Learn how cultural differences might be impacting your working relationships and gain the skills and knowledge to overcome these challenges.
By Sue Bryant
23rd April 2019
The makeup of the workplace today is very different to that of the past in terms of gender, ethnicity, attitude and behavior. The older generation can be credited with ushering in diversity. But what diversity actually means has changed – and will most likely continue to evolve as the last baby boomers retire and Generation Z enters the workforce….
By Sue Bryant
15th April 2019
The USA and India are such vast and populous countries that drawing comparisons between the two can put you in danger of making sweeping generalisations. A young, ambitious, educated tech entrepreneur from New Delhi may have much in common with his or her equivalent in Silicon Valley – certainly a lot more than a coconut farmer from Kerala would with a factory worker from Detroit. There are, however, enough deep-seated traits in each culture that make comparison a useful tool for smoothing the path of business….
By Terence Brake
7th April 2019
Always remember stereotypes might not match the reality. In business this mistake can lead to missed business opportunities….
By Sue Bryant
3rd April 2019
Shaking hands may seem like a perfectly normal way to greet a business contact. Not necessarily, though. What happens if the other person doesnt offer their hand? Or if youre a woman in a conservative Muslim culture? Or if your counterpart greets you with a bow? Heres a quick guide to five situations in which a little business etiquette understanding of different greetings around the world can go a long way….
By Sue Bryant
25th March 2019
According to the International Labour Organisation, Americans work longer hours than any other developed country – 137 more hours per year than Japanese workers, 260 more hours per year than British workers and 499 more hours per year than French workers. The saying ‘Time is money’ may be a cliché, but it’s no joke. So how do you make a good impression in a country where everything seems to be done in a rush? Here are our top 12 tips.
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By Sue Bryant
21st March 2019
Cultural appropriation is a hot topic in the news nowadays. When aspects of another culture, generally a minority one, are taken and used by celebrities for image-building, or by companies to generate profit, giving nothing back to that culture, or using objects or designs in the wrong context, it’s hardly surprising that concerns are raised.
There’s a difference, of course, between cultural appropriation and celebration of culture. If we were only to dress, eat, read and listen to music representative of our own culture, life would be very bland. But in today’s ultra-sensitive climate, in business and socially, what represents a step too far – and how can you steer clear of a cultural faux pas?…
By Patti McCarthy
20th March 2019
Currently 1 in 2 expatriate assignments are terminated early because the employee or their family aren’t happy. What makes the difference between success and failure as an expat? In my experience the happiest expats follow these habits. …
By Sue Bryant
10th March 2019
Hong Kong: Bridging the gap Fast paced, busy Hong Kong is the bridge between China and the West. Yet doing business here is not quite the same as it is on the mainland – and at the same time, not as ‘westernized’ as you might think. Hong Kong Chinese are inherently different from those in […]…
By Sue Bryant
6th March 2019
Talking politics among friends is one thing. But what should you do in a business situation? More to the point, in a cross-cultural business situation?…
By Laura Geaves
4th March 2019
Cultural appropriation is a hot topic in the news nowadays. When aspects of another culture, generally a minority one, are taken and used by celebrities for image-building, or by companies to generate profit, giving nothing back to that culture, or using objects or designs in the wrong context, it’s hardly surprising that concerns are raised.
There’s a difference, of course, between cultural appropriation and celebration of culture. If we were only to dress, eat, read and listen to music representative of our own culture, life would be very bland. But in today’s ultra-sensitive climate, in business and socially, what represents a step too far – and how can you steer clear of a cultural faux pas?…
