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Abstract
When interacting with people from different cultures, it is natural to interpret their actions through your own culture's standards. However, doing so can cause misunderstandings. If you employ or conduct business with people from other countries, you can avoid misunderstandings by recognizing cultural differences, such as communication styles, religious beliefs, power structures, and attitudes toward time and work. Your relationships with people from other cultures are enhanced when you are aware of cultural differences.
Keywords
Cultural diversity, international business, European business environment,
"Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster." (Geert Hofstede, Emeritus Professor, Maastricht University)
For those who work in international business, it is sometimes amazing how different people in other cultures behave. We tend to have a human instinct that 'deep inside' all people are the same - but they are not. Therefore, if we go into another country and make decisions based on how we operate in our own home country - the chances are we'll make some very bad decisions.
One example of cultural differences in business is between the Middle Eastern countries and the Western countries, especially the United States.
When negotiating in Western countries, the objective is to work toward a target of mutual understanding and agreement and 'shake-hands' when that agreement is reached - a cultural signal of the end of negotiations and the start of 'working together'.
In Middle Eastern countries much negotiation takes place leading into the 'agreement', signified by shaking hands. However, the deal is not complete in the Middle Eastern culture. In fact, it is a cultural sign that 'serious' negotiations are just beginning.
Imagine the problems this creates when each party in a negotiation is operating under diametrically opposed 'rules and conventions.'
This is just one example why it is critical to understand other cultures you may be doing business with - whether on a vacation in a foreign country, or negotiating a multi-million dollar deal for your company.
1. Five Important Cultural Dimensions
One approach to cultural differences was devised by Dr. Geert Hofstede, a Dutch researcher who compiled a research database on comparative cultural work preferences during his work with IBM. In his book, Culture's...