International business
International business: cultural differences and how to cope with themOrganizations around the world are reaching out beyond their domestic markets to become international players. This development is a challenge for all of us who will be working in different countries all over the globe. Altough the word has become a global village, cultural differences prevail and their influence on business has to be taken into account. We have to be able to understand different customs, values and attitudes and try to overcome cross-cultural barriers.Understanding and heeding cultural variables is one of the most significant aspects of being successful in any international business endeavor. A lack of familiarity with the business practices, social customs, and etiquette of a country can weaken a company's position in the market, prevent it from accomplishing its objectives, and ultimately lead to failure.Although each culture is unique and very complex, it is possible to distinguish three main cultural types:u Seek individuality and independenceu Dependence on others is seen as weaknessu Conformity is expected to a certain degreeu E.g. U.S.A., Canada, Australia, most parts of Wes
" When Pepsi started marketing its products in China a few years back, they translated their slogan "Pepsi Brings You Back to Life" pretty literally. The same gesture is interpreted as meaning two in France and as pointing a gun in North America. The English weren't too fond of the name either, as it's a highly derogatory term for a homosexual. Bacardi concocted a fruity drink with the name 'Pavian' to suggest French chic . When Vicks introduced its cough drops on the German market, they were chagrined to learn that the German pronunciation of "v" is "f" - which in German is the F-word!When Coca-Cola first came to China, it was given a similar sounding name. "Chevrolet Nova didn't do well in Spanish speaking countries . Here are some examples of cultural differences in body language:u Eye contact in Western countries during a conversation is a sign of sincerity, in many Asian countries, it is considered rather aggressive, even hostile. The slogan in Chinese really meant "Pepsi Brings Your Ancestors Back from the Grave". "Clairol introduced the "Mist Stick", a curling iron, into Germany only to find out that "mist" is manure. In the ad, the wife said to her husband, "Run downstairs and phone Mary. It already starts with faulty translations to the foreign language.
Common topics in this essay:
Communication Miscommunication,
Cultures Pragmatic,
Introduction Organizations,
Asia Western,
German Blunders,
Mary Tell,
Status Cultures,
Germany Puff,
Fried Chicken,
Frank Perdue,
status cultures,
cultural differences,
translated slogan,
body language,
autonomy cultures,
consensus cultures,
autonomy cultures consensus,
cultures consensus,
cultures seek,
cultures status,
differences body,
consensus cultures status,
differences body language,
cultures consensus cultures,
cultures status cultures,
|
Acceptance Essays
