The importance of prioritizing people

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In this module, you have learned about the importance of prioritizing people, whether it be employees, the local community, or customers. In this assignment, you will explore important considerations for culturally competent business practices, which can help strengthen and maintain relationships.

Scenario
You are a procurement manager working on training a new sourcing analyst. As part of their training, they will be traveling with you to meet with new and existing suppliers for specialized parts your company needs. This will allow your colleague first-hand experience and help them develop relationships with the business professionals they will be working with in the future.

You need to make sure that they are familiar with cultural business practices for the places you will be visiting so that existing business relationships remain strong and new relationships start off well. You have decided to create a brief guide that includes the cultural considerations they will need to be aware of while doing business.

Prompt
Use the Module Two Assignment Template Word Document to create a guide that provides a brief overview of culturally considerate business practices for three countries of your choosing that are outside of the United States. Use course and external resources (such as the Shapiro Library) to gather information on your selected countries and their cultural business practices.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

Authority Figures: Describe how figures of authority are treated and shown respect in each selected country, as well as actions or communications that may cause unintended offense.
Levels of Formality: Describe the level of formality that business professionals follow in each selected country. Examples are things like language, dress, or etiquette.
Social Norms: Identify common social norms that should be used in business in each selected country, as well as hand gestures and body language that should be avoided or that may cause unintended offense.
Time and Scheduling: Describe how the concepts of time and scheduling are treated in each selected country, as well as considerations for business-meeting etiquette that should be considered to avoid causing unintended offense.
Business Practices: Describe general business practices that should be taken into consideration when conducting business in the selected countries. Examples include meals, cultural holidays and events, and the use of formal contracts.

Sample Solution

Culturally Considerate Business Practices for Japan, China, and Germany

Authority Figures

  • Japan: In Japan, authority figures are treated with great respect. This is evident in the way that people bow to their superiors and the use of honorific titles. It is important to be aware of the hierarchy in Japanese society and to show deference to authority figures. Avoid speaking directly to authority figures or contradicting them.
  • China: In China, authority figures are also treated with great respect. This is evident in the way that people address their elders and superiors by their titles and the use of formal language. It is important to be aware of the hierarchy in Chinese society and to show respect to authority figures. Avoid speaking directly to authority figures or questioning their decisions.
  • Germany: In Germany, authority figures are treated with respect, but to a lesser degree than in Japan and China. Germans are more direct in their communication and may be more likely to challenge authority figures. However, it is still important to be respectful of authority figures and to avoid being too informal.

Levels of Formality

  • Japan: Japanese business culture is very formal. This is evident in the way that people dress, speak, and behave in business settings. It is important to dress professionally and to use formal language when conducting business in Japan. Avoid being too casual or informal in your interactions with Japanese business professionals.
  • China: Chinese business culture is also very formal. This is evident in the way that people dress, speak, and behave in business settings. It is important to dress professionally and to use formal language when conducting business in China. Avoid being too casual or informal in your interactions with Chinese business professionals.
  • Germany: German business culture is less formal than Japanese and Chinese business culture. However, it is still important to dress professionally and to be respectful in business settings. Germans appreciate direct communication and value efficiency. Avoid being too casual or informal in your interactions with German business professionals.

Social Norms

  • Japan: Japanese culture places a high value on harmony and politeness. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid causing offense. Be mindful of your body language and avoid making loud noises in public. It is also important to be on time for business meetings and appointments.
  • China: Chinese culture also places a high value on harmony and politeness. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid causing offense. Be mindful of your body language and avoid making loud noises in public. It is also important to be on time for business meetings and appointments.
  • Germany: German culture is more direct and efficient than Japanese and Chinese culture. Germans appreciate frankness and value open communication. However, it is still important to be polite and respectful in business settings. Avoid being too casual or informal in your interactions with German business professionals.

Time and Scheduling

  • Japan: Punctuality is very important in Japan. It is considered rude to be late for business meetings or appointments. If you are running late, be sure to call or email the other party as soon as possible.
  • China: Punctuality is also very important in China. However, it is not uncommon for business meetings to start late. If you are late for a business meeting in China, it is best to apologize profusely.
  • Germany: Punctuality is very important in Germany. It is considered rude to be late for business meetings or appointments. If you are running late, be sure to call or email the other party as soon as possible.

Business Practices

  • Japan: It is important to build relationships with Japanese business partners before doing business with them. This can be done through social events, such as golf or dinners. It is also important to be patient and to respect Japanese business culture.
  • China: It is also important to build relationships with Chinese business partners before doing business with them. This can be done through social events, such as banquets or karaoke. It is also important to be respectful of Chinese business culture and to avoid being too pushy.
  • Germany: Germans appreciate direct communication and value efficiency. It is important to be prepared for business meetings and to have a clear agenda. It is also important to be respectful of German business culture and to avoid being too informal.

Additional Considerations

  • Meals: It is common to be invited to business meals in Japan, China, and Germany. It is important to be polite and respectful during these meals. Avoid talking about business during the meal and enjoy the company of your hosts.
  • Cultural Holidays and Events: It is important to be aware of cultural holidays and events in the countries you are visiting. This will help you to avoid scheduling business meetings during these times.
  • Use of Formal Contracts: It is common to use formal contracts when conducting business in Japan, China, and Germany. It is important to have your contracts reviewed by an attorney before signing them.

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