrate, reflects my deep connection to my identity. At the same time, I’ve embraced learning German and continue to immerse myself in Austrian culture, even as I hold onto what makes me distinctly American.

In organizations, this balance could mean creating a culture that welcomes unique contributions while supporting shared values. For those navigating cultural adaptation, here are some ways to achieve this balance:

• Define core values: Clarify which parts of your identity are non-negotiable. Knowing what to keep makes it easier to adapt elsewhere without feeling like you’re losing yourself.
• Embrace a learning mindset: Be open to learning the local customs, language, and norms. This signals respect for the host culture and fosters genuine connections.
• Celebrate hybrid identity: Rather than viewing adaptation as all-or-nothing, embrace a hybrid identity that honors both your roots and your new environment.

This balance between adaptation and authenticity allows for deeper personal and professional connections across cultures, strengthening both individual identities and community bonds.

Lessons for Change Management – Embracing Cross-cultural Complexity

Cross-cultural experiences offer valuable lessons for navigating organizational change. Just as individuals balance adaptation with authenticity, organizations face a similar challenge: integrating new ideas and practices while preserving their core values. Leaders who approach change with a mindset of cultural agility—valuing diverse perspectives and practices—create an environment of trust and flexibility.

Key insights for change management include:

• Empathy as a Cornerstone: Leaders who respect cultural differences can foster stronger connections, aligning diverse teams with a shared purpose.
• Maintaining Core Values: Just as individuals retain their identity while adapting, organizations should uphold key values to ensure transformations resonate.
• Fostering Flexibility: Flexibility is critical in cross-cultural settings, where diverse perspectives offer fresh insights and drive innovation.

By embracing cross-cultural complexity, organizations can create dynamic environments that honor both consistency and growth. Leaders who understand the balance between adaptation and authenticity can inspire change that resonates across diverse backgrounds and leads to lasting impact.

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Image: Kelly Brogdon Geyer and husband in cultural costumes during their wedding rehearsal dinner. Kelly wears a Dirndl, and her husband wears the infamous Lederhosen.