Customs are behaviors generally expected in specific situations and are established, socially acceptable ways of behaving in given circumstances. Customs vary not only by country but also by regions or locations within a country. For example, in the United States, customs differ along north-south lines and urban-rural lines. In addition, religious backgrounds and ethnic identities account for differences in customs.
Chapter 10: The increasing globalization of industries has necessitated an increase in strategic alliances and hence intercultural negotiations. Intercultural negotiations involve discussions of common and conflicting interests between persons of different cultural backgrounds who work to reach an agreement of mutual benefit. How competent and competitive forms are both domestically and internationally and how they handle customers and vendors from other cultures will determine how successful a firm is internationally. Some of the reasons global joint ventures and strategic alliances are on the increase include economic deregulation, rapid technological changes, large capital requirements, government-supported industries, economic maturation, and improved communications.
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Objective:
After completing this module you will be able to:
Describe the role that dress and appearance play in interacting with persons form other countries.
Explain the importance of knowing about the customs associated with holidays and holy days of the country in which you are traveling or conducting business.
Compare and contrast two closely related positions for similarities and differences in how work is accomplished based on cultural issues.
Explain the importance of knowing about the male/female relationship roles and workplace equality to successful intercultural communication.
Explain the intercultural negotiation process.
Describe the steps in the negotiation process.
Describe mistakes commonly made in intercultural negotiations.
Dress and appearance play an important role in cross-cultural interactions. In some cultures, what you wear can be seen as a reflection of your social status, religious beliefs, or political views. In other cultures, dress and appearance may be more relaxed, but it is still important to be respectful of local customs.
Here are some tips for dressing appropriately when interacting with persons from other countries:
For example, in some countries, it is considered disrespectful to show too much skin. In other countries, it is considered disrespectful to wear shorts or skirts that are too short. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences and to dress accordingly.
Holidays and Holy Days
In addition to dress and appearance, it is also important to be aware of the customs associated with holidays and holy days in the country you are visiting. In some cultures, certain holidays are more important than others. For example, in some countries, Christmas is a major holiday, while in others, it is not celebrated at all.
Here are some tips for understanding the customs associated with holidays and holy days in other countries:
For example, in some countries, it is considered disrespectful to work or travel during certain holidays. In other countries, it is considered disrespectful to eat certain foods or to drink certain beverages during certain holidays. It is important to be aware of these cultural differences and to behave accordingly.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can show respect for the cultures of other countries and avoid offending anyone. This will help you to have a more enjoyable and rewarding travel experience.
Here are some additional tips for interacting with persons from other countries:
By following these tips, you can have a more positive and productive interaction with persons from other countries