ECAPS Merger of Export Companies

Résumé du document

As you all know, our company, ECAPS FURNITURE EXPORT has recently merged with three other export companies from Italy, Russia, and Sweden. Since its establishment, our company has experienced a rapid expansion. It has now taken a leading place among the European furniture market. It is thus time to think bigger, merge with other European countries. We believe that, even if it might not always be easy at the beginning, such a merger is a good decision and a great opportunity for us. Consequently, a lot of changes will probably occur and this is why we recently took the initiative to prepare a "Handbook for Intercultural Activities" in order to help you to get used to our new way of working. We believe that if we train you in intercultural communication, you will be able to communicate more efficiently and cooperate better. We thus hope that you will read this handbook carefully and that it will help you in your future interactions with your new foreign colleagues.

Extraits

[...] Swedes do not show a lot of emotions while doing business and they will expect you to do so. Decision making is not only the task of top executives. It is often taken in care by to the middle or even low hierarchy. Managers are not respected for their status but for their competences and knowledge. Private and business live are never mixed up. This is why small talk before a meeting is not usual and not expected, they prefer getting immediately to business. [...]

[...] It is thus time to think bigger, and thus, time to merge with other European countries. We believe that, even if it might not always be easy at the beginning, this merger is a good decision and a great opportunity for us. Consequently, a lot of changes will probably occur and this is why we recently took the initiative to write this “Handbook for Intercultural Activities” in order to help you to get used to our new way of working. [...]

[...] It doesn't only mean a success of deal but simply friendliness. Small talks are common before dealing with business. “Don't as the Russian proverb states 'hurry to reply', but 'hurry to listen'."[11] Rewarding someone in public might not be well viewed or cause jealousy and envy Sweden Swedish Values One of the most dominant Swedish social value is egalitarism. Hierarchies and social status are not as important as in other European countries. But compromise and consensus are part of everyday's life. [...]

[...] The first part will be concern culture in general. What should we understand by culture and what are its main components. Then, we will describe the particular cultures of Russia, Sweden and Italy. Belgium will also be described because it is very important to first understand your own culture and how people perceive it, before learning about other's cultures. working knowledge of the basic traits of other cultures (as well as your own) will minimize unpleasant surprises (culture shock), gives us insights in advance, and enable us to interact successfully with nationalities with whom we previously had difficulty.”[1] 2. [...]

[...] Don't forget to prepare well and gather a lot of information before going to a meeting. Avoid talking about personal subjects such as family If you know Swedish, try to use it, it will make a very good impression. All meetings have to be confirmed well in advance. Changing time or location at the last minute is not well seen Geert Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions " Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster." Prof. [...]