Cross-cultural Management
by Xavier Denoël & Eric Vanlanduyt
The purpose of this module is to provide participants with the practical tools needed to understand and prepare themselves for encountering different cultures. It involves identifying cultural differences by means of a statistical grid developed by internationally renowned consultants. By identifying cultural differences, participants are better able to avoid the pitfalls associated with difference and improve their ability to communicate and negotiate.
Notions of time and relationships, for example, are totally different in Central Africa and North America. Such differences can impact on commercial relationships.
- To integrate into international considerations the importance of cultural beliefs and prejudices and their impact on behaviours and professional results.
- To develop an approach of openness and flexibility when faced with differences.
- To become familiar with a working framework for intercultural meetings: cultural variables.
Content
Understanding the notion of « culture » in relation to the company
Functions of corporate culture
- External role: define the company in relation to the environment
- Internal role: federate individuals around common objectives
Influential factors on corporate culture
- National culture
- Regional culture
- Professional culture
- Particularities of the founders and management
Appropriating the principle variables of Geert Hofstede and Fons Trompenaars
Power (egalitarian/hierarchical)
Organization (systematic/organic)
Identity (individual/collective)
Social status (according to attribution/according to results)
Engagement (specific or diffuse)
Emotions (neutralised/integrated)
Time (monochronic/polychronic)
Space (distant/close)
Gender (masculine/feminine)
The presentation of each variable will be preceded by a series of questions and answers aiming to connect participants to their own experience and lives.
Application of the variables in commercial relationships with one or more target countries
- Participants are invited to develop an intercultural grid for the country or countries targeted for new business
- Participants are requested to identify the intercultural policies adopted by a number of large commercial groups.
Integration of precautionary rules prior to departure
Some countries require particular vigilance from a health, administrative or practical point of view. The purpose here is to draw participants’ attention to a number of basic precautions to take in order to avoid annoying disappointments once they are abroad. Pitfalls to be avoided in intercultural meetings are also discussed.
Pedagogy
Interactive days centred around group sharing, personal thoughts and self awareness.
Pedagogy through problems: group solutions to a problematic situation for which they must find an original solution.
Action learning: newly acquired knowledge is immediately put into practice and integrated in exercises: learning through doing.
