The one sentence summary

There’s always a reason why people do the strange things they do, the reason is almost never to upset you, and there’s always a way forward.

WHAT THE BOOK SAYS 

  • 50 common cultural mistakes made in business are presented as short conversations which show that there’s always a reason why people do the strange things they do. The reason is almost never to upset you, and there’s always a way forward.
  • It covers American interaction with 10 countries: the Arab Middle East, Brazil, China, England, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and Russia.
  • Anyone wanting to interact successfully with other cultures needs to consider 5 steps to cultural competence:
  1. Understand what culture is and how it affects business and workplace interactions.
  2. Identify the assumptions and values of your own culture.
  3. Identify the assumptions and values of the other culture.
  4. Identify the major differences between the two.
  5. React as appropriate (based on awareness and the experience offered).
  • General dimensions of culture include:

Sense of identity (individualism v collectivism)

Locus of control/human agency (internal v external)

Sense of fairness (universalism v particularism)

View of human nature (benign v sceptical)

Sense of limits (unlimited v limited opportunity)

Sense of time (monochronic v polychronic)

Communication style (direct v indirect)

Concept of face (more v less important)

  • Business/workplace dimensions are:

Performance orientation (task v relationship)

Management style (decentralised v centralised)

Attitude towards power (high v low power distance)

Concept of rank and status (egalitarian v hierarchical)

Attitude towards assertiveness (positive v critical)

Decision-making style (top down v consensus)

Attitude towards risk/uncertainty (risk tolerant v averse)

Degree of guidance and supervision (high v low)

Negotiating style (win/win v win/lose)

Worker-employer relationships (opportunistic v mutual loyalty)

Meeting style (problem solving v get together)

Short-term v long-term orientation

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT IT

  • You can look up a nationality and understand their approach better.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO WATCH

 

  • Nothing. Read and learn.