Das Feller-Forum » e made when dealing with diverse cultures in one mee

Of the many areas in international business where cultural differences manifest is in the corporate meeting room. International meetings are an area where differences in cultural values Wholesale Dru Samia Jersey , etiquette, interpretations of professional conduct and corporate rules are at their most visible and challenging to control.


In international business meetings, cultural differences between professionals can and do clash. Although it can not always be avoided, the negative effects of cultural differences can be minimised with careful and effective planning Wholesale Alexander Mattison Jersey , organisation and consideration prior to meetings.


Culture influences what we do, say, think and believe. Culture is different in different countries and contexts. In the context of international business it affects how people approach, perceive and contribute towards meetings. A few examples include:


Time


Not all cultures live by the clock. Time orientated cultures such as the British or Germans will have strict approaches to how meetings run. The start time Wholesale Irv Smith Jr. Jersey , finishing time and all the different stages in between will be planned carefully. Other cultures will see the start time as an approximation, the finish time as non-fixed and all the different stages in between as flexible.


Hierarchy


The hierarchical nature of a culture can have a massive impact on the input given by participants in an international meeting. For those from hierarchical cultures speaking one's mind, criticising ideas, disagreeing openly Wholesale Garrett Bradbury Jersey , giving feedback and reporting problems in front of the boss or manager are all areas they would feel uncomfortable with. To offer a criticism of the manager's idea would be seen as a loss of face for both the manager and the criticiser.


The Purpose of Meetings


After a few pleasantries in the meeting room, the common term in the West is, 'let's get down to business?. Western meetings generally run to a tight schedule with an organised, pre-planned agenda. Meetings are for business. On the other hand Cheap Jalyn Holmes Jersey , different cultures see the meeting as the arena for building personal relationships and strengthening bonds. Getting down to business comes further down the priority list.


When chairing an international business meeting it is always advisable to bear in mind the attendees? cultures and backgrounds. Is it a very varied group or do the majority of participants have cultural similarities? Think about their approaches to meetings. How have they acted in meetings before? Can you identify the cultural reason why?


Following are some guidelines that may assist you when approaching cultural diversity in your next international business meeting.


Meeting Etiquette and Mannerisms


In highly diverse international companies, one can find participants in a meeting from the four corners of the globe. Each will have their own cultural etiquettes, gestures, mannerisms and ways of expression. Shouting Cheap Brian O'Neill Jersey , throwing hands around and even storming out of meetings are all possibilities. In such a company it may be advisable to provide inter-cultural awareness training to staff to minimise misunderstandings. Where differences are not as acute it may be up to you as the chair to understand how certain etiquettes, gestures and general meeting room tactics may be perceived and how you can minimise any adverse impact.


Expectations of Meetings


Prior to the meeting make it clear what the purpose of the meeting will be. What is the goal of the meeting? Why are you asking each attendant? What do expect from them? Contact the participants and discuss the meeting and what you require of each person. If ready, send them the agenda. If it is a brainstorming meeting then maybe ask each participant to bring at least three suggestions with them. If it is a meeting bringing together different areas within a company, let each attendant know what people would like to hear about from them. Once a framework is in place people will know where they fit into the picture.


Take a Relaxed Approach to Meetings


Many people find business meetings daunting. This may be a combination of stage fright Cheap Daniel Carlson Jersey , sitting in front of the boss and feeling inferior to colleagues. This will lead to anxiety, tension, nervousness and general discomfort. Try introducing subtle differences to a meeting to put people at ease. Ice breakers offer a good tension release at the beginning of a meeting. Warm ups offer a similar benefit. Try using an alternative setting instead of the meeting room. Consider changes in the lighting or ambience.


Group Sizes in Meetings


In short, small groups will work more effectively in meetings. Smaller groups offer increased security and allow for greater participation. In international business meetings Cheap Mike Hughes Jersey , using smaller groups can be used in two ways.


First, prior to a large international business meeting identify who will be coming and what they can contribute. Will the meeting cover different topics? Will it require input from different business areas? If you are organised enough you can initiate some smaller meetings where you group participants who are comfortable with one another or who share expertise in the same area. Ask the groups to take their conclusions to the next, larger, meeting. Participants there will now feel comfortable with their contributions and ideas.


Second Cheap Jaleel Johnson Jersey , if the company culture allows, break your meeting up into smaller groups where feedback and open discussion may flow more easily. Then ask a delegated head of each group to summarise their findings. This may allow those who would not normally speak out in front of larger groups to get their views across.


Multi-Cultural Meetings


A major mistake made when dealing with diverse cultures in one meeting room is to suggest that those of similar backgrounds work, group or be seated together. Rather than allow for greater fluency in the meeting this will have the opposite affect. Once cosy in their cultu When traveling to . Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NHL Jerseys Cheap NCAA Jerseys Online [url=https: