...not just about nationalities, it is also about cultures. Cultures influence negotiation styles, values and communications. Image a situation where a Japanese supermarket manager negotiating with an American salmon supplier with their own negotiation styles: the Japanese negotiator want to extent the length of negotiation in order to seek the best result of the deal, but the American negotiator treats time as money and he/she wants to quickly reach the agreement (Evans & Richardson, 2010). This essay will firstly discuss the definitions of culture and negotiation, and then it will discuss cultural influence on negotiation and its behaviour; finally it will suggest possible strategies in addressing difficulties caused by cultural differences. This essay will argue that cultural impacts increase the difficulties of cross-culture negotiation, but negotiators can successfully manage the difficulties by increasing their knowledge of different cultures and continuously practise relevant strategies. Culture Culture is a term that can be explained in many different ways. According to Alon and Brett (2007), culture is a process of socialisation that people learn a shared pattern of behaviour and affective understandings. These patterns distinguish one group of people from another. Carrell, Shank and Barbero (2009) also state that culture is not physical elements but the perceptions that members consider them. People from the same culture usually perceive the tangible and intangible...
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...Cross Cultural Negotiations Lecture 3: “The Incredible Shrinking World.” Culture in Negotiations Cross-Cultural Negotiations: An introduction When two people communicate, they rarely talk about precisely the same subject, for effective meaning is flavored by each person’s own cognitive world and cultural conditioning. When negotiating internationally, this translates into anticipating culturally related ideas that are most likely to be understood by a person of a given culture. Discussions are frequently impeded because the two sides seem to be pursuing different paths of logic; in any cross-cultural context, the potential for misunderstanding and talking past each other is great. When one takes the seemingly simple process of negotiations into a cross-cultural context, it becomes even more complex and complications tend to grow exponentially. It is naive indeed to venture into international negotiation with the belief that “after all people are pretty much alike everywhere and behave much as we do.” Even if they wear the same clothes you do, speak English as well as (or even better than) you, and prefer many of the comforts and attributes of American life (food, hotels, sports), it would be foolish to view a member of another culture as a brother in spirit. That negotiation style you use so effectively domestically can be inappropriate and when dealing with people from another cultural background; in fact its use can often result in more harm than gain...
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...cultural negotiation skills becomes a prerequisite for success. Thus the importance of understanding cultural diffences becomes critical. Cross cultural negotiations are complex and involve both personal and cultural – they have an impact on both perception of conflicts and the methods used to solve them. Many factors influence the outcome of cross-cultural negotiations and should be considered before entering into negotiations with another culture. Negotiators who understand certain aspects of cross-culture negotiations have the advantage over the negotiator who is not well prepared to negotiate with their foreign counterpart. I will discuss a few negotiation factors which constitute a basic framework for identifying cultural differences that was presented during the cross cultural team presentations. Cultures have different views and reasons for setting their goals in negotiations; for example in North America the goal of any business negotiation is to reach a substantive outcome; time is money and the outcome of reaching an agreement is quick and formal. In Italy, quite the contrary is true; the goal for a negotiation is to focus on building long lasting and trustful relationships. Don’t expect to reach an agreement quickly; negotiations with Italians take long, fostering trust comes before reaching an agreement. Communication, both verbal and non-verbal play a very important part of the negotiation process and can hinder the progress of a successful negotiation if one...
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...form, negotiation is a method of conflict resolution. It is a problem-solving process in which two or more parties attempt to resolve their disagreement or conflict in a manner, and through a process, that is mutually agreeable. Whereas the general concept of negotiation is easy enough to understand, in practice it can be an extremely difficult proposition. Opposing views about what is right and wrong, disagreement on what is fair and equitable, understanding each other’s message and form of communication, and even the procedures that will be used to conduct negotiations are but a few of the hurdles that negotiators will encounter. Negotiation is further complicated when the parties find themselves negotiating across dissimilar cultures. Culture is a powerful factor in shaping how people think, communicate and behave. It therefore affects how they negotiate. In business arena, negotiations are crucial aspects of inter-organizational relationships like joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and distribution agreements, and sales of products and services. As the proportion of foreign to domestic trade increases, so does the frequency of business negotiations between people from different countries and cultures. To successfully manage these negotiations, businesspeople need to know how to influence and communicate with members of cultures other than their own. This paper investigates the impact of culture on negotiations. It begins by defining negotiation, cross...
