In business, it is important to understand the cultural differences that affect the way business is conducted between people from various countries. In order to make sure not to offend or misinterpret clients or partners, cultural sensitivity is critical. The World Business Culture website outlines the ins and outs of 39 countries from a business culture standpoint and can be a valuable tool when dealing with unfamiliar environments. Below is a sampling of some of the more important similarities and differences between the ways German companies tend to operate compared with American companies.
Check out these "top ten" German Culture rules. For more rules, go here.
Top Ten Business Culture Rules:
- Companies tend to be run by technical experts rather than lawyers and accountants.
- Companies tend to have a strictly hierarchical approach within which individuals' specific roles and responsibilities are tightly defined and compartmentalized.
- This results in what appears to be a distant and cold demeanor.
- People are expected to contribute to the debate when discussions touch their area of expertise.
- The greatest amount of respect is due to the person with the greatest depth of technical merit. Therefore, education is highly prized.
- Relationships between bosses and subordinates tend to appear somewhat formal.
- Direct speaking is seen in Germany as a sign of respect and a fundamental in the search for the correct answer.
- Fact is the important issue and personal emotions should not deflect the truth from being spoken.
- The perceived arrogance is more a misinterpretation of direct speech.
- Instructions need to be clear, precise and above all unambiguous.
By Anthony Thornton, Intern Extraordinaire.
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