cultural awareness in business

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Summary

• Introduction

• Cultural Awareness in Business (24 European countries described in detail)

• Conclusions


Why Cultural Awareness?

• To be aware of and understand cultural differences in business within Europe

• To take various cultures into account striving for “best practice”

• To prepare strategies in anticipation of meetings with European contacts

• To secure integration into European business


General Comments

• Country profile reflects « general » in-country style, individuals may act differently

• Style can vary depending upon the origin of the company people work for

• It is not about good-bad or positive-negative,it is more about highlighting the differences

• Data based upon own international experience, insights and interviews


Working Together

Communication

Cultural Influences

Company Structure

Work Interaction


Communication

CultureLanguage Knowledge

Language Tone

Communication Style

Handshake


Legend Communication

Communication Verbal and behavioral style

Culture The level of feeling comfortable with and being used to having contacts across international borders (local or inter-continental)

Language knowledge To have the ability and the goodwill to listen, speak, understand and write “foreign” languages

Language tone The loudness and emphasis given to verbal expression

Handshake The frequency of using handshakes for greetings and/or decision purposes, this is interpreted differently in certain cultures and societies

Communication style The means of providing comments and level of openness for dialogue


Cultural Influences


Day Starts Dress StyleAppearance

Value

Punctuality Lunch/ Dinner Gift Habits

Legend Cultural Influences

Cultural influences Appearance and working-day specifics

Day starts The classical office starting hours (from 6.30 AM up to 9.00 AM)

Dress style The kind of clothes people wear in the office and the message that is sent out (e.g. status, job role)

Appearance value The importance given on “looks” and “image”

Punctuality The need and the importance of being on time, can vary greatly across cultures and regions

Lunch/Dinner The habits and importance attached on culinary aspect

Gift habits The frequency and significance of giving/receiving presents


Company Structure


Organization Orientation

FlexibilityNetworking Importance

Legend Company Structure

Company structure Organizational styles and their influences

Organization The company structure commonly used, “lived with” and accepted

Orientation The social climate expressed by the balance between results and employee-welfare

Networking importance The impact of “knowing people” and “personal interaction”

Flexibility The ease to adapt the management style to various alternative scenarios


Work Interaction


Speed of TrustProgram Analysis

Decision Making

Time to Decide

Importance of Rules

Style Uncertainty

Level

Legend Work Interaction

Work interaction Business process considerations

Speed of trust The rate at which people build up confidence with others

Program analysis The methodology and level of detail used in the decision-making process

Decision making The center of power and commonly used decision processes

Time to decide The speed at which a well-balanced decision is reached and taken

Importance of rules The level of existing rules and the practice of “live by the rules”

Style The means of behavior and style of business people

Uncertainty level the level of conservatism and degree of risk (and avoidance)


Denmark Area: 43 098 km2

Population: 5,6 Mio


Official language: DanishCapital:Copenhagen

Communication

Culture International

Language knowledge High

Language tone Neutral

Handshake Always

Communication style Direct & open

Cultural Influences

Day starts Average

Dress Style Casual

Appearance value Modest

Punctuality Absolute must

Lunch/Dinner Simple

Gift habits Limited

Company Structure

Organization Flat

Orientation People-oriented

Networking Importance Limited

Flexibility Adaptable

Work Interaction

Speed of trust Medium

Program analysis Thorough plan

Decision making Team

Time to decide Fast

Importance of rules Medium

Style Informal

Uncertainty level Low