............................................................ 17 Cultural differences ............................................................ Paul Emmerson
1 Many books about multicultural management suggest that the world can be divided into three geographical groups: 1 North America 2 Europe, Latin America, Middle East 3 Japan, China, East Asia Try to match the groups to the descriptions below. Write the number 1–3 in the box.
Company values Business relationships
a Group harmony, long-term relationships, a Friendly and informal, but a continuing loyalty, company reputation. personal relationship is not so important. Much b Trust between individuals, compromise, business is done over the phone. personal reputation. People work to live. b Done on a group basis, although relationships c Competition between individuals, based on mutual respect are important. Often achievement, action, risk-taking, directness, there is an older authority figure who rarely informality, innovation. People live to work. appears but has ultimate power. c Personal relationships are very important. Some time is needed to build trust before business can begin. Preference for doing business face to face.
Meetings Presentations a Objective is to gather information. a Complicated language may be used to show Communication style is often ‘monologue – education. Audience expects formality and a pause – monologue’ rather than dialogue. logical structure, but a touch of imagination is Arguments are often indirect, and there are no also appreciated. May want a more personal sudden changes of viewpoint in meetings. ‘extra’ talk afterwards where you tell them the Decisions are made by group consensus over ‘truth’. a long time period. b Indirect, conservative language. Audience b Objective is to make a deal or decision. appreciates a quiet, formal presentation with Communication style is direct, factual, informal visual aids and lots of opportunity to ask and at times confrontational. Decisions are based questions and check understanding.They on facts, and are often made instantly in the expect separate handouts, prepared for meeting. different people, by job function. c Objective is to establish relationships, build c Direct, simple language. Audience expects understanding, clarify, and issue instructions. jokes, modernity, logic, slogans, informality and Communication style depends on national a hard sell. Audience may ask questions or culture. Decisions are made by key individuals, interrupt while someone is speaking, and will outside the meeting. openly question inconsistent facts.
2 Discuss the questions in pairs or small groups.
a Did you get the same answers as other people? If you did, does it mean the differences are real? b Does your own country match the description of its particular group? How is it different? c How do individual countries in your geographical group differ from each other? d In which ways is globalisation making business more similar, reducing cultural differences? Which cultural differences remain strong, resisting the effects of globalisation? e Is globalisation just a polite way of saying Americanisation?