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...world, demonstrating sensitivity towards cultural differences in order to gain from the proliferation and growth of international enterprise. Recent studies indicate that while some corporations compete successfully in the global marketplace, others have failed to sustain their competitive advantage because of cultural imperialism or inadequate acculturation of their managers on international assignment. Corporate analysts argued that the key to global business success depends on effective cross-cultural etiquette and global workforce diversity management. Other significant studies emphasized that global managers should be trained in interpersonal relationship and group communication competence, and should be equipped with cross-cultural negotiation skills that can maintain global...
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...EMPL 3270: NEGOTIATION – THEORY & PRACTICE RESEARCH ESSAY Q2: According to Fells (2012, p.207) “As a negotiation unfolds, it is easy to attribute any behaviour, particularly behaviour that is different to your own, to culture and so ignore the many similarities”. Consider this statement with reference to contemporary research on cross-cultural negotiation and use examples to illustrate your analysis Introduction: Former President and charismatic leader of the United States John F. Kennedy once stated that, “We cannot negotiate with people who say what's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable” (Kennedy, 1961). This timeless quotation epitomizes and typifies in essence what can commonly be regarded as cooperative negotiation. Formally, the term negotiation is commonly defined as two or more parties or groups deliberating amongst each other endeavoring to achieve a decisive result, which is mutually beneficial for both entities. When considering the process of negotiation across contrasting geographic locations or countries, negotiators have to understand the repercussions which heterogeneous cultures have in the final outcome of a potential deliberation. Culture is defined as the ‘unwritten rules of society’ (Hofstede et al, 2010) and most typically refers to those characteristics or values, which are unconsciously embedded in a large group of citizens through the ongoing processes of tradition and various forms of education. Understanding the pertinence of cultural...
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...Stella Ting-Toomey and the Face-negotiation theory Face-negotiation theory seeks to explain and understand the roots of conflict in terms of identity management on both individual and cultural level. Face can be defined as “the claimed sense of favorable social self-worth and/or projected other-worth in a public situation” (Ting-Toomey & Kurogi, 1998). Namely the public image of an individual, or group, that their society sees and evaluates is based on cultural norms and values. The concept of face has been used to explain linguistic politeness rituals, apology acts, embarrassment episodes, requesting behaviors, rapport-building, and conflict interactions (Ting-Toomey 2010). Born in Hong Kong, Stella Ting-Toomey (Ph.D., University of Washington) is a professor in the Department of Human Communication Studies, California State University at Fullerton. Being an author and scholar in the field of intercultural communication for over twenty years, Ting-Toomey is the leading researcher on “mindfulness” and “facework” in intercultural communication. The theory and its central issues such as face-saving, face-losing, and face-honoring “resonate with diverse ethnic groups and cultural groups on a global level,” as she says (Rinderle 2002). Currently, her research focuses on testing and fine-tuning the conflict face-negotiation theory and the cultural/ethnic identity negotiation theory. Back in the 1980s, the mainstream, Western-based interpersonal and workplace conflict research literature...
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...Week 3 1. Discuss how the Internet and culture interact, which most affects the other and how? Give some examples Culture is the knowledge which acquired by people and use to interpret their experiences and generate certain agreed social behaviour. Certain values, attitudes and behaviours are generated from the knowledge. People under the same culture have the tendency to share values, assumptions and understandings which are obtained from the previous generations. One of the most important advantages of internet to the world is that the implementation of internet reduces the time for people to acquire information they need, previously, the learning of different culture only can be done via limited forms such as living in a foreign country, reading books and so on, they are both effective ways to learn different cultures but they are also not available for most of people, the implementation of internet provides an time saving method for spreading and learning different culture without going to the foreign country physically, most of the people can obtain and learn different culture even without leaving their home. The internet becomes an important force to push globalization and cultural harmonization; it provides the speed and convenience for people who are willing to learn and experiment foreign cultures which never exist before, and for instance, people can watch major events like Olympic game online and also learn knowledge about the host country. 2. Discuss the...
