Cultural Differences as a Hidden Hurdle to Successful Business

Cultural Differences as a Hidden Hurdle to Successful Business
Author: Isabelle Mrugalla
Publisher: diplom.de
Total Pages: 75
Release: 2011-04-27
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 384281383X

Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: The main effect of globalisation over recent decades has been the development of the world as a united market place. Through multinational companies, globally accepted management styles or organisational structures the impression might be given that there are hardly big differences in the way people do business all over the world. However, the variety of human cultures makes it impossible to believe that there is a uniform theory corresponding to all cultures on earth or assimilating their way of doing business. Misunderstandings while doing business or even failure of business relationships are, despite ever increasing market transparency, part of every day business life. It is less frequently the consequence of economic discrepancies but more often hidden cultural incompatibilities that can cause problems between two or more parties. Even between countries that have maintained business relationships for many years, as is the case between Germany and Spain, the problem of cultural differences is unfortunately present and moreover underestimated. For Germany, the European export champion, Spain has been for at least a decade one of the top export destinations. Also German companies located in Spain contributed 8% to that country s G.D.P. for 2010. Those big subsidiaries originated from a successful attempt to do business with a different culture and yet, to a greater or lesser extent, still face this difficulty every day. This applies equally to enterprises that are pure exporters, those having production plants, distribution or sales departments in the respective country. Helping businesses avoid the potential obstacles arising from cultural differences through sensitivity and understanding would improve working relationships and smoothen the path toward economic growth. Hit hard by the European economic crisis, Spain had and still has to suffer economic cutbacks. Since Germany is the second largest destination for Spanish exports it needs to maintain this presence in Germany. As the head of Spanish government José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and the German chancellor Angela Merkel pointed out on the German-Hispanic summit conference on 2nd of February 2011 in Madrid, there is still a lot of potential that can be exploited when both parties are pro-active. Looking at the above mentioned facts it is evident that both countries need each other. Besides creating a common political base, it is essential for their [...]

Leading with Cultural Intelligence

Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Author: David A. Livermore
Publisher: AMACOM/American Management Association
Total Pages: 242
Release: 2010
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0814414877

What is CQ? And why do leaders need it in our increasingly connected world?

Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication
Author: Tracy Novinger
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Total Pages: 246
Release: 2013-05-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0292757018

Successfully communicating with people from another culture requires learning more than just their language. While fumbling a word or phrase may cause embarrassment, breaking the unspoken cultural rules that govern personal interactions can spell disaster for businesspeople, travelers, and indeed anyone who communicates across cultural boundaries. To help you avoid such damaging gaffes, Tracy Novinger has compiled this authoritative, practical guide for deciphering and following "the rules" that govern cultures, demonstrating how these rules apply to the communication issues that exist between the United States and Mexico. Novinger begins by explaining how a major proportion of communication within a culture occurs nonverbally through behavior and manners, shared attitudes, common expectations, and so on. Then, using real-life examples and anecdotes, she pinpoints the commonly occurring obstacles to communication that can arise when cultures differ in their communication techniques. She shows how these obstacles come into play in contacts between the U.S. and Mexico and demonstrates that mastering the unspoken rules of Mexican culture is a key to cementing business and social relationships. Novinger concludes with nine effective, reliable principles for successfully communicating across cultures.

Cultural Variations and Business Performance: Contemporary Globalism

Cultural Variations and Business Performance: Contemporary Globalism
Author: Christiansen, Bryan
Publisher: IGI Global
Total Pages: 419
Release: 2012-03-31
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1466603070

"This book offers the latest research in the field of Business Performance Management in the global economic environment of present conditions while looking at business as a whole entity instead of only at the divisional level"--Provided by publisher.

Belt and Road Initiative – Collaboration for Success

Belt and Road Initiative – Collaboration for Success
Author: Eve Man Hin Chan
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 157
Release: 2020-01-02
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9811515255

This book presents a series of studies analyzing critical factors that promote and constrain textile & clothing (T&C) production and trade in the Belt & Road (B&R) countries, and forces that drive the restructuring and transforming of global T&C supply chain and operations in the B&R context. The book also offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for T&C manufacturing in B&R countries through interviews with T&C experts, and also examines how Hong Kong can strengthen its “super-connector” role by facilitating sustainable trade and development in the T&C industries, as well as discussion on the impact of global trade wars on T&C trade. In the studies presented in this book, they offer topics ranging from the macro-economy, international business environment and strategies, logistics and supply chain, policy changes, to sustainability. The studies offer descriptive, theoretical and empirical analyses that explore T&C business and management related opportunities and challenges that are derived from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Econometric analysis with the gravity model is applied to T&C trade and extended to cover other areas that have not been considered in previous studies, such as production costs, export supply chain costs, technologies, demographical factors, and factors related to the business environment and policies, including qualitative variables. Studies using in-depth interviews and linear regression analysis are also present to explore new factors for T&C trade and production relocation to B&R countries.

Galloping and Hurdles

Galloping and Hurdles
Author: Hua Li
Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2020-03-05
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1543756964

Hua grew up in a small town by the Yangtze River in Central China as the only child of an intellectual father and a feisty mother. As China opened itself up to the rest of the world in the 1990’s, Hua at the age of nineteen left China to embark on an extraordinary journey that took her to four countries in two decades. This book tells a fascinating story about Hua who studied in Switzerland; fell in love with an abusive man ten years her senior; rescued by an English gentleman who later became Hua’s husband; moved to England alone and re-discovered her identity in this foreign country; established a successful career by working for some of the biggest multinational companies in the world; and moved back to Asia with her family and weathered unprecedented change. Hua candidly recounts some of her most personal moments of struggling with cultural conflicts, losing self-identity, dealing with failures and rebuilding resilience. This is a book of self-discovery, self-reflection and self-improvement. It will resonate with people who are pursuing their dreams and inspire them to unleash their full potential.

