Time is also a strategy that is used by different cultures to signify different conditions. In Latin America, waiting for an appointment with a senior is normal and not to be considered an insult. In the U.S., the amount of time spent waiting for an appointment is often correlated to the respect and the value that is given to the individual waiting. Conflict management also posses a significant challenge in the international arena. Individuals from countries like the U.S. might deal with many of the issues head on, while citizens of Japan might tend to avoid unpleasant situations, not because they do not like the challenge, but simply because it is not culturally acceptable to do so.
Space is also defined differently. New concepts of managements are constantly being introduced. While they are often defined for Americans many attempts to use them universally in all regions around the world are being observed. The concept of personal space is also dependent on how individuals view each other. In some cultures, casual physical contact of hands is common, whereas hugs are often frowned upon. Arabs for instance, will offer hugs to their business partners who are in general males and if this hug is not returned it would be constituted as rude behavior. Indians, for example, will offer a visitor entry to their homes and lives and will consider it a personal insult if this offer is refused. Germans and Scandinavian citizens will however, work hard at distancing their work and private lives and also maintain some level of formality in every situation.
The cognizance of languages both the spoken and the unspoken also influences international relationships. Money is not always considered to be the most important part of the individual's identity. While financial stability is seen as essential for individuals, prestige in achieving knowledge and skill is also seen as important. Money is never always the benchmark by which all individuals...
Drivers of motivation can differ significantly and assuming a one pattern fit all will work is presumptuous. Body language is the unspoken communication between individuals and being able to interpret these signals can be very beneficial when dealing with foreign cultures.
Culture and society play an important role in establishing trust experienced between organizations and individuals. In the business sense, trust is having confidence in the partner or workers to conduct and perform their task in a manner agreed on. In general, trust is based on societies and countries and the laws that govern these countries. People in Oriental countries, for example, take longer to trust somebody. And if that trust is betrayed, culture dictates that they react very strongly -- never to easily trust again. While trust is fundamentally a human trait, history and culture play an important role in the formulation and definition of the levels of trust between organizations.
The advantages of set up multinational operations are threefold; ownership, location, and internalization. The opening up of various markets around the world and deregulations of many state run operations have allowed the rapid growth of multinational corporations. Governments are also increasingly accepting the fact that MNC offer them the capability to improve the economy of the region and bring in new technology and skills. In this environment, understanding the driving force behind international venture can be the different between successes or failures.
Bibliography
Barboux, Jean-Luis, & Lawrence, Peter. (1991). The Making of a French Manager. Harvard Business Review, July-August,
Hall, Edward T. (1960). The Silent Language of Overseas Business. Harvard Business Review, May-June,
Wells_Jr, Louis T. (1977). Negotiations with Third World Governments. Harvard Business Review, Jan-Feb
