Book Description
Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace continues to be a vital reference for global business professionals. This new edition features updated discussions on the impact of globalization and technology in business communication, expanded treatment of ethics issues, increased discussion of world religions (particularly the role of Islam), and more short cases for improved ease of reading and comprehension.
Customer Reviews:
More than an academic perspective.......2001-11-18
I'm an American based in Japan and working all over Asia. I found this book to be an outstanding analysis of the relationships between Americans and their foreign colleagues or customers.
It's written from a business perspective more so than an academic perspective. Although the style is a bit heavy, I still found many of the anecdotes entertaining.
real-life examples of diversity in globalized business.......2000-05-28
In the past four years, I have used Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace with over 500 community college students interested in cultural differences from a business perspective. This book provides a useful structure for thinking and talking about both the theoretical foundations of global diversity as well as the practical implications of working cross culturally - - whether from a desk in the USA or traveling and working abroad. The book is well-organized and includes thoughtfully selected, real-life examples of cultural differences (which I, as an overseas expatriate of 20 years can verify). The real value of the book is in these multiple examples which give readers a sense of the rich diversity of our globalized world and the importance of encountering business people from other cultures (both within the USA and abroad) with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural priorities. The case study in the chapter on negotiations with other cultures is particularly well-conceived and useful.
real-life examples of diversity in globalized business.......2000-05-28
In the past four years, I have used Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace with over 500 community college students interested in cultural differences from a business perspective. This book provides a useful structure for thinking and talking about both the theoretical foundations of global diversity as well as the practical implications of working cross culturally - - whether from a desk in the USA or traveling and working abroad. The book is well-organized and includes thoughtfully selected, real-life examples of cultural differences (which I, as an overseas expatriate of 20 years can verify). The real value of the book is in these multiple examples which give readers a sense of the rich diversity of our globalized world and the importance of encountering business people from other cultures (both within the USA and abroad) with an awareness of, and sensitivity to, their cultural priorities. The case study in the chapter on negotiations with other cultures is particularly well-conceived and useful.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful framework for thinking about cultural differences
- A must have resource for highly effective multicultural / multinational leadership...
- Excellent insights while entertaining to read
- Monumental Book Well Worth the Read
- Pioneering work
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Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind
Geert Hofstede , and
Gert Jan Hofstede
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Similar Items:
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ASIN: 0071439595 |
Book Description
The landmark study of cultural differences across 70 nations, Cultures and Organizations helps readers look at how they think—and how they fail to think—as members of groups. Based on decades of painstaking field research, this new edition features the latest scientific results published in Geert Hofstede’s scholarly work Culture’s Consequences, Second Edition. Original in thought and profoundly important, Cultures and Organizations offers vital knowledge and insight on issues that will shape the future of cultures and nations in a globalized world.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful framework for thinking about cultural differences.......2007-09-20
A must-read for anyone interested in the subject area.
The new and revised content also relate Hofstede's original groundbreaking research to the more recent work of other renowned scholars in the field (such as Ronald Inglehart of the Univ of Michigan and the World Values Survery). These links make his work even more compelling and make you start to think that we may be inching closer to a more universally agreed upon framework for thinking about cultural differences.
A must have resource for highly effective multicultural / multinational leadership..........2007-05-29
As a combat tested USAF E3 AWACS command pilot (over 1900+ hours of total flight experience), this book is a potent resource for anyone seeking to gain insights on how best to manage a multicultural / multinational workspace.
Excellent insights while entertaining to read.......2007-05-24
Having just survived a merger of two companies, I was searching to find the right words to explain the differences in cultures I was experiencing. Although this book focuses on national cultures, I found the explanations of the dimensions of culture and how they manifest themselves in different behaviors appropriate for corporate situations. The last few chapters deal explicitly with corporate culture, but I found these chapters less insightful than the others. The book is very well written and organized, with tables summarizing key concepts and entertaining anecdotes to illustrate the points. Because I've traveled internationally for business, I was familiar with other works on culture, but none were as helpful as this book. I now have the vocabulary to articulate the differences I see.
