OLEAD 410: Leadership in a Global Context

Cultural Leadership blog

Archives for November 2017

Babel’s chaos or diversity?

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The European Union allows its members to adopt a different level of integration, that is tailored to their national preferences. The mixture of cultures and languages demonstrates a paradox unity in diversity. Since WW II, over 30 million workers have arrived in Western, and Northern Europe and the foreign-born population is reached 33 million (Moran, Abramson, Moran, & Harris, 2014). The international business environment often requires young professionals to speak multiple languages and be in comfortable in a multicultural workforce. However, even in a globalized world, Manchester’s tail is unique.
Manchester is the second most popular urban area in the United Kingdom.

Signs of the times: Manchester is the most multilingual city in the country, with official figures and policy thus far largely underrepresenting the phenomenon Gabriel Szabo/ Guzelian; Alamy

“According to the study’s findings – which will be unveiled this week –there are up to 200 languages spoken in the city at any one time which, given its population size of 480,000, makes it the most linguistically dense and diverse conurbation in Western Europe, if not the world” (Brown, 2013).

This uniqueness demonstrates a Babel effect that was triggered by rapid globalization and economic migration. Many jobs offer to search for candidates with Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Indonesian, and rare language skills like Urdu or Tamil.

“In the UK, 86 percent of people born in Nigeria say that English is their main language, but logically a lot of them must speak languages other than English which is significant in their lives” (Brown, 2013).

Manchester is a “poster child” of the globalized multilingual world next to New York, London, and Paris.

 

References

Google (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Manchester, UK/@53.472225,-2.2935023,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x487a4d4c5226f5db:0xd9be143804fe6baa!8m2!3d53.4807593!4d-2.2426305

Brown, J. (2013, August 13). 200 languages: Manchester revealed as most linguistically diverse city in western Europe. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/200-languages-manchester-revealed-as-most-linguistically-diverse-city-in-western-europe-8760225.html

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., Moran, S. V., & Harris, P. R. (2014). Managing cultural differences. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Italy- It’s a Family Thing

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Many businesses in Italy are family-owned.  This fact makes doing business in Italy difficult.  Business owners are normally the patriarch of the family and lack management skills.  They desire to maintain control over their business which limits their ability to globalize (Moran, et al, p.492).  Italians specifically network to advance friends and family in their workplaces.  It is important for foreigners wishing to do business in Italy to understand and use these connections to their advantage. As a stereotypical belief of foreigners, the mafia “family” does exist in the southern part of Italy/ Sicily and contributes to the chaotic region.  This focus in not flattering to Italy which offers intersting business opportunities.

A consideraable amount of time needs to be invested in understanding the leadership hierarchy therefore, a considerable amount of management time is spent networking, maintaining or improving business relationships with the real decision makers (la gazetta, 2011).

Because of the SME’s (small management family-owned enterprises), it is important to not have unrealistic expectations of the same business norms shared by American business leaders.  Most Italian business owners will not make decisions in the presence of the foreigner nor will they acknowledge the need for a formal business plan as being useful.

In spite of these roadblocks to doing business in Italy, there are still many opportunities to do business in Italy in such areas as  life sciences, information and communication technologies, renewable energies, high quality consumer goods, high tech design and engineering products. (la gazetta, 2011).

References:

Abramson, N. R., Moran, R. T., & Harris, P. R. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences(9th ed.). London: Routledge.

Capuano, M. (n.d.). Challenges of Doing Business in Italy. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from https://www.lagazzettaitaliana.com/region-of-italy/7661-challenges-of-doing-business-in-italy

Spain and Catalonia

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Spain and Catalonia: a tale older than the 17th century separatist movement that has long influenced Spanish affairs. Catalonia is an autonomous community that occupies a triangular area in the northeastern corner of Spain and has been a part of Spain since the 15th Century (Rodriguez).

