One of the key ways cultural difference reveals itself in business is through communication methods. Each culture has its own approach to communicating and collaborating to solve problems. High-context communication, which is a normal means of communicating in some cultures, relies on previous knowledge and a high level of context for the communication to make sense. On the other hand, low-context communication is common in other cultures and supplies a great deal of information that listeners are expected to interpret as meaningful to the main point of a statement. The meaning of phrases and gestures also varies from one culture to another, increasing the chance for misunderstanding. Finally, work ethics take different forms in each culture, resulting in patterns for work hours and daily routines that vary.
Training and Policies
Businesses that bring together workers from various cultural backgrounds benefit from training that teaches employees about diversity and the value of cultural differences in business. This training can take the form of reading material or group seminars that teach employees about the etiquette, language and taboos of a culture they're likely to come into contact with. Memos explaining cultural holidays that some workers observe create a sense of understanding and tolerance through shared celebration and new knowledge.
Gestures
Hand and arm gestures in business communication can make or break a business deal. Gestures used in the United States often have a common meaning amongst Americans but can be deemed as very offensive to individuals from other business cultures. One example of cultural differences is the use of pointing a finger to signify someone should look at something. This gesture -- especially in Asian cultures -- signifies calling a dog. As a result, this gesture is very offensive. In Asian cultures, individuals point with the entire hand, as opposed to one finger.
Touch
In the United States, you may never have thought twice about shaking the hand of an individual during an important business meeting. However, in many other cultures, this simple act of solidarity or friendship is considered inappropriate. In many Middle Eastern cultures, the left hand is never used, except for personal hygiene. If you were in a meeting with business professionals in the Middle East, you should never use your left hand to touch another individual or to pick up objects. This is deemed unsanitary and unprofessional. Additionally, Muslim cultures frown upon touching the hand of an individual of the opposite gender.
Masculinity and Femininity
In some business cultures, men are seen to be the more dominate force in making business decisions. As a result, men making business deals may lead to more success. In Japan, men are seen as assertive, competitive and ambitious. Men are also designated to by the accumulators of wealth. As a result, men should be making business deals. However, cultures such as that of
Sweden place more emphasis on building relationships, showing a sense of compassion and improving the general overall quality of life in a business partnership. This type of culture is seen as more feminine. As a result, women may be more successful in making a business deal.
Separation of Power
When planning a business meeting or function with certain cultures, you need to be careful about how you mingle. In cultures including Arab nations and Latin American countries, there is a distinct separation of power. Those with high levels of power in a business must be respected. Their ideas should never be questioned, and inferior employees should not mingle with these individuals on a social basis, even if a function is for business. This is the exact opposite of the United States. In America, interaction between superiors and inferior employees is perfectly acceptable. Superiors welcome ideas and can interact with their employees in a social setting.
Time Orientation
A culture's perspective about time can make a big difference in how its people relate to other cultures. While most Europeans and European Americans seem to hold to the notion that time is of the essence, African Americans, Asians and Native Americans view time as a more fluid element with no control over them. This type of cultural difference can make planning an event quite a challenge if there are different cultures coming together.
Individualist or Collectivist Perspective
Cultures are categorized as having either individualist or collectivist traits. In individualist cultures like the U.S., individual achievement and rights are very important. In direct contrast, collectivist traits include putting the objectives of the group first and operating more as a "we" society. Asian cultures are considered collectivist societies.
Role of the Government and Bureaucracy
This is an important factor that is often overlooked by American entrepreneurs, who expect minimal government intervention in the affairs of the private sector. Generally, in developing countries the government plays an important role and as a consequence the private enterprise has to deal with red tape and bureaucracy. In fact, even in case of a few industrialized countries, the government and the private enterprise maintain close ties. For instance, it is a common practice in France, for retired government officials to occupy positions of responsibility in a private company. In case of South American countries, administrative complexity and bureaucracy are common problems that are encountered by an entrepreneur.
Business Meetings
The duration of the business meetings is generally long in Asian and South American countries. Whereas, in the U.S., meetings are short and to the point. Most business decisions in Asian and South American countries are taken after a lot of deliberation. Despite this, strict schedule is rarely drawn and disbursed. In Japan, business ethics demand punctuality; while being well-
prepared and getting the facts right is important in Germany. One should avoid setting up meetings well in advance, in case of South American countries, since there are frequent changes in schedule. Again, French business firms rely on long-term plans; while South American firms prefer short-term plans.
Seniority, Meritocracy and Decision-Making
Seniority is given a great deal of importance in the Asian countries; while meritocracy is important in countries like U.S., Australia and Germany. In France, a combination of seniority and meritocracy determines the promotions and importance of the individual in the organization. One should not assume that the senior-most person has the authority of making business decisions. This is especially true, in case of South American countries, where the decision-making rules are not strictly defined. Even in an industrialized country like Britain, many times, authority and responsibility may be unclear, since the job descriptions are not precise. Gifts and Personal Favors
Gifts and favors are common, in case of Asian and South American countries; unlike the U.S., where there are strict rules regarding exchanging favors within an organization. While Americans feel that gifts and favors affect impartial decision-making capacity, in Asian countries exchanging favors is a way of life.
Language Barriers
In some countries, like the United States and Germany, it is common for people to speak loudly and be more assertive or aggressive when sharing ideas or giving direction. In countries like Japan, people typically speak softly and are more passive about sharing ideas or making suggestions. When interacting with people from different cultures, speaking in a neutral tone and making a conscious effort to be considerate of others' input, even if it is given in a manner to which you are not accustomed, can help foster effective business communication.
Target Audience
When launching a marketing campaign or advertising to members of a different culture, always research the target market prior to beginning the campaign. Levels of conservatism, gender views and ideologies can vary greatly between cultures. Presenting a campaign that is not in line with specific cultural norms can insult the target audience and greatly hinder the campaign. Being aware of cultural norms can also help your company narrow down the target audience. For instance, in Japan and Austria, men usually are in control of decision making, but women make the majority of purchasing decisions in Sweden.
Technology
Due to globalization, people from various cultures and countries increasing conduct business with each other. Technology enables people to easily connect with people around the world in a moment's notice, but there are a few rules to remember before doing so. If making an international phone or video conferencing call, be conscious of the time zone differences and make sure to set a reasonable time for all involved parties to interact. It is important to remember that cultural differences can also affect availability. For instance, just because you schedule a conference call for the middle of the business day does not mean that the time will be favorable for the people you are conducting business with. Many Spanish cultures have longer lunch breaks than Americans are accustomed to, which means there may be a two- to three-hour time period during the day in which the person you would like to meet with is unavailable. Asking for availability prior to making the call is the best way to avoid any confusion. Once you are able to connect, speak clearly and slowly.
Politics
Political influences, both past and present, can potentially affect the way a person or company does business. Some cultures have a very strong sense of nationalism and government pride, and therefore, are more comfortable and willing to purchase from companies with some sort of government backing. Conducting business with those of differing cultures can also impact negotiations if there are on-going political disputes between the involved parties' countries of origin. To avoid conflict, it is best to avoid discussing any political matter that does not directly pertain to the business at hand. This is also true for inter-office interactions.
Lastly, let watch a video about Internatinal Business- Cultural-Cross
No comments:
Post a Comment