Monumental Book Well Worth the Read.......2007-03-06
The father and son team of Geert and Geert Jan Hofstede have done a remarkable job breaking down the (measurable) elements of the world's cultures, usingt the somewhat antiquated IBM studies combined with more recent (less comprehensive) studies. The end result is that nations can be evaulauted on the basis of criteria such as "uncertainty avoidance," "individualism" and "power distance from superiors."
The work is enlightening and helpful to anyone who works internationally. It is also useful to break down one's own nation (for example, some Americans lean toward the British way of thinking while others are more German-like). The same criteria that divide nations also divide families within a society.
Businessmen, missionaries, pastors, counselors, journalists, and social scientists should devour these materials!
This should be required reading for anyone planning to live overseas or anyone who deals with internationals. In short, this book is relevant to our modern "shrinking" world and quite well done.
Like most significant works, this volume has its weak points.
Although the authors claim to espouse a "values neutral" position (which I have always argued is an impossible and illogical position), their Dutch/Swedish preferences ring out loudly and clearly (humanistic, environmnetalist, etc.). Although the authors do make a serious attempt to look at things from other perspectives, they simply cannot divorce themselves from their own cultural preferances. This is not bad -- they simply need to be above board and stop pretending to take the role of the neutral outsider (at least to better influence those of us who are American conservatives; we are big into distinguishing between fact and evaluation of fact; these evaluations are always done through a person's own personal gridwork).
The authors also have occasional trouble connecting a few dots. For example, on the bottom of p. 355, the Hofstedes are tactfully scolding the U.S. for its lack of foreign aid (again, showing their own bias), but on the top of p. 356 they add, "Looking back to half a century of development assistance, most observers agree that the effectiveness of much of the spending has been dismal." They then say those countries which did improve did so because of their cultural values, not foreign aid. But they seem incapable of concluding that good intentions (and even money) is not the most effective way to solve these problems. They just don't get it.
The same is true with contributions through governments to Tsunami relief. It should be expected that individualistic countries would be more prone to give as individuals, not as collective societies. Rather than look at total giving (or perecentage) OF A SOCIETY, they authors confuse a society with its government. Lots of missed "dot connections" in this work.
Despite the books weakspots, it is overwhelming strong and rich with fascinating content. It is a "mind opening" work -- well worth the read. You simply must read this one!
Pioneering work.......2006-04-24
This is a pioneering book, which provides a generalist approach to dealing with cross-cultural issues with many excellent examples. Hofstede was one of the first to bring the study of how culture affects human interaction in the field of business. The quantifying approach is very similar to what cultural anthropologists use. As with all pioneering works there is some criticism about conflict resolution as other reviewers have pointed out. Another central criticisms of this model has been that nation state and culture are always presumed to be the same. Local culture does not follow political boundaries. Globalization has also changed some of the observations initially made by Hofstede.
Some readers might be tempted to think of people in simple categories or stereotypes, which is precisely what Hofstede counsels that we should attempt to avoid. Cultures and organizations gives good insights on how "Groupthink" controls our lives and how we could improve interaction.
Hofstede's tools for understanding different national cultures are widely used by cross-cultural trainers all over the world and taught in many fields.
This is a good book for international managers and students of culture. HR-practitioners working in multicultural organizations might find this a bit theoretical but nonetheless useful for understanding underlying causes for human behaviour.
Customer Reviews:
It Resonates with Great Cases and Great Examples.......2006-11-02
This new edition of Marketing Across Cultures resonates with the great cases and great examples. It's a great stand-alone book for an international marketing course or even a supplimental text for a capstone strategy course. Not only does it gives a 'marketing immersion' but it also gives a 'cultural immersion' to undergrads or MBA students who don't have much out-of-country experience. The authors definitely walk their talk in terms of their professional experiences in the US and abroad.
excellent text for teaching and student research.......2005-08-17
One of the few marketing texts that discusses in detail the complexities of international and cross-cultural marketing. Thought-provoking. The case studies are interesting and unique, great material for class discussions and debates! A real resource for Master's level courses in marketing and international business. It's good for required reading or as a secondary text, to support a more step-by-step marketing text. The writing is sometimes a bit long-winded and not too easy to read, which is why I didn't give the book five stars.
