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Researching and Overcoming Cultural Barriers in a Global Market

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Researching and Overcoming Cultural Barriers in a Global Market
Patrick Moran
SSCI210-1102A-07: Sociology
American Inter-Continental University
May 29, 2011

Abstract
This paper is in fact a research project commissioned by the CEO of a major manufacturer of polymers in the United States. The company plans to sell to Asian and European markets as well as open up plants in Asia. The president and CEO of the company has asked that research be conducted as to how to best prepare personnel to the exposure of different cultures and how to conduct business with people of different culture. The CEO, Maverick, is concerned because many companies in the past have failed to successfully expand their businesses into foreign markets because of lack of understanding of foreign cultures. Group 4 researched the subject, and engaged in a group discussion that generated several points of view and ideas. There were many common beliefs, which will be defined, and solutions and policy recommendations will be offered in this paper.

Researching and Overcoming Cultural Barriers in a Global Market Many companies are looking to foreign markets to expand their business and enlarge their market-share. Respecting laws and regulations imposed by a foreign government is the least of a company’s worries if it wishes to succeed. Standing in the way of success are cultural barriers that must be overcome, otherwise a company can expect to fail in its endeavors. Many companies have tried to establish themselves in foreign countries with different levels of success. Those companies that prevailed were the ones that implemented policies that were conducive to conducting business in foreign markets. Group 4 was tasked with researching problems that multinationals might have had with cultural barriers, and what they might have done in order to overcome these issues when attempting to get

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