1. Various Web sites list cultural blunders or faux pas (false steps) people mak
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Question
1. Various Web sites list cultural blunders or faux pas (false steps) people make in their international interactions. Neglecting to develop relationships (as in “Just sign the contract, I’m in a hurry!”) and making too-casual use of first names (as in “Just call me Bill!”) are examples of such blunders. Research online sources such as International Education Systems or simply type in “Cultural blunders “to identify examples of improper cultural behaviors (5 from 5 different country-regions).
How can managers avoid these errors?
Explanation / Answer
With the advent of globalisation many corporates have expanded businesses worldwide. It is an essential requirement for any business personnel representing a company, having been awarded the responsibility of visiting its company's offices, located in another nation with significantly different culture, to completely acquaint themselves with every Nuance of the culture as well as prevailing business etiquette before visiting such a Nation. The importance of intercultural Management within a business environment has been stressed upon extensively and its effectiveness supported by extensive research, making it an important requirement for assuring success in a global market. Any individual who does not adequately prepare themselves for a visit to a foreign Nation which substantially different cultural practices main seriously undermine, the chances for building successful collaborations or acquiring quality customers. Any diligent employee judicious about quality output will definitely acquaint themselves with all prevalent cultural values, attributes, method of communication required, the business practices prevalent, the perception of time, as well as, accepted norms for decision making. Hence, it is essential that all managers educate themselves regarding the cultural behaviours which exist within the area that they operate comma and would also do well in being aware of cultures prevalent in major Nations world wide, as with globalisation diversity in workforce has become commonplace and the same can also be utilised in managing the team in a better and more efficient manner, through adopting the correct methods of communication and praise with every team member, whichever culture they may belong to. It is important to be sensitive to the culture of any person we are getting into a long term business relationship with, so that the required comfort level is achieved, as well as, middle ground reached. In Asian countries the communication is more subtle and formal as compared to the United States. Communication is also engaged in a deferential manner without ever resorting to any direct sentence which may be considered offensive or aggressive.
The cultural themes present in China are deep-rooted in centuries-old beliefs and traditions, as well as, Confucian values. Acknowledging as well as, appreciating the hospitality offered by a host, is essential in Chinese culture and exhibits respect for the culture and proving the seriousness of intentions. The Chinese have endured many extreme adverse situations and believe in exhibiting patience and endurance in business dealings also by drawing out meetings, to get to know the person they are entering into a relationship with. They also insist on lengthy negotiations, as it provides them immense satisfaction to indulge in the bargaining process, to be sure they have obtained the best possible offer. It is therefore considered improper in China to hurry through or cut short meetings, which is considered insulting and my seriously impact the outcome of the meeting or the relationship.
It is considered insulting to all other people present if the soles of the feet are displayed by putting the feet up for the feet are used to point at anyone, in the middle and the Far East.
In almost every Asian country a business card is expected to be accorded extreme respect in the presence of the person offering the card as it is considered to be a symbol of the person and the business and disrespecting the card bye ignoring it, writing on it of holding it in any manner is regarded as disrespect to the person and the Enterprise. It is essential to Accord due respect to the card when it is offered by noting the contents, probably make a positive comment, and only then place it in the pocket.
An extremely strong and shake is considered admirable in the United States and the sign of a strong personality and leadership skills. In Philippines however it is considered to be a sign of great aggression and an intent to hurt. It is akin to squeezing a person exceptionally hard, which is done to prove superior strength or disregard for the other person's emotions.
In Arab Nations it is rude to offer the left hand for a handshake or to indicate a greeting as the left hand is considered unclean, it is also not acceptable to heat or drink with the left hand how to pass food to another with the same. It is considered a mark of deliberate insult to the host if a person indulges in these actions.
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