Managing Cross-Cultural Differences in Multinational Companies

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Introduction

In today's globalized world, it is essential to know how to collaborate with people from different cultures. But exactly what should we

learn to become a better global

collaborator?

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Important
Fortunately, many people are being
prepared through courses to face cross-cultural differences. But that doesn't mean they are ready. Since there is a gulf between reading a book, doing a course and facing a real situation.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

05 Tips to Help You Out

We have prepared some tips to develop an important awareness when dealing with cross-cultural

situations.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 01 Be prepared to be uncomfortable

Working across cultures is likely to push you out of your comfort

zone.
Sometimes those cross-cultural differences are hard to figure out or even fully understand so dont worry too much.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 02 Be aware of your actions
You need to learn right on the spot how to manage cross-cultural differences. You need to be aware of :
What is the right thing to say? What is the
right way to say it? What is my body language saying?

This awareness allows you to adjust

your behaviors and avoid misunderstandings.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 03 Prototype Instead of Stereotype

After doing your research about the work practices of the culture

you are going to work with, be

careful with what you've learned, because people tend to generalize based on one experience.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 03 Prototype Instead of Stereotype
Understand what the typical
response or approach is but also remember there is nuance. You need to be sure to keep an

open mind for the time you

come across foreigners.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 04 Build Trust and Be Curious
If two people trust each other, they can work together regardless of where they are from.

Invite your counterpart out to a meal or

coffee. During these interactions, be curious. Learn how to say a few words in the other person's language. Ask what it means to be a successful leader in their country.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Tip 05 Whose Culture Practices Should be Adopted?

The answer depends on many factors:

Whose area you are on, who has the power in the relationship, and who is more senior, to name a few.

The goal is not to adapt to one culture

or another but to decide on a way that

you are both comfortable working.

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Principles to Remember - DO

Be aware and keep an open mind of how your behaviors are being interpreted and received. Ask questions about what success looks like in the other culture.

Establish a way of working

together that is comfortable for all .

Managing Cross-Cultural Differences

Principles to Remember DONT
Dont stereotype the people you are going to work with, instead, develop a prototype that you can adjust based on

experience.
Dont attempt to highlight differences in working styles, try to deal with them without alarming. Dont try to fully adapt to a culture that is

not your own.

Lico Reis Consultoria & Lnguas

Prof. Roberto Lico
Our Website: www.licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com licoreis@licoreis.com.br robertolico@hotmail.com

Linkedin: ww.migre.me/1d9r Twitter: @licoreis