Multinational Implementation Challenges - Panel Language and Culture Markus Hentschel BearingPoint Inc. Markus.Hentschel@bearingpoint.com OAUG Multi-National SIG Group

Language and Culture A Language for the Team Cultures – and what that mean

Language As long as the key team members spoke English, there wasn't a problem. It's important to allow them to have time away from the second language - if you go with an English speaking deployment in another country. Body language supports the speech of the team member Make sure the answers make sense to help guarantee understanding. Sometimes it is even unacceptable for a team member or Project Manager not to speak the native language of the country where the rollout is.

The polite Britain - British Coded Speech - What is said What is meant Hm….interesting idea You could say that We must have a meeting about your idea We shall certainly consider it I’m not quite with you on that one I agree, up to a point What a stupid suggestion I wouldn’t Forget it We won’t do it That is totally unacceptable I disagree

Language and Culture The Language is not the biggest barrier. The Culture is the biggest

What is Culture ? Please define Culture !!! American Heritage English Dictionary: "The totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions and all other products of human work and thought."

Culture What is the true meaning of a “Yes” What does time mean? Yes may only mean 'I don't understand, so I agree' When they say "yes" it doesn't really mean "yes“. If you are not the direct supervisor, the person will check with him/her before doing anything and may come back with the opposite of what you requested A “No” is, for some cultures, an unacceptable answer What does time mean? "Tomorrow" doesn't really mean "tomorrow", it could mean "in two days", or even "next week." Punctuality is not a common concept. Prepare to be patient. Be on time for a meeting or better use the academic quarter. Punctuality is not only an adornment, but an indication of professionalism.

Culture Lunch and Dinner Others In some cultures folks expect that time as “personal” time, especially in countries where lunch time lasts for over an hour. (Typical Latin American and Southern European Countries) Usually people are really looking forward to those couple of hours to just relax, socialize, and do anything except for work related activities. Others The “rollout countries” feel “colonized” or “not at ease” with folks from overseas calling the shots August was a short project month, as most people took off (minimum) two weeks in August. A lot of European countries take off a month in the summer time.

Lewis Model of Cultural Classification Richard Lewis Communication

Lewis Model of Cultural Classification