The increasing globalization of industries has necessitated an increase in strategic alliances

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.

Sample Solution

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:

  • Do your research. Before you travel, take some time to research the dress code in the country you are visiting. This information can be found online, in travel guides, or by talking to people who have been there before.
  • Be respectful. Even if you don’t understand the cultural significance of a particular dress code, it is still important to be respectful of it. If you are unsure about what to wear, err on the side of caution and dress more conservatively.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a religious setting, be sure to dress appropriately. This may mean covering your head or shoulders, or wearing long pants or skirts.
  • Be flexible. Dress codes can vary depending on the occasion. If you are attending a formal event, you will need to dress more formally. If you are just going out for a casual day, you can dress more relaxed.

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:

  • Do your research. Before you travel, take some time to research the holidays and holy days in the country you are visiting. This information can be found online, in travel guides, or by talking to people who have been there before.
  • Be respectful. If you are visiting a country during a holiday or holy day, be sure to be respectful of the local customs. This may mean avoiding certain activities, such as eating or drinking in public, or dressing in a certain way.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you are in a religious setting, be sure to be respectful of the religious customs. This may mean removing your shoes, covering your head, or not talking loudly.
  • Be flexible. Customs can vary depending on the region. If you are visiting a country with a diverse population, be sure to be flexible and respectful of the customs of the region you are visiting.

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:

  • Be open-minded and respectful. Remember that you are visiting a different culture, and that there may be things that you don’t understand. Be open to learning about the local customs and traditions, and be respectful of the people you meet.
  • Be aware of your own cultural biases. We all have our own cultural biases, and it’s important to be aware of them when interacting with people from other cultures. Try to be objective and avoid making assumptions about people based on their culture.
  • Be a good listener. One of the best ways to learn about another culture is to listen to people from that culture. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in what they have to say.
  • Be patient. It may take some time to adjust to a new culture. Be patient with yourself and with the people you meet.

By following these tips, you can have a more positive and productive interaction with persons from other countries

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