Let’s Have a Meeting!

Creating an Effective Multi-Cultural Environment

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 Bridging cultural gaps between different communication styles and perceptions and improve interaction and collaboration between companies and within multi-cultural teams

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Definition of Culture

“Culture is manifested in shared, unspoken assumptions, values, and beliefs of a group of people resulting in characteristic behavior."

Craig Storti

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Internal Meaning-Making

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Internal Meaning-MakingGroup A

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Group B

Internal Meaning-MakingGroup A

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Group B

Internal Meaning-MakingGroup A

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Group BWhat do you see?

Internal Meaning-MakingGroup A

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Group BWhat do you see?

Cultural Dimensions

www.geert-hofstede.com/united-states.html

Communication Between Cultures

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The Space Between

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Cross-Cultural Interpretations

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Cross-Cultural Interpretations

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Country MetaphorsUnited States – American Football

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Country MetaphorsGermany – German Symphony

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U.S. Communication Style

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1. Cut to the chase2. Humor/ entertainment factor3. (sports) jargon in business4. Presentation Structure: Tell them5. Informality (pitfall)6. Confrontation7. Interruptions8. Trust9. Silence is not golden

Meetings in Germany

3-20Adapted from Bennett

• Less frequent, more preparation time• Exchange detailed information, presentation of facts• Logical presentation of arguments• Circular discussions, focus on task requirements• Individuals tend to speak longer, no interruptions• Content limited to meeting objective• Longer meetings• Maybe coffee and water

Meetings in the United States• Frequent, can be on short notice

• Sharing of ideas, brainstorming• Intuitive, integrative approach common• Linear progression, solution focused• Decision making, often involving action plan• Small talk, personal stories• 1 hour, if longer frequent breaks• Refreshments and snacks are offered

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Not everything is cultural• Cultural: Values and behavior that are shared by

the people within a group, but are different from people outside that group.

• Universal: Values and behavior that are shared by all groups.

• Personal: Values and behavior that are purely individual, and are seen in some people in lots of groups.

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Summary

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• Know your own “shore line”• Learn about the “shore line” of your team

mate(s)/business partner(s)• Clearly communicate expectations on how to manage

the space “in between”• Listen and observe• Adapt your communication style – soften “shore line”• Ask clarifying questions before you interpret• Do not pass judgment• Be open-minded and expect to be surprised• Be honest and respectful

There is no wrong or right – only different