Catalonia has made itself independently wealthy and has developed the most successful industries in Spain. Some of this industry includes tourism, textiles, and agriculture. Before the Spanish Civil War, Catalonia enjoyed its autonomy, but under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco from 1939-1975, this autonomy was suppressed (Catalonia Referendum). Under Franco’s rule, the Catalan language was banned, as well as Catalan institutions, such as the Government of Catalonia being abolished (Pretus). A few years after Franco’s death, under the 1978 Constitution, Catalonia’s autonomy was restored.

In 2006 Catalonia was acknowledged as a “nation” and granted more power and influence, but Spain’s Constitutional Court reversed much of this 2006 power in a following 2010 decision. The regional authorities of Catalonia were angered by this (Catalonia Referendum). Much of this happened around the time of economic crisis in Spain.

A few major issues call for a change in the dynamic between Spain and Catalonia. I’ll point out two that came up in conversation during my month in Spain and Catalonia this year: One being the diversity that exists. Acknowledging the diverse and sacred cultural practice and identities that exist in Catalonia as being wholly independent of those in Spain is important to the culture that has sustained itself throughout the centuries. Second, Catalonia’s financial contributions to Spain and the lack of return Catalonia sees on their taxes and financial success. Catalonia is a huge contributor to Spain’s wealth as the industry is much stronger in Catalonia, even the unemployment rate is a few points lower than Spain. The influence Catalonia has is slim and their autonomy is even slimmer, while they are a major part of the success of Spain. Many Catalonian’s feel they are taking care of Spain while Spain and the politicians in Madrid are not returning the favor.

It is important to acknowledge the cultural implications of diversity and the need to maintain identity and pass it on. The cultural values of any community vary, and Spain and Catalonia experience many differences in their cultural practices and values that need to be considered and honored. Additionally, the financial success of Catalonia has consistently been of great benefit to Spain. Catalonian’s want to see themselves represented in economics and government as they contribute greatly to the economy and many feel underrepresented and ignored.

 

 

References:

Catalonia referendum: Does the region want to leave Spain? (2017, October 28). Retrieved November 9, 2017, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29478415

Pretus, N. H. (2017, October 01). How Spain Misunderstood the Catalan Independence Movement. Retrieved November 10, 2017, from https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/10/catalan-referendum-spain-independence/541656/

Rodriguez, V. (2017, November 08). Catalonia. Retrieved November 10, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Catalonia

Working In Western Europe

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For my blog this week I wanted to give some insight and my wife and I experiences during our time in Germany. I was stationed in Germany from 2003 to 2006. In that time I was working at the North Atlantic Treat Organization Headquarters and my wife worked for a german owned bank. We both had a great experience to be able to work not only with germans, but many nationalities. For me, it was due to NATO and the 26 countries that belong to it and her, because the culturally rounded community near the base.

I will start first with myself and how I enjoyed the time in NATO. One of the things that I was most worried about was having leadership from another country and the possibility that culturally they may be completely different. What I came to understand is that there are many differences in culture and daily life but work seemed to be very similar (My experience). I had a few great managers that had leadership skills and ideas that reminded me of many of my prior bosses, one of which was from northern Ireland. He was a “lead by example” kind of guy, which was what I was use to. There were some differences in the military mentality for a few people that I worked with. Things like, uniform and person hygiene (hair length and shaving for the most part) were not taken as serious as the americans.

My wife had some different experiences and thoughts on her time at the bank. While talking about it this evening, she stated that she had never had as much training for any position as the one at the bank. They sent her on a week long training retreat when she was originally hired for the basics of banking. Then, each different position that she moved into, the company would send her on a couple day retreat for those specific job skills. She had never and has never experienced such detailed and training driven company. The only problem that she frequently came across was the directness of the Area Manager (German national). She was not a passive aggressive leader, she was a direct and to the point type of leader. This was something that could be a culturally normal way of leading or it might just have been her personality.

