The multicultural company

Why is it so important to recognize cultural differences?
Cultural differences lead to behavioral differences that can have a major impact on the way business is conducted. A foreign counterpart in negotiations can have very different expectations from those one might naturally expect. A management method exported abroad could have an impact that is very different from the intended objective.

What significant cultural differences can be observed?
Cultural behavior patterns differ according to seven major patterns:
– Universalist or Particularist;
– Individualist or Collectivist;
– Sentimental or Neutral;
– Specific or Diffuse;
– Attributed Status or Acquired Status;
– Sequential or Synchronous;
– Control or follow nature.

How to take advantage of cultural differences?
The first step is to adapt practice and behavior according to cultural differences. But it is also possible to go even further and use the strengths inherent in each cultural approach. To do this, one must understand these strengths and combine them in a virtuous circle.