A Guide to Moving to Morocco

A Guide to Moving to Morocco
Author: William Jones
Publisher: Mamba Press
Total Pages: 71
Release: 2023-07-24
Genre: Travel
ISBN:

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure to the enchanting land of Morocco? "A Guide to Moving to Morocco: Embrace the Charm of the Maghreb" is your essential companion for this remarkable journey. Whether you dream of immersing yourself in the bustling medinas, exploring the mystical Sahara Desert, or savoring the flavors of Moroccan cuisine, this guide offers a comprehensive roadmap to make your move to Morocco a seamless and enriching experience. Morocco, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes, beckons with open arms. Discover the intricacies of Moroccan life, from navigating the labyrinthine streets of ancient cities to embracing the warm hospitality of its people. Delve into the pages of this guide, and you'll find: Visa and Residency Insights: Unravel the intricacies of Moroccan bureaucracy, from visa requirements to residency permits, with practical tips to streamline your relocation. Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the heart of Moroccan culture with guidance on language learning, etiquette, and understanding local traditions. Career Opportunities: Explore professional prospects in Morocco's growing economy and learn how to leverage your skills in this dynamic market. Family Life and Education: Discover resources for families, from international schools to healthcare options, ensuring a smooth transition for you and your loved ones. Travel and Exploration: Embark on adventures that span the country's diverse landscapes, from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast, and explore Morocco's hidden gems. Overcoming Challenges: Navigate the hurdles of living abroad, from language barriers to cultural differences, and turn them into stepping stones for personal growth. A Fulfilling Life: Whether you decide to stay temporarily or make Morocco your forever home, find tips for crafting a rewarding life filled with exploration, connection, and meaning. This guide is more than a mere handbook; it's your passport to the soul of Morocco. It's a celebration of the country's captivating allure and an indispensable resource for those ready to embrace the charm of the Maghreb. Whether you're an adventurer, an entrepreneur, or a family seeking a new beginning, "A Guide to Moving to Morocco" is your compass for navigating this extraordinary journey. Embark on your Moroccan odyssey today, and let the enchantment of this North African gem unfold before you.

Win from Within

Win from Within
Author: James Heskett
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 274
Release: 2022-01-04
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0231554826

There is significant evidence that an effective organizational culture provides a major competitive edge—higher levels of employee and customer engagement and loyalty translate into higher growth and profits. Many business leaders know this, yet few are doing much to improve their organizations’ cultures. They are discouraged by misguided beliefs that an executive’s tenure and an organization’s attention span are too short for meaningful transformation. James Heskett provides a roadmap for achievable and fast-paced culture change. He demonstrates that an effective culture supplies the trust that makes managing change of all kinds easier. It provides a foundation on which changes in strategy can be based, and it’s a competitive edge that can’t easily be hacked or copied. Examining leading companies around the world, Heskett details how organizational culture makes employees more loyal, more productive, and more creative. He discusses how to quantify its effects in order to sell the notion of culture change to the organization and considers how to preserve an organization’s culture in the face of the trend toward remote work hastened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Showing how leadership can bring about significant changes in a surprisingly short time span, Win from Within offers a playbook for developing and deploying culture that enables outsized results. It is a groundbreaking demonstration of organizational culture’s role as a foundation for strategic success—and its measurable impact on the bottom line.

Tough Love - Power, Culture and Diversity In Negotiations, Mediation & Conflict Resolution

Tough Love - Power, Culture and Diversity In Negotiations, Mediation & Conflict Resolution
Author: Allan Bonner
Publisher: Sextant Publishing
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2014-11-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 192675512X

Barter with the author on the Great Wall of China, do a business deal over lunch in the Eagle's Nest in the Hong Kong Hilton and mediate among millionaire developers in the office of the longest-serving mayor in the world. Join the author in his recounting of cases he's handled over the past twenty years including same-sex sexual harassment, oil spill simulations after the Exxon Valdez spill and on the green line with peacekeepers in Cyprus. These entertaining case studies are recounted using proven and ethical techniques. Some cases are funny; others involve life and death. All contain valuable lessons. Academics will benefit from the appendices which contain a glossary of terms and guidance for ethnographers. A 19 page bibliography and more than 140 endnotes will guide readers to further study.

Minority Status, Oppositional Culture, & Schooling

Minority Status, Oppositional Culture, & Schooling
Author: John U. Ogbu
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 762
Release: 2008-06-30
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1135609292

This book is the definitive and final presentation of John Ogbu’s cultural ecological model and the many debates that his work has sparked during the past decade. The theory and empirical foundation of Ogbu’s scholarship, which some have mistakenly reduced to the "acting white hypothesis," is fully presented and re-visited in this posthumous collection of his new writings plus the works of over 20 scholars. Ogbu’s own chapters present how his ideas about minority education and culture developed. Readers will find in these chapters the theoretical roots of his cultural ecological model. The book is organized as a dialogue between John Ogbu and the scholarly community, including his most ardent critics; Ogbu’s own work can be read at the same time as his critics have their say. Minority Status, Oppositional Culture, and Schooling examines content, methodological, and policy issues framing the debate on academic achievement, school engagement, and oppositional culture. It brings together in one volume, for the first time, some of the most critical works on these issues as well as examples of programs aimed at re-engagement. In addition to African Americans, it also looks at school engagement among Native American and Latino students. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the study of the academic achievement gap.