So, all in all, the time in Europe and Germany specifically was a great experience at our places of work. I can say that culture had very little boundaries in our situations and work environments.

 

The picture is just a picture of us during that time. 

Two Weeks Notice

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No, I am not referring to the film with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant.  I am referring to the two weeks Mr. Michael Barnier has given the United Kingdom to either determine their key issues for Brexit talks or make concessions.  Two weeks sounds a little harsh and demanding if you think about it but from Mr. Barnier’s side he just wants to develop a plan for Ireland.  He wants to be as prepared as possible when the European Council meeting takes place in December.

So what does this actually mean? Has there actually been any progress made?  The overall answer is yes, progress has been made regarding this particular situation between Britain and Ireland.  “The Brexit secretary insisted good progress was being made across the board, and that the negotiations had narrowed to a ‘few outstanding, albeit important, issues’” (BBC, 2017).  However, those important issues that have yet to be resolved have everything to do with borders and the citizens who would like to remain after Brexit as well as financials owed.

Financials owed has everything to do with being a member of the European Union (EU) and now leaving.  The EU is not looking for a specific number to be determined in this December meeting however they would like a little clarity on what Britain would be willing to pay.  I mean, they were a member and technically they still need to pay their dues – it only seems fair, right?  This will be yet another topic of discussion in December.

Through all of this, the UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May, has been handling the pressure of deadlines, timetables, governing and decisions fairly well, especially when it comes to cultural synergy.  Cultural synergy “is a dynamic approach to managing cultural diversity in a variety of contexts” (Moran, Abramson & Moran, 2014).  Considering she is dealing with a mere 51.9% majority vote for Brexit when she originally was against it – I’d say she’s doing just fine.

With the pressure of these two weeks to make some major progress on huge decisions it seems as though the UK, the EU, and the rest of the world might know a little more about Brexit after the December meeting.  With that said, Prime Minister Theresa May is ready to give her two weeks’ notice to the EU a little early as she “announced she wanted the date the UK leaves the EU – 29 March 2019 – enshrined in law” (BBC, 2017).  This means business.

Resources

BBC News. (10 November 2017). Brexit Bill: Barnier gives UK two weeks to clarify key issues. Retrieved    from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41941414

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.).    Oxford: Routledge.

Do the French Really Hate Americans?

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There is a general stereotype in America that the French just do not care for Americans. Recently I read an interesting article about the eight biggest differences between American and French work attitudes and habits. The article lists the following (Lebowitz, 2017):

  1. Many American workers define themselves by their profession; most French workers don’t
  2. French coworkers don’t share personal information with coworkers right off the bat; Americans open up to new colleagues more quickly
  3. French workers take longer lunch breaks than American workers
  4. French workers see confrontation and debate as healthy; American workers generally shy away from conflict
  5. French workers take more vacation time than American workers
  6. French workers are more inclined to give direct negative feedback; American workers tend to sugarcoat it
  7. American workers drink coffee primarily to feel alert; French workers enjoy the taste and experience
  8. Meetings in France last longer and involve more discussion than meetings in the US

It is said that the French are casual about time and that people are frequently late and few think anything of it (Moral, et.al, 2016, p. 477). On the contrary, mainstream Americans look at time as money. Time is to be used, saved and spent (Moral, et.al, 2016, p. 554). The US is a low context culture while the French culture is high context. Low context cultures are very task oriented and follow rules and standards carefully as opposed to the French that have fewer rules and structure. From a communication standpoint, Americans would explicitly deliver a message whereas the French believe that unspoken communication is implicitly transferred through the exchange (Machlachlan, 2010).

