Coping with the cross-cultural problems in the business world
Coping with the cross-cultural problems in the business world
It takes more for a company to be successful internationally
than a quality product and high manufacturing standards. There is
a human factor that must be considered. Each person is a product
of his or her cultural environment and such "cultural baggage" is
one thing that cannot be lost on an intercontinental flight.
The view across cultures is clouded, often marked by
indiscreet borders, general misconceptions and mutual
frustration. Living in a foreign culture can be exciting, albeit
frustrating and confusing. However, whether buying a train ticket
at Gambir station or using a pay phone at Union Station, unless
you understand how a system is supposed to work, it may not work
for you.
After a time in a foreign culture, a person begins to
understand the unspoken assumptions and expectations, eventually
becoming more comfortable with various situations encountered.
Learning business customs is a good sign that an executive has
made the adjustment to the new culture. The problem is time.
There is a new generation of executives looking for business
opportunities outside of their home countries. The lengthy
learning and cultural adaptation process that may have been
acceptable in the past is not expected in today's marketplace.
Modern business is moving fast and cannot accept lengthy
acclimatization periods or failed overseas postings by
executives.
Culture is strong. People are immersed in it and it controls
one's actions and behavior. The modern executive who leads his
company into a new market in a country where he does not
understand the cultural ground rules is in for a lot of trouble
and for problems that could be avoided.
"The necessity of understanding the business culture of the
target country cannot be overstated," said Lee Kirkland, a senior
manager in a company specializing in preparing Indonesian
managers for overseas postings.
"For Indonesians going overseas, or for foreign nationals
working in Indonesia, an understanding of the expectations and
standards of foreign colleagues is essential to smooth cross-
cultural working relationships and a successful assignment," said
Kirkland.
The process of cultural assimilation and the development of
effective cross-cultural working relationships requires effort
and knowledge on the behalf of all parties.
The learning cycle is being advanced through education. Cross-
cultural business orientation is a growing area. Companies are
beginning to realize that their highly paid expatriate executive
may not initially be able to demonstrate the same effectiveness
in a foreign country as they have in their own country.
Briefing the executive on the ground rules of the host
country's business culture is becoming a required element in the
preparation for a new overseas posting. (George Whitfield)
George Whitfield is a senior technical advisor for Executive
Orientation Services of Jakarta, which provides business-based
cultural orientation and training programs for foreign
professionals and Indonesian executives.