Read the lecture and explain

ME290

Global Engineering Professional Seminar

Globalization, Cultural Difference and Collaborating Across Cultural Boundaries

Lecture-1

Globalization, Cultural Difference and Collaborating Across Cultural Boundaries

Globalization the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.

Cultures

• Culture is the dominant set of behaviors, values, beliefs, and thinking patterns we learn as we grow and develop in our social groups.

In all but one of the following countries it is expected that you bring a gift to a business meeting. In which country is it not expected?

A. China B. Czech Republic

C. Japan D. Denmark

The correct answer is D. Denmark

Which of the following is associated with dead and should not be given as a gift in the Chinese culture?

A. Clocks B. Straw sandals

C. Handkerchief D. Crane

The answer is - All of the above!

Typical Dimensions of Culture

Tree Model of CULTURE

Surface Culture

Deep Culture

Language

Dress

Art & Music

Food

Gestures Formality

Gender Roles

Religion

Holidays

Personal Space

Communication & Learning Styles

Time

Methods of Decision Making

Relationships

Attitudes

Work Ethic

Negotiating Styles

Values

Cultural Differences

Some main indicators of cultural differences are:

•Behavioral patterns: appearance vs. reality

•Non-verbal behavior: Gestures, signs, mimics

•Distance behavior: personal space vs. closeness

Behavioral Pattern •If we don’t know anything about other cultures, we tend to use stereotypes as our knowledge base – Is this a right approach?

•What are stereotypes? •Negative labeling of a certain group or culture

based on the actions and/or appearances of a few individuals.

Non-Verbal Behavior • Understood as the process of communication through

sending and receiving wordless messages.

• Language is not the only source of communication; there are other means, including: • Gestures and touch • Body language or posture, facial expression and eye contact • Object communication such as clothing, hairstyles or even

architecture and symbols

• Problems and conflicts can occur when expressing gestures or facial expressions in other cultures – messages can often be misinterpreted.

Distance Behavior

• The right personal distance when conducting business shows respect and acceptance. • Too much distance gives the impression of dislike and

discomfort. • Too little will make the person draw back.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity refers to differences (such as age, gender, ethnicity physical appearance, thought styles, religion, nationality, socio-economic status, belief systems etc.) Inclusion refers to the creation of opportunities and the

elimination of barriers that allow all people to participate in and contribute to ideation, planning, projects, programs, processes, teams, organizations, social activities, fun or any other opportunity that helps achieve successful outcomes. Etiquette is the code of behavior that defines expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class, or group

Global Business Etiquette

• With the “shrinking world” effect of globalization, a critical element of success is the demonstration of respect and appreciation for cultural difference.

• it is a necessity to be able to manage and do business with people from different countries

• Future engineers should be prepared to work across cultural and geographic differences.

Communication differences (Example)

Perceived Western Norm

• Shaking head from side

to side = "No".

• Personal space needed is

45 to 60 cm.

• Touching less common,

considered

inappropriate.

Perceived Indian Norm

• Shaking head from side to

side = Yes

• Personal space needed is 15

to 45 cm.

• Touching during

communication is common.

Interaction at work difference (Example)

Perceived Western Norm

• "Take charge" personality is

valued.

• A frank debate is OK.

• Disagreement with superior is

considered okay.

• Advancement is based on

performance and demonstrated

command of skills.

Perceived Indian Norm

• Defer to superiors

• Courteous & polite

communication

• Disagreement with superior

is considered disrespectful.

• Advancement is based in

large part on seniority and

longevity.

5 Keys to Doing Business Globally

1. Be aware of your own culture and its impact on you. 2. Don’t expect others to think the same way you do. 3. Accept local customs and norms and try to adapt

your behavior, but don’t try to imitate or act against your own norms and values.

4. Be open, flexible, self critical, tolerant, sensitive and show willingness to get involved in another culture.

5. Open your senses--be attentive and stay patient! Listen, observe and try to understand before judging and evaluating other behaviors.

Working on Cross-Cultural Teams

• Working with foreign colleagues should not be regarded as a burden, but as an enrichment.

• Be helpful when recognizing language barriers, but don’t be arrogant or correct every sentence.

• Take an interest in other cultures. Encourage colleagues to share their unique experiences.

• Be careful not to mock or joke about culturally sensitive issues. Humor is highly subjective and varies widely across cultures.

Conclusions

• Rules of conduct and business etiquette exist in every culture and help us to know how to behave in each situation.

• We know how to behave in our culture of origin, but we don’t know how to behave in a foreign culture – there are no general international rules of etiquette.

• Global etiquette can make the difference between opening or closing doors to business opportunities.

• We need to build cultural awareness and seek specific knowledge of other cultures to navigate global business and partnership opportunities.