Figure 1

It is also evident through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions that there are clear cultural differences between the two countries (Figure 1). The US scores higher on Individualism and lower on Power Distance.  Hofstede states that the French culture is one that accepts some degree of inequality. The US’ combination score between Individualism and Power Distance supports the US standpoint of “liberty and justice for all”, a premise for equal rights for all. The two biggest differences are in Uncertainty Avoidance and Long Term Orientation. In terms of Uncertainty Avoidance, US culture seems to be more open to new ideas and innovations whereas the French require structure and planning and are less open to surprises. Long Term Orientation differences indicate that France is more pragmatic than the US where individuals strive for quick results in the work place. (Hofstede)

So do the French really hate Americans? Or is it simply a question of different strokes for different folks? Sometimes a little bit of adjusting from each side goes a long way to mending cultural difference fences!

References:

Hofstede Insights: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/france,the-usa/

Lebowtiz, S. (August 1, 2017). 8 things that drive French people nuts about American offices — and vice versa. Business Insider. Retrieved on 11/10/17 from http://www.businessinsider.com/differences-between-french-american-work-culture-2017-7?r=UK&IR=T

Machlachlan, M. (February 12, 2010). Cross-Cultural Communication Styles: High and Low Context. Communicaid. Retrieved on 11/10/17 from https://www.communicaid.com/cross-cultural-training/blog/high-and-low-context/

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., Moran, (2014). Managing cultural differences. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Cultural Synergy in the Music Industry

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Recently, there have been many pop songs released by well-known artists that have integrated both English and Spanish lyrics. With this sudden increase and success of these bilingual songs, cultural synergy has begun to have a new role in an industry that is part of the lives of almost all individuals: the music industry.

Synergy is defined as “the synthesis of what each individual in the group has to offer” (Pennsylvania State University, 2017). However, synergy can also be applied to a larger scale of cultures. Cultural synergy occurs when two or more cultures effectively combine in order to reach a common goal. Cultural synergy can be observed in the recent explosion of pop music featuring both English and Spanish lyrics. These songs often feature the music style of common Spanish songs, and feature lyrics from both languages. Also, these songs have featured many well-known American music artists, such as Justin Bieber and Beyonce.

Cultural synergy is evident here because the strong attributes of both the Spanish and English cultures has been brought together in order to achieve the best possible outcome within the music industry. For example, an article by NBC News states “Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” Remix featuring Justin Bieber is currently the top song in the country” (Moll-Ramirez & Armas, 2017). “Despacito” is only the first song of many that came to follow that feature bilingual lyrics. This also makes the “Despacito” Remix the first predominantly Spanish language song to obtain the coveted spot on the Billboard Hot 100 since the “Macarena” in 1996″ (Moll-Ramirez & Armas, 2017). Other songs that have come to follow this bilingual trend include “Mi Gente” by J Balvin, Willy William, and Beyonce and “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias.

While “Despacito” may have started the feature of both English and Spanish lyrics in songs, it definitely was not the end, as there have been multiple billboard-topping bilingual songs that have seen success since its release. These songs are a perfect example of how cultural synergy occurs in a real-world setting. Although it may not be an organizational setting as many of us often picture cultural synergy occurring in, it is a great example of how both of the strong attributes (the likable style of Spanish music paired with big name American music artists)from each of the languages have combined to provide top results, thus showing how cultural synergy works at its best.

 

References:

Moll-Ramirez, V., & Armas, M. (2017, May 19). Despacito: The UnBeliebable explosion of a bilingual song. Retrieved November 11, 2017, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/despacito-unbeliebable-explosion-bilingual-song-n761681

Pennsylvania State University. (2017). OLEAD 410: “Lesson 6: Cultural Synergy.” Retrieved from: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1867265/modules/items/22824739

 

Brexit in Britain: Is Immigration to Blame?

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Around the world, countries have numerous problems, ranging from not enough food to a corrupt government. But recently a big upset in European nations has been in the increase in immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. The tensions in these countries cause many to want to escape their lives for the great potential in Europe. The European Union (EU), a group of 28 countries brought together with the promise of a more uniform, collective Europe, has some rules but generally lets the individual countries make their own decisions regarding immigrants (European Commission, 2016). Part of the EU has been the ability for free movement between EU countries, making it unnecessary to have a visa to live in other countries.

