Why Culture Matters in Global Business

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Ever have a communication problem with someone you are working with overseas?  Who hasn't.  You know how it goes.  You say one thing.  The party you are communicating with agrees and several days later, things are done exactly counter to what you discussed!  Is it because they ignored you?  Didn't like your strategy?  Wanted to do things on their own terms?  Not likely because why would they choose to do business with you?  It all boils down to cultural differences.

Mark Hehl from The Desara Group has some points to offer on the importance of culture when conducting business overseas.

Intro:

Conducting business on a global basis requires a good understanding of different cultures.  What works in your country might not work well in another and might even be interpreted as an insult. One of the many roles of an effective project manager is to raise the awareness of cultural issues within your project team and your organization to ensure success.

Read the entire article:  The Importance of Culture when Conducting Business Overseas

Related articles:  Communicating Across Cultures and How to Deal With Cultural Differences

Note:  I discuss Communicating with Cultural Intelligence at great length in Chapter 24 of my new book, "Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably" due out December 18, 2013 by Apress.

Bribes, Red Tape and Cultural Differences

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OPEN Forum offered by American Express and under Anita Campbell's stewardship has my next entry up on bribes, red tape and cultural differences. It goes into great detail about whether there is a true opportunity for consultants in the United States to do business globally or is the opportunity primarily for product companies.

If you find it useful or wish to add to it, be sure to do so at the designated areas. Also, we placed an official badge on our blog to show all the OPEN Forum entries. Be sure to check out when time permits.