Based on the lecture 5, explain “Benefits of working in cross cultural teams””
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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.