International Project Management

Risks with international teams • Different understanding of

time• Different understanding of

authority• Language • Communication• Physical and mental

distance• Time difference• Unknown team members• Misunderstandings• Limited tools for

communication• Assumptions

• Different ways of solving• Body language• Cultural stereotyping• Meeting rules• Punctuality• People get offended• Time concepts differ• Deadlines not met• Logistic dysfunction/delay• Inefficient work together –

longer durations• Different understanding of

quality• Cost – profit decline

Benefits with international teams• Cost savings

• Understanding local rules

• More efficient teams

• Specialist knowledge

• 24/7-work

• Time saving

• Varity in strengths

Some differences

Attribute Standard projects International projects

Organizations Single

Multiple organizations and departments, each with their own self-interest

Systems and technology HomogeneousMultiple systems that require local knowledge and support

Society Single and common culture Multiple, varied cultures

Company culture Single

Variations in each area due to local factors and history of the firm in each location

Organization Focused on the projectMany other competing demands for resources

Self-interest More easily understood More complex to understand

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Cultural background influence the definition and understanding

• Factors that are influencing• Geography• History• Religion• Technology available• Laws• Personal background/experience

Geography - History

Organisational differences

Hofstede cultural dimensions• Prof Geert Hofstede

• IBM Study of cultures influence workplace values• 1973, - 50 countries, 2001 – 74 countries

• Weak vs. strong uncertainty avoidance• Small vs. large power distance• Individualism vs. collectivism• Masculinity vs. femininity

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Hofstede cultural dimensions

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Hofstede cultural dimensions

India Czech republic Sweden

Weak vs. strong uncertainty avoidance 40 74

Small vs. large power distance 77 57

Individualism vs. collectivism 48 58

Masculinity vs. femininity 56 57

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Hofstede cultural dimensions

India Czech republic Sweden

Weak vs. strong uncertainty avoidance 40 74 29

Small vs. large power distance 77 57 31

Individualism vs. collectivism 48 58 71

Masculinity vs. femininity 56 57 5

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Hofstede cultural dimensions

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Indirect and direct ways of communication

Sources for misunderstandingWhat is said (US)• How are you?• This is very interesting• If you would want to wait for

me, I would highly appreciate it.

• Should you find some time to send me your reply within the next days; I would highly appreciate it.

• Lets have dinner sometime

What it means (Ger)• Hi!• I don't want it.• Please wait for me.

• Please send it to me ASAP!

• Maybe we meet again.

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Small talk• Important?

• Build bridges between people• Gain trust and knowledge• Some people don't want to do business with you if they don't

know you

Communication within the team: Define a common ground• What is your definition of

• What factors are influencing the different perception of the same word?

• Define and agree with your project partners what definitions you will use for some critical wordings

• Project Concept

• Feedback/Criticism

• Punctuality

• Teamwork

• Decision

• Responsibility

• ”75% done”

Consequences

• Speed of working

• Decision making process

• Act without proper planning

• Conflicts and stress within the organization

• Affecting performance of project

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Various approaches to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings• Define a common ground

• Establish communication channels that fit every culture

• Make sure everybody understands differences exist

• Establish a conflict solving team culture

• Create awareness among team members and superiors

• If necessary, create processes and procedures

Tips n trix• Assume nothing

• differences in technical, cultural, organizational…

• Seek information• About region, ask colleagues

• Be open to differences• Ask what to watch out for, workshops, uncover differences

• No ”My way or the high way…”• Traditions vary from region to region, business dinners

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Summary

• Cultural differences origin from several sources

• Sweden is not the ”norm”

• Create awareness within the team

• It will take time and effort to adjust to each other

• Reference: geert-hofstede.com & www.torbjorngustavsson.com

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