Recommended reading for active international marketers.......1998-10-10
Our staff includes this publication in our selected list of international trade publications that we recommend to our clients. It presents a clear picture of the many factors involved in marketing products, ideas and concepts in foreign countries. A good reference to keep within reach when planning to introduce a new product or service overseas. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute.
Product Description
Based upon 17 years of ongoing research involving more than 40,000 people from over 25 cultures, extensively field-tested, and adopted internationally by Fortune 500 companies, Human Dynamics? is a developmental system that demystifies the complexities of how people function and interact with one another. Human Dynamics presents a powerful framework for understanding the distinct ways in which we process information, learn, communicate, relate with one another, manifest stress, maintain well-being, and develop as human beings. At the heart of Human Dynamics are the three universal principles we all share in different capacities--mental, emotional, and physical--fundamental threads that cross culture, age, race, and gender to unify us all. As we learn to appreciate our commonalities and differences, we can use our unique gifts and apply new understanding to enrich our relationships, heighten "collective intelligence", communicate more effectively, work together more productively, enhance creativity, optimize team learning, and strengthen organizational performance. Actual accounts from major companies including Intel Corporation, Intermountain Healthcare System, and London Life Insurance Company document how Human Dynamics can optimize business relationships, organizational learning, teamwork, and communication.
Customer Reviews:
A Proper Examination and Explanation of Human Action.......2001-01-24
If you have found most personality tests insignificant, unhelpful, or unrevealing, then perhaps this book is for you. Human Dynamics goes into much more depth and provides a greater understanding of human communication and actions than any simple personality test. While people can be placed into certain "dynamics," these dynamics are not nearly as restraining or stereotypical as personality tests tend to be. Rather than explaining one's personality, dynamics explain how groups of people tend to process information, not necessarily how aggressive, passive, or "likeable" they are. This book helped me in terms of personal discovery, and has also helped me understand why it always seemed that so many people "just never seemed to think like me."
Great book.......2000-07-09
Models to describe human personality are presented. Each model has it unique characteristics, its strengths and weaknesses. Each model will respond most effectively to certain modes of communications. This understanding of the different models presented will help a manager, a teacher, a student or just about anybody to understand themselves and people around them better. This will enable better communication of ideas and thoughts. Students will learn better and managers will be able to communicate more effectively with individuals. The models can be taken up to an organizational level. The applications of this book are far and wide. It is also simply and clearly written.
improving teamwork in your organisation,family & community.......1998-11-06
the first time that I have found an approach which looks at humans holistically and systemically. It is not a group of personality characteristics describing superficial behaviours, but a way of understanding and recognising internal processes particular to various human dynamics. It therefore goes much deeper than any other personality assessment technique I have seen and because of this can not be reduced to a paper and pencil test. However, the gift this approach brings is that it can be taught to everyday people and can provide access to better relationships and a greater understanding of how to release our judgement of others. A truly life changing book.
A most complete study of human diversity........1998-08-24
It is obvious that Dr. Seagal has worked extremely hard to confirm her research since 1979. Her style of writing is clear, concise and void of jargon. I found the content easy to absorb, understand and apply. Just the heightend awarness of how diverse we are has made a significant difference in how I work and related to people. I can see some real possibilities for applying in a business context.
A most complete study of human diversity........1998-08-14
It is obvious that Dr. Seagal has worked extremely hard to confirm her research since 1979. Her style of writing is clear, concise and void of jargon. I found the content easy to absorb, understand and apply. Just the heightened awarness of how diverse we are has made a significant difference in how I work and relate to people. I can understand why this work is being applied internationally, especially in business and education.