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...Week 3 1. Discuss how the Internet and culture interact, which most affects the other and how? Give some examples Culture is the knowledge which acquired by people and use to interpret their experiences and generate certain agreed social behaviour. Certain values, attitudes and behaviours are generated from the knowledge. People under the same culture have the tendency to share values, assumptions and understandings which are obtained from the previous generations. One of the most important advantages of internet to the world is that the implementation of internet reduces the time for people to acquire information they need, previously, the learning of different culture only can be done via limited forms such as living in a foreign country, reading books and so on, they are both effective ways to learn different cultures but they are also not available for most of people, the implementation of internet provides an time saving method for spreading and learning different culture without going to the foreign country physically, most of the people can obtain and learn different culture even without leaving their home. The internet becomes an important force to push globalization and cultural harmonization; it provides the speed and convenience for people who are willing to learn and experiment foreign cultures which never exist before, and for instance, people can watch major events like Olympic game online and also learn knowledge about the host country. 2. Discuss the...
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...German business culture tips Keep in mind most of this is copy and pasted and has not been reworded and extracted yet. Background of German business culture In Germany, much greater attention has been paid to academic, technical education and its value to business in general. Therefore, companies tend to be run by technical experts rather than lawyers and accountants and this is reflected in the high regard in which engineers are held by other Germans. Diligence and competence are characteristics which are held in high esteem by colleagues and are seen as the key indicators of performance. Appraisal systems based on the softer competencies as favoured by many U.K. and U.S. firms are still not common in traditional German companies. German business structures Most of the power in German companies is vested in the hands of a few senior managers. Larger companies (AG & GmbH) have a Supervisory Board (Aufsichtsrat) which appoints the Management Board (Vorstand). The management board is the final decision-maker on policy matters which affect management. However below Vorstand level, companies tend to have a strictly hierarchical approach within which individual's specific roles and responsibilities are tightly defined and compartmentalised. This results in a methodical approach to most business issues where procedures and adherence to well-defined rules are respected. This methodical approach has both good and bad points. On the plus side, everybody knows what is expected...
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...Introduction: Etiquette can be defined as any acceptable conduct or way of doing business, and includes the expectations that others have when doing business with you. Etiquette greases the world of business. It allows meetings and engagements to run smoothly and helps businesses to operate. Etiquette helps to build trust and confidence between management and employees, between different employees, and with customers and other business leaders. Professionalism Using the right etiquette in business situations indicates that you are confident and have self-control. According to Paula Williams, owner of business etiquette consulting company Ravenwerks, most disrespectful behavior in business is unintentional and can be avoided by consistently following good etiquette practices. She suggests that you always give credit and compliments to everyone who deserves them, and do not talk about coworkers in a negative way. Meeting Etiquette You can build confidence in your employees and co-workers by following good meeting etiquette. Be prepared beforehand to avoid wasting time. Let everyone attending know the purpose of the meeting, what will be discussed and how long the meeting should last. At the end of the meeting, make sure you thank everyone for their time and reiterate how those who contributed during the meeting have helped. Do not assign action items to people who are not present and make sure that everyone has a copy of the minutes, or a written summary of the meeting. Email Etiquette...
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...International Management, 7e (Deresky) Chapter 3: Understanding the Role of Culture 1) International firms like Starbucks and McDonald's most likely modify their business practices in Saudi Arabia because of . A) prevalent religious customs and beliefs B) poor international business relationships C) low demand for American products D) tight restrictions on foreign trade Answer: A Diff: 3 Page Ref: 91 Chapter: 3 Skill: Concept AACSB: Multicultural and Diversity 2) Women in Saudi Arabia are permitted to work alongside men as . A) lawyers B) architects C) engineers D) doctors Answer: D Diff: 2 Page Ref: 91 Chapter: 3 Skill: Concept AACSB: Multicultural and Diversity 3) All of the following statements about women in Saudi Arabia are true EXCEPT that they are . A) allowed to earn a college degree B) restricted from owning businesses C) allowed to buy designer clothing D) restricted from driving cars Answer: B Diff: 3 Page Ref: 91-92 Chapter: 3 Skill: Concept AACSB: Multicultural and Diversity 4) What is the primary reason that high-end department stores operate in Saudi Arabia given the country's dress restrictions? A) Dress restrictions only apply to certain regions of Saudi Arabia. B) Women wear designer clothes for public functions when abayas are not required. C) Wealthy men and women in Saudi Arabia are interested in the latest fashion trends. D) Saudi Arabia draws travelers from Europe who want the latest designer...
