Intercultural management

Résumé du document

There has been significant growth in international companies during the latter half of the 20th century. Before the Second World War, the number of firms involved in international trade and foreign investment was small. Some of them operated overseas but the main focus was the domestic market. In the second half of the last century, international activities were accelerating; the European Community, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the rapid growth of Japanese multinational corporations, the awakening of China, and the transition of Eastern and Central European countries to free market economy increasingly turn the business towards globalization. Globalization and the demand for deployment of managers around the world continue nowadays, and the necessity to take cultural differences in account has increased. While Americans tend to view business in terms of present reality, Germans often make decisions based on their historical past. Also codes and customs change from a country to another, for example physical contact such as a pat on the back, a handshake or even a kiss on the cheek are fine in many European business, yet is totally unacceptable in Asia.

Extraits

[...] International managers are able to adapt circumstances; they are able to respond flexibly to different and maybe strange points of view. It means the skill of reacting positively to a new or different, and at time, unpredictable situations. So we can say that the situation may be effectively turned into a successful one if managers should be capable of: - Having a high degree of ability to integrate with other people, other cultures and other types of business operations. - Adapting to change by being able to sense developments in the host country. [...]

[...] And in the internal communication level managers have to listen what their employees have to say. Also we can say that today in business companies need to have the right people in the right position in the right locations is crucial in meeting the new global challenges of international business. According to Dr Santiago Rodriguez, director of diversity for Microsoft, true diversity is exemplified by companies that “hire people who are different knowing and valuing that they will change the way you do business.” So it is obvious that people from different races, ethnicities, ages, cultures, and lifestyles create an environment that respects individualities, encourages leadership, stimulates innovation, demands excellence and fosters integrity. [...]

[...] I will also expect a comprehensive job description that specifies the responsibilities, duties and tasks of my manager position in the foreign country. And get an overall objectives and goals that I have to achieve. Readings - How to lead a Winning Team, Steve Morris, Graham Willcocks and Eddy Knasel, Financial Times Prentice Hall, ISBN. - http://www.diversityworld.com - I use also my fourth year courses in International Business. - Breaking through Culture Shock, Elisabeth Marx, Nicholas Brealey. - The Trust Effect, Larry Reynolds , Nicholas Brealey Publishing. [...]

[...] But before thinking on these aspects you need to be prepared. I think the training can begin by lectures and readings about the host country. Then you have to learn universal principles of behaviour that exist across cultures. To finish let's see what the external aspects that you have to take in consideration before moving are: I will have a look on the economy, the political structure and stability, and legal environment of the host country (the economic and political aspirations in the host country). [...]

[...] Indeed preparation is essential for a successful job abroad. Unfortunately, as changes within companies accelerate, the time people have to prepare is shorter and shorter. But to be prepared, they have in a first time to discuss their plans with their family, colleagues or partners. In a second time, they have to find out as much as possible about the country they are going to (maybe talk with people who worked in the country). Then, you have to get advice about your future life (health insurance, knowledge of the local language, what to do with you house in your home country and many other questions like these one. [...]