Book Description
As featured in the New York Times and Reader's Digest "An eye-opener into the pitfalls awaiting the unaware traveler." -Washington Post "Can save the innocent abroad from great gobs of serious trouble." -Chicago Tribune Before you raise your hand to signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitchhike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, Stop! Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say-otherwise you could create an international incident. Remember when President Bush thought he was flashing the "V" for Victory sign to cheering Australians? (See inside.) Exploring the ins and outs of body language from head to toe, this newly revised and expanded edition of Roger Axtell's indispensable guide takes you all around the world of gestures-what they mean, how to use them, and when to avoid them. This latest edition includes:
* Updates about the 200 most popular gestures and signals-and dozens of new examples
* New sections covering special gestures-from American Sign Language and tai chi to flirting and kissing
* Information to guide you through gestures country by country-from Switzerland to Japan, Nigeria to the Netherlands
* Amusing anecdotes and helpful hypothetical scenarios
Customer Reviews:
Covers everything you will need to know about gestures.......2007-04-08
Well, I was really blown away by this book, which seems to cover more things than I could have conceived! Well written, easy to understand, numerous drawings for us visual people so we have no doubt about what is being discussed, and a sense of humor too.
Although the book is over 200 pages in length, it was a quick read because of the easy format and interesting history behind why we do what we do when it comes to gesturing.
And for me, it brought back memories of places I have traveled to, and customs encountered. For instance, in India when the people you are talking to want you to know that they agree with you or that they are listening to you, they bob/nod their head quickly back and forth, left to right. At first you think they are indicating "no" or disagreeing with you. Had I bought the book before that trip, I wouldn't have been so confused!
Highly recommend this to anyone who travels a lot or for someone who just has an interest in customs around the world.
Strong Tips Here.......2004-11-28
Axtell vividly shows how common sense is NOT enough to get you through all social or business situations around the world. Travelers ignore Axtell at their own peril.
Interesting.......2004-01-27
This book is good to read in general terms as it attempted to explain the gestures from all around the world. Sometimes, it's amusing to read & at times, I would be loss for words as what I thought was the right things to do in certain countries is actually considered as rude or obscene. Perhaps, it's the kind of book that you can read in the plane or just as a matter of interest. The presentation is rather text book-ish with bullet points, occasional pictures to ease readers' boredom, something like a PowerPoint presentation. I guess that denotes the writer's background being a prominent guest speaker.
Useful, interesting and funny.......2001-11-20
This is a nice book. If you are going to travel abroad or you meet foreign people, you would like to know what these people understand from your body language. Of course, the book also gives you good material for chatting with friends from anywhere (including your own coutry).
Don't expect the book to tell you what a gesture means in every part of the world or to show you every gesture used in some part of the world. The book of course doesn't do such a hard task, though it tries: it explains you the gestures that are generalized (or most common) in a country. However, be always aware that there are exceptions and gestures you should know and are not included in the book.
Below are some questions you'll answer reading the book. In some cases the book gives you also the explanation about the gesture (what it comes from).
Where should you avoid the "OK sign"?
Where should a man enter before a woman?
Why Latin people get closer to you when talking?
How should you bow in Japan?
"Thumbs up!"(U.S.).......2001-11-04
Very helpful, amusing,well-organized, and no unnecessary information. For our diverse society, this is good to have on hand. connie338 shipped the book right away, too. Thanks!
Book Description
"This is an important and excellent book for every negotiator." -The Negotiator Magazine
The premier guidebook for conducting cross-cultural business
Doing Business Internationally, Second Edition, is a nontechnical, accessible resource for managing today's multicultural organizations. Revised, restructured, and refocused from its classic first edition, it introduces the revolutionary Cultural Orientations Inventory (COI), a unique and valuable tool for identifying critical skills gaps and practicing style-switching, potentially increasing effectiveness and improving performance.
This fully updated edition revisits the first edition's groundbreaking strategies and techniques, plus presents new tools developed in conjunction with Harvard University, Columbia University, AT&T, and other leading universities and corporations.
- Concentrates on team building, executive development, problem solving, and other essential activities
- Features management and negotiation tips for global leaders
- Provides in-depth analyses of six key global regions
Customer Reviews:
Excellent book for learning more about managing multicultural organisations........2006-08-28
This is an excellent book for learning more about managing multicultural organisations. Already in its second edition after being first published in 1995, it has improved. The COM or Cultural Orientation Model integrates all the cultural dimensions of famous authors Hofstede, Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars, Stewart and Bennett/Rhinesmith, Kluckhohn and Strondtbeck/Hall and Edwart Hall into a cartwheel.