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...Helen Spencer-Oatey Centre for Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick WORKING PAPER Abstract Purpose – To introduce an approach to managing intercultural communication that is effective for achieving mutual understanding among people in culturally complex situations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes a ‘meaning negotiation’ approach to the intercultural communication process. It argues against a generalised ‘differences/adaptation’ approach, and maintains that people need to interact in contextually sensitive ways. Findings – The paper outlines a set of strategies that can help people in intercultural interaction contexts negotiate and agree the messages they are trying to convey. It draws them together into a conceptual framework of intercultural communication competencies. Research limitations/implications – The paper only focuses on the communication of messages, not the use of language to manage relationships. It also does not attempt to suggest practical techniques for helping managers and their staff develop competence in using the strategies. Practical implications – Since mutual understanding is achieved through meaning negotiation, it is important for managers and their staff to know how this takes place and to develop a communication strategy for implementing it. Social implications – Without adequate mutual understanding, people may easily become frustrated with each other and tasks may not be achieved efficiently. Originality/Value – The paper introduces...
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...Cross-Cultural Communication Theory and Practice Barry Tomalin; Brian J. Hurn ISBN: 9780230391147 DOI: 10.1057/9780230391147 Palgrave Macmillan Please respect intellectual property rights This material is copyright and its use is restricted by our standard site license terms and conditions (see palgraveconnect.com/pc/connect/info/terms_conditions.html). If you plan to copy, distribute or share in any format, including, for the avoidance of doubt, posting on websites, you need the express prior permission of Palgrave Macmillan. To request permission please contact rights@palgrave.com. Cross-Cultural Communication 10.1057/9780230391147 - Cross-Cultural Communication, Brian J. Hurn and Barry Tomalin Copyright material from www.palgraveconnect.com - licensed to Griffith University - PalgraveConnect - 2014-04-12 This page intentionally left blank 10.1057/9780230391147 - Cross-Cultural Communication, Brian J. Hurn and Barry Tomalin Copyright material from www.palgraveconnect.com - licensed to Griffith University - PalgraveConnect - 2014-04-12 Cross-Cultural Communication Theory and Practice Brian J. Hurn and Barry Tomalin Copyright material from www.palgraveconnect.com - licensed to Griffith University - PalgraveConnect - 2014-04-12 10.1057/9780230391147 - Cross-Cultural Communication, Brian J. Hurn and Barry Tomalin © Brian J. Hurn and Barry Tomalin 2013 Foreword © Jack Spence 2013 All rights reserved. No reproduction, copy or transmission of this...
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...particular society or group. Characteristics of Culture : ● Culture is shared, because culture is an act, beliefs, attitude, and way of life for not just for one individuals, but whole group of people that shared by living together for a certain time. Therefore culture is shared by one person that have major influence to other. ● Culture is intangible, intangible means it does not form as an object, it will cannot be seen as thing because it is something that lives inside someone’s behavior. ● Culture is confirmed by other, before people doing what others do, they somehow need to believe, and accept the culture as something good to be done. Otherwise, if they think that what people do is bad, they won’t accept that to their lives. What is business culture? Culture illustrates the accepted norms and values and traditional behaviour of a group. One definition of culture by Deal and Kennedy is “the way a we do things around here”. However, culture also evolves over time. The culture of each country has its own beliefs, values and activities. In other words culture can be defined as an evolving set of collective beliefs, values and attitudes. Culture is a key component in business and has an impact on the strategic direction of business. Culture influences management, decisions and all business functions from accounting to production. You may now be thinking predominantly about national culture but this is only one aspect, business culture is its own unique dimension that includes...
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