By Anne Egros

Global Executive Coach Zest & Zen International Coaching

http://zestnzen.com

Intercultural Issues in Management

What is Culture?

“Culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster” 

Prof. Geert Hofstede Emeritus Professor Maastricht University

http://www.geert-hofstede.com/

Cultural Differences and Impact on Business

Language (Verbal and non-verbal)

Religion

Cultural Values

Cultural Norms

Some Features of Culture

facial expressions religious beliefs religious rituals importance of time paintings values literature child-raising beliefs ideas about leadership gestures holiday customs ideas about fairness ideas about modesty

ideas about friendship foods eating habits understanding of the natural world concept of self the importance of work concept of beauty music styles of dress general world view concept of personal space rules of social etiquette housing

Body Language

physical closeness of people

postures/body stance

eye-contact (use or avoidance)

touch

hands/gesturing

physical attire & overall grooming

odors

Religion

Protestant and Christianism - stress hard work

Judaism - stresses education, development

Islam - focus on rules for social interaction

Hinduism - encourages family orientation and dictates strict dietary constraints

Buddhism - stresses sufferance and avoidance of worldly desires

Cultural Values and Norms

Cultural Values = Enduring Beliefs define mode of conduct and are guides for desirable behavior.

Norms = rules that dictate what is right or wrong, & acceptable or unacceptable

• What an outsider must or must not do

• What locals may do but an outsider cannot do

• What an outsider may or may not do

Critical Differences in Doing Business

U.S . France

1. Analytical thinking: focus on the present,

data analysis

2. Focus on the “how” and then on the

“what”

3. Little interpersonal communication

needed for business transactions

4. Communication is very direct

5. Importance on “what” is said, not on

“how” it is said

6. Change is good, outcome over tradition

is emphasized

7. Independent work, informal speeches,

first names

1. Reasoning based on prevailing

philosophies

2. Focus on the “why”, then on the “how”

3. Emphasis on relationships, business is

built on personal bonds, trust

4. Conflict and negative aspects of business

are handled indirectly

5. Saving face is important

6. Links with the past, history and traditions

are important

7. Hierarchical organizations: titles, last

names, formal speech

Effective Intercultural Communication and Leadership

Cultural literacy is one of the most important skills to build effective

relationships with diverse employees, collaborative alliances with

suppliers, and strong connections with customers.

Strategies for Effective Intercultural Leadership

1. Be aware of your own culture, beliefs, values and behavior

2. Show curiosity toward other cultures and expand your knowledge when interacting with

local people by listening and observing

3. Show respect for other cultures and customs by adopting appropriate behavior and

language (verbal and non-verbal)

4. Do not over-react when you feel uncomfortable or “under attack”, ask first questions for

clarification

5. Be patient

6. Learn quickly how to read people and assess situations

7. Be genuine, open and inclusive

8. Help other managers and employees by communicating clearly on roles, responsibilities,

expected initiatives and behaviors

9. Learn how to give feedback in a cultural sensitive way

10. Leverage cultural differences for mutual gain

Anne Egros: Zest & Zen Global Executive Coaching

Anne Egros, the founder of Zest and Zen International, is an independent professional

coach, based in Brussels, the Capital of Europe and host of many international

organizations including EU and NATO. 

Anne has been an expatriate for 20 years working at management levels for

Fortune 500 companies in USA, Japan and Europe. She understands deeply the needs

and challenges of global leaders and international managers working in multicultural

environments as well as the dynamics of multicultural teams.

Anne’s coaching

Anne's coaching approach is holistic and unconditionally constructive.  When the company

vision, mission and goals are aligned with the individual's values, people can achieve

extraordinary results

Executive coaching and Cross-cultural Leadership

Anne thinks that doing business globally does not mean "one size fits all", most

marketing strategies must adapt to local characteristics and circumstances, sometime even at

the individual level

"Glocalization" is  the new strategy for international development and it requires a brand new

set of skills for managers to become inter-culturally effective leaders that inspire people

reaching excellence

Anne provides on the phone or in person coaching services

She helps her clients to build a personal brand in their organization and in social media

aligning their personal values and vision with the ones of their organization.

Contact : aegros@zestnzen.com