Though the authors are very much pro-convergence (even claiming in Chapter 1 that Global harmonization of consumer buying preferences will dominate certain industry-goods and services-sectors.) as to Globalization they manage to build up a comprehensive argument about the high role of culture in the process of organizational globalization.
Busy international managers could find the approach of breaking the complexities of cultural differences into value orientations a bit theoretical in the absence of case examples and critical incidents. There are some good case studies in chapter 4:A Survey of Cultural Patterns but there are too few of them in the whole book. In fact more of these would have helped in getting a vital point accross that cultural boundaries are not national boundaries. For people involved in designing performance management systems and strategic planning in multicultural organisations this book is highly recommended reading. HR-practitioners in multicultural organizations would also benefit from reading this book.
Which type is to become a global manager?.......2001-01-22
Recently I wrote a book about multinational management published in 1968. After finishing this book, I realized that the conflicts between multicultural and multinational difference are stands still under the similar managerial circumstance, though we are living in the digital-dominated world. So I studied this book compared with its' phenomenon as described in "International Management". Keeping a flexible communication skill in multinational-cultural is the key factor to achieve meaningful outcome. For this, the open-minded, instructive and far-sighted personality required first. When they acknowledged difference not wrong each other, they can start to talk about what they want for negotiation, next proceed to persuade or yield a little. This means the more internationalized people there as a matchmaker, the more the company benefited from them. Then how to get Mr. Right for global manager? They all born naturally? Or trained? Both are all right. Person who has got global brain with digital management skill (as Mr. Bill Gatz called) must appeal to adapt extreme change and more action to cope with international risky problem. They could continue to get or lose by trial and error and learned what's the best, step by step and case by case. There are no standard learning system to teach them. That's not the lost rather than investment for human resources for each company ultimately. If you are would-be-global manager or second-rate reginal manager or have a dream of international manager, read this book and write down and analyze what's your strong/weak point more carefully. Then take into action to the first-rate global manager. If anyone who is in a top-management read, they can set effective multinational goal to come and get. How about students or average person? Of course, they will be fine.
Valuable guide to building a successful worldwide company........1998-10-11
This book should be on the desk of every marketing and human resources manager involved in foreign trade. It is not only for larger companies that have already built a global sales network. It is also for beginners who should consider these cross-cultural factors BEFORE they start selling their goods and services in overseas markets. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute.
Book Description
In an increasingly diverse workplace, it's more important and challenging than ever to communicate well. We must build bridges that cross our differences to connect our similarities. The Art of Connecting reveals five core principles and presents corresponding, specific strategies for overcoming communications barriers and connecting effectively with anyone, regardless of professional, generational, ethnic, cultural, or other differences.
The authors also explain how the most skillful connectors are able to shift perspectives-to see a situation from three points of view: "me," "you," and "them." All of the principles and strategies are brought to life through absorbing examples and scenarios, plus engaging descriptions of "masters of connection"--like famed National Public Radio interviewer Terry Gross--doing what they do.
There is always a bridge. The Art of Connecting shows how to find it--every time.
Customer Reviews:
The Art of Connecting.......2007-07-17
I think more and more people in business (and life in general) are realizing that people are not exactly like them. Simply put, we live in a global community where not everyone looks, sounds, or acts the same. In addition to obvious physical differences, we also have different interests, values, and goals. Thus, to be successful in business (and in life) one needs to understand, get along with, and ultimately connect with people that are different from him or herself.
The Art of Connecting takes the difficulty out of connecting with anyone. The key is not to pour over Chinese history books for two weeks before that meeting in Beijing. Nor is it to be friendly and aloof because you are unsure of how to act. The secret is merely realizing that we all are individuals (we are all our own culture as the book states). Watching, listening, and trying to find common ground with each person as an individual is much more likely to allow you to overcome overt differences, build rapport, and communicate effectively.
