Cultural Dimensions Part 2

Natasha’s Bad Trip Watch Natasha, an American business executive traveling around the world to get new business. http://psadhwani.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/crosscultural-communication/ Discuss in groups: Where did she go? What did she do? Why did she not get the business?

Relationship vs. Rules Decision Making Are decisions influenced by rules and fixed ways of doing things, or by relationships? 3

Decision Making: Relationship Like to develop good relationships first May break the rules to keep the relationship A contract is not as important as it is to a ‘rules’ person There are several truths depending on your perspective Build trust (over time) by getting to know the people Natasha’s trip to China failed because she failed to build relationships and trust.

Decision Making: Rules Keep to the rules no matter what! May risk a relationship if it breaks the rule May seem hard and uncaring Like long, detailed contracts Build trust by writing a contract

Survey Are we a relationship or rules oriented class? Let’s find out! Your teacher will give you a question. Ask 6 people your question. The answer should be yes or no.

Application Think of examples of possible conflict in decision making found in the following 3 areas: At home At college At work Now think of solutions to these problems. How can rules/relationship people work together?

Anna and The King Anna is a British school teacher who went to Thailand in 1860 to teach the King’s son. Here she meets the prime minister. Why is there misunderstanding?

Cultural Dimensions Part 2

Natasha’s Bad Trip What happened in Nathasha’s trip to Japan? In Japan there are strict rules of behavior about giving and receiving business cards.

Informal vs. Formal Context Do you act with few strict rules of behavior, or do you like and value rules of behavior?

Formal style Dress more formally Address people more formally: Mr Believe there is a right and wrong way of dealing with people and issues Clear rules of status (who is more/ less powerful) Giving Japanese business cards – very formal.

Informal style Dress informally Address people more informally Believe anyone can talk to anyone. Less rules in how to act. How you act and what you say to who is less important.

Research You and your group will research one of the following. 1: Chinese gift giving 2: How to greet the Queen of England 3: Korean wedding customs Be ready to tell the class the formalities, the rules for each. What situation has formalities in the U.A.E?

Anna and The King Here Anna meets the King for the first time. What are some of the formalities you see? Dress? How we address someone? Rules?