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Effective Working across Borders and Cultures
By Suzanne Schiller
Technological advances have bought new levels of commercial, economic and social exchange across the world with its associated diversity. Organisations working across borders therefore require information about culture as well as core data on economics, markets, workforce skills and other key business indicators to perform effectively in today's global marketplace.
Business Issues
Whether dealing with a global business or a small local concern, the practical accommodation of culture and its associated perceptions and sensibilities is essential. A successful business requires good team work, new strategies and innovative products to meet the needs of its customers but effectively managing employees and effective relationships with co-workers of diverse cultural backgrounds is equally important. Organisations are therefore increasingly engaging in a detailed study of cultural background, business culture and etiquettes to achieve their goals in given markets.
Cultural Differences
There are many cultural differences that prevail across borders. For example, in Thailand unlike other countries, it is an offence to show the sole of the shoe or foot to another. It is therefore necessary to take care when crossing your legs. In India, the significance of a business arrangement is determined by the amount of time spent in negotiations. An in-depth understanding of appropriate local business etiquette thus direct affects your ability to conduct business.
Strategies
The strategies set for the business should differ between countries in ensuring the success of a global business. Sales, marketing and service delivery should suit the tastes and expectations of local markets. The strategies indigenous to one country will not necessarily suit another. For example, aggressive American sales tactics may be counterproductive in some of the more conservative European marketplaces.
Common Values
Employees from different cultures will have variances in attitudes, behavioural patterns and even respect for the values of others. Some work to feed their families while others simply love to work. Some cultures embody the work ethic, some do not. Behavioural study, cultural analysis and other methods are needed to identify common values in bringing the organisation towards a cohesive approach which meets the organisation's needs yet accommodate those of its staff. The challenge is to link people beyond cultures by respecting their individual value, thus operating successfully across the divisions of nationality, religion, ethnicity and language.
Cultural Training
Cultural training programmes help to promote a friendly working environment and a successful business transcending borders and culture. They assist organisations in constructing cultural bridges that enhance understanding and build trust.
Conclusion
To compete with global rivals today is far from easy. Cultural diversity is a core issue both in internal workforce management and in client and business partner facing operations. Organisations should thus equip themselves to break down the barriers, both visible and invisible, that may impede their success. The issues of cross cultural working may in some cases benefit for the assistance of a dedicated training programme tailored specifically to the needs of your organisation and its target markets.
About the Author
Suzanne Schiller is the Business Development Manager at Communicaid.
Communicaid is a Culture and Communication Skills Consultancy and a global leader in the design and delivery of Cultural Awareness Programmes
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