uk business and culture

8/13/2019 UK Business and Culture

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Business culture in theUnited Kingdom

PSREANU BOGDAN-MIHAI

IBM,1st year Master

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Table of Contents

Short presentation of the United Kingdom Business meetings

Relationships and Respect

Key Concepts and Values British business etiquette

The five Cultural Dimensions

Intercultural news/incidents British Culture Quiztrue or false

Conclusions

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Short presentation of the United

Kingdom

Full name:United Kingdom of Great Britain andNorthern Ireland

It was the world's first industrialised country

The world`s sixth largest economy Population: 62 milion people

Major religion: Christianity

Government: constitutional monarchy Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II

Prime minister:David Cameron

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Business meetings

frequent meetings often structured, but not

too formal and begin and

end with social

conversation little preparation is done

for meetings

The BRITISH rely on

facts, rather thanemotions, to make

decisions

punctuality is important.

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Relationships and Respect

The BRITISH are characteristically pragmatic Personal integrity and trustworthy are

important

Networking and relationship building are oftenkey to long-term business success

The respect a person enjoys, depends

primarily on his or her rank, status, education,and knowledge

Age and seniority are also respected

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Key Concepts and Values

Indirectness: direct questions often receiveevasive responses and conversations may be

ambiguous and full of subtleties

Stiff upper lip: the ability to staycalm and not show your feelings

in a difficult or upsetting situation

Humour: frequently used as a defencemechanism, often in the form of

selfdepreciation or irony

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British business etiquette (dos\donts)

DO respect personal space DO remember to shake hands on first meetings

DO make direct eye-contact with your British

counterparto DONT ask personal questions

o DONT underestimate the importance of humour

o

DONT forget that instructions are often disguised aspolite requests

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20

40

60

80

100

U.K.

ROMANIA

The five Cultural Dimensions

United Kingdom Low power distance

High individualism

Weak uncerntainty avoidance

High masculinity

Short term orientation

Romania High power distance

Low individualism

Strong uncertainty avoidance

High masculinity

Short term orientation

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Intercultural news/incidents

1) France and the UK Sign Historic Military CooperationAgreement

Obvious differences such as language or organisation within the chain-of-

command are only the start.

Deep disparities exist between the UK and French cultures in areas such

as communication styles or attitudes to time. While some may argue thatbeing part of the military family would erase or smooth over these

differences, it is a fact that culture shapes the way we act, regardless of our

profession.

2) Iran claims London 2012 Olympics logo spells the word 'Zion: Iran has threatened to boycott the London Olympics unless the organisers

replace the official logo, which Tehran claims spells out the word "Zion".

The logo, a jagged representation of the year 2012, has been said by its

critics to resemble many things, from a swastika to a sexual act, but the

Iranian government argues it represents a veiled pro-Israeli conspiracy.9


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British Culture Quiztrue or false

1. In accordance with British business etiquette, when

entering a room allow those of a higher rank to enter first.

2. It is considered polite to enquire about an individuals

profession and salary during an initial meeting in the UK.3. In the UK the number 13 is considered extremely

unlucky.

4. When invited to an English home, it is customary to arrive

at least 10-20 minutes before the arranged time.5. Sitting with folded arms during a business meeting is a

sign of boredom and that you are uninterested.

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Conclusions

patience is important

debate is essential

express your idea

have a sense of humour

adapt to the situation

always keep a stiff upper lip

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