Exceptional Resource connecting Concepts and Practices.......2007-02-14
The Art of Connecting is a well written book that combines concepts and ideas with useful tools for connecting. The book has a wealth of applications with great examples from Terry Gross' "Fresh Air," The Steckels Milestones Project, and Hector Orci's work with clients. The book moves from Core Principles to chapters like Pathways to Connections, Points of View and Working with Groups.
The appendix offers some valuable exercises that I was able to immediately share with students when teaching and learning about inclusiveness and listening to other voices. It concludes with an assessment tool to consider your own effectiveness in connecting.
An exceptional resource for connecting concepts and ideas with practical applications.
Clear instructions for establishing rapport in a diverse business climate.......2006-10-31
After studying people who have a great ability to connect with others, authors Claire Raines and Lara Ewing analyzed what you need to do to become a "people person." They present easy-to-follow guidelines. The most crucial tip is that you can find a point of similarity with anyone, no matter how different he or she seems from you, if you believe you can make a connection. First, learn to listen carefully and, then, once you uncover that similarity, you can build on it to communicate. Raines and Ewing fill their book with anecdotes from actual experience, and lots of ideas for fostering communication and overcoming differences. We recommend this manual to managers of diverse groups and others who want to learn to resolve conflicts.
A Must Read for my Clients.......2006-08-24
As a consultant who works with leaders from the profit and not for profit sectors I am recommending The Art of Connecting to all of my clients. It gives clear examples and easy to follow "tips and traps" for working through differences ranging from class, age, gender, disabilities and race. In today's crazy world being able to build rapport and communicate effectively are essential skills for successful people.
universally valuable.......2006-06-16
I have been a professional communicator for over 20 years and I was sincerely impressed by the practical usefulness of this book. I strongly recommend it to any one who manages a company or sees the value of influencing, motivating or simply connecting with others. Because I see our workplace and culture becoming less homogenized, it is increasingly important that we gain the skills outlined in this book regardless of whether we are interacting with customers, co-workers or those who are in different socio-economic positions both in the work environment and in the world at large. Ewing and Raines have done a wonderful job and this book would be a valuable addition to anyone's personal library.
Book Description
Richard Lewis provides a truly global and practical guide to working and communicating across cultures, with penetrating insights into how different business cultures accord status, structure their organizations, and view their role of leaders.
Customer Reviews:
Everybody is foreign to somebody but we can all work together.......2006-10-24
If you're managing a project outside of your cultural home country, this book is worthwhile reading, or at least skimming (as I did) to get ideas on how to work more effectively with your "foreign" partners. If nothing else, it'll remind you that for them, you're the foreign person. Also good to remember that even if you yourself immigrated, your cultural outlook is likely still from your country of birth, especially if you lived there through adulthood and first job.
The first half of the book covers different concepts (e.g. time, communication, life outlook) for a variety of countries. The second half is an encyclopedia of short chapters on different specific countries.
While being expert at working in another culture comes only with time, it's certainly worth reading parts of this book (the general chapters plus a specific country's chapter) before your first working meeting on a multi-cultural project.
Excellent.......2005-07-30
This is an excellent book. From its marketing, I thought that "When Cultures Collide: Managing Successfully Across Cultures" pertained specifically to dealing with people of different nationalities in the business place. And indeed, it is a most useful book for that purpose. However, I was struck by how much one could apply Lewis' analyses to other situations, for example, dealing with people of other nationalities on a social level. Indeed, I have many aquaintances, and some close friends, from diverse backgrounds, and this book sometimes occupies us for entire evenings, discussing our experiences with one another. The chapter on Hungarians I found particularly accurate, and entertaining. I believe that Lewis would have enjoyed hearing some of these discussions (and arguments). My point is: don't dismiss this book thinking it is a businessman's tool. It's a good read for anybody who encounters people of other nationalities and cultures, irrespective of the context.
Essential reading before working internationally.......2005-05-27
At times this book veers on being discriminatory, shallow, stereotypical and arbitrary. For instance, what has Mr Lewis got against the Finns to focus on them mercilessly? Is it really useful to paint these simple caricatures of whole nations, with all their diversity and increasing multi-ethnicity?
Well, in a word, Yes. Yes, if you are suddenly faced with having to do business with people from other nations. I cannot praise highly enough how this book, in both its current and previous editions, enabled me to come to terms with the challenges of working across cultural divides. It has come to my rescue on no end of occasions, helping me adapt my expectations and be open to differences. The style is light without being shallow, and it can be dipped into as easily as it can be read cover to cover.
And it was particularly useful when I suddenly found myself responsible for a department in Finland!
Highly Recommended!.......2001-03-15
Richard D. Lewis, an expert on cross-cultural and language training who has tutored clients from Swedish corporate executives to the Japanese Imperial Family, discusses the need to consider cross-cultural differences in managing any company in today's global world. He suggests a broad model you can use to characterize different national characteristics as linear-active, multi-active, and reactive. These traits shape attitudes toward time, leadership, team building, and affect a range of organizational behaviors. Lewis includes brief national profiles you can refer to when doing business away from home. This in-depth book covers common patterns in different cultures, and offers many examples of how different groups act under different situations. We at getAbstract recommend this book to top executives, managers and anyone who works in a multicultural business environment, as well as to general readers with a yen for informed people watching.
The most helpful book I have seen on the subject!.......1999-09-01
Richard Lewis is a speaker of 12 languages and herein lie some clues to his understanding of intercultural communication.His book avoids the complex academic distinctions seen elsewhere and concentrates on practical understanding of each nation's "collective programming". It has helped me to understand how to deal and work with people of other nations with much increased effectiveness. Lewis explains why there are differences, and how we should approach them, using many simple diagrams and patterns. A must for anyone interacting internationally, or indeed with different ethnic groups within their own country.
Book Description
The text demonstrates how the theory, methods, and insights of cultural anthropology can influence, in a positive way, the conduct of international business operations, be they negotiating, managing, or marketing.
KEY TOPICS: It explores (1) such general concepts as culture, ethnocentrism, and culture change; (2) the nature of the communication process, both linguistic and nonverbal communication; (3) a typology of value contrasts that can be applied anywhere in the world to help diagnose potential breakdowns in business communication; (4) a number of ways of collecting relevant culture-specific data on any of the hundreds of different national cultures of the world; and (5) a set of valuable skills and competencies that are vital for becoming a world class business person.
MARKET: For cross-cultural trainers and human resources personnel.
Customer Reviews:
Cultural Dimension of International Business, The (5th Edition).......2005-10-05
I was very pleased with the books and the price. Thanks
Lots of information - pretty boring approach.......2003-04-10
I bought this for my MBA program and found this book having good contents but the approach is not good.... I would have done the layout much differently to make it more interesting.....
I had to read this book and so read it..... not greatly impressed.
Cultural Dimensions of Ferraro.......2000-08-08
Throughout this book Ferraro takes on the idea of being a theoretical observer of different characteristics that the typical North Amercian has in comparison to the rest of the world. He takes these dfferences and applies them usefully to the area of International Buisness. The book goes through many different catagories including language, communication (verbal and non-verbal), precise time reckoning, and even culture shock. As a student, I found this book to be very insubstantial for a textbook, but I believe that it would be a wonderful starting point for buisness people of any age to read before doing any international buisness realtions. I wish I had read this book before I went and lived in Europe for 5 months, I think I would have been able to communicate a little more easily.
Book Description
This book prepares today's business people to compete and manage domestic and international diversity in an increasingly multinational business arena. Unique in the market, it uses research involving three Delphi panels of experts' perceptions of the importance of the topics covered as the basis for its contents. The authors have traveled or worked in a number of countries, therefore producing a work of firsthand knowledge of the topics covered.
Topics comprehensively covered include: cultural shock; language, oral, and non-verbal communication patterns; written communication patterns; global etiquette; business and social customs; intercultural negotiation process and strategies; and laws affecting international business and travel.
A good reference work for anyone who works internationally.
Customer Reviews:
super.......2007-03-08
Thanks a lot, we are very happy to have this book in our library!
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