With the increased influx of immigrants, natives of European countries are looking to their leaders for guidance. In 2015, over 1 million immigrants entered Europe, over 80% of them from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan (BBC, 2016). Leaders like Angela Merkel stated publicly that she welcomed the immigrants to Germany, meanwhile, the people of Germany are holding rallies and demonstrations to oppose the large influx into the country (Yohannes, 2015). It’s not just refugees who are immigrating to Britain. In 2015, 630,000 foreign nationals immigrated to Britain (Office for National Statistics, 2016). This puts a stress on the infrastructure of the Island nation. With houses costing, on average, 12 times more than the average salary, British-born residents are being pushed out of their own country (Frum, 2016).

In a referendum on June 29, 2016, Britain voted with 51.9% in favor of leaving the EU (BBC, 2017). One of the main reasons for the Brexit (Britain-exit) from the EU is the British people’s unhappiness regarding the level of immigration into the country (BBC, 2017). Newly elected Prime Minister, Theresa May, who took the position of being pro-staying in the EU, has since changed her tune and accepts that leaving the EU is what the British people want, and so she will get behind them (BBC, 2017). A perfect example of a leader supporting her followers, and trying to create synergy amongst her people. The next steps will come in the 2 years of negotiations of the terms of Brexit, and whether the people of Britain see a decrease in immigration will soon be revealed.

 

References:

BBC (2016) Why is EU struggling with migrants and asylum?. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-24583286

BBC (2017) Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-32810887

European Commission (n.d.) Explaining the Rules. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/immigration/who-does-what/more-information/explaining-the-rules-why-are-there-eu-rules-and-national-rules_en

Frum, D. (2016) Why Britain Left. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/06/brexit-eu/488597/

Office for National Statistics (2016) Migration Statistics Quarterly Report: May 2016. Retrieved from https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/migrationstatisticsquarterlyreport/may2016#immigration-to-the-uk

Yohannes, M. (2015) Angela Merkel welcomes refugees to Germany despite rising anti-immigration movement. Retrieved from https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/sep/10/angela-merkel-welcomes-refugees-to-germany-despite/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese Business Etiquette

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A foreign executive shears “insiders secrets”

Much successful company shied out from the Japanese market. Doing business in Japan requires cultural intelligence, that refers ones ability to understand and be successful in the cross-cultural scene. Globalization affected our life, and the modern influences pushed binderies to a more relaxed and casual lifestyle.  Japan is changing. However, one of the secret weapons to break the Japanese corporate ice is formal politeness.

“Japanese business etiquette is not so different from good business etiquette elsewhere: after all, politeness, sensitivity to others, and good manners are the pillars of good business etiquette everywhere.” (Secret of, 2017)

Handling a business card is one of a key aspect of the blooming business relationship since it represents the company, the person, and the way business is conducted. Business cards are most have carried in a nice case, double-sided, and printed with the same elements in English and Japanese. It is recommended to wait until the Japanese representative initiates the card exchange. The card offered and received with both hands with the Japanese side facing forward. In the course of the meeting, the cards will be placed on the table and the highest rank person’s card on the top. The card is treated with respect, newer bend, or damaged with not.

The business attire is conservative. From October to April most businesspeople wear dark navy or gray suits with white shirt and tie. From May to September the colors are lighter, and man could wear a half-sleeve shirt. Some company may allow removing a tie in the summer other organizations’ dress code required to wear a tie to avoid embarrassment it is recommended to wear a tie in meetings. Clean appearance, cut hear, and shaved face is recommended. For women the rules are similar. Appearance should reflect a strong person, trouser or long skirt is appropriate with seasonal colors. Strong perfume, bride colors, jewelry, and high heels are not recommended.

Shoes should be removed entering a home or sitting area and to be changed to a provided slippers.

Japanese business meeting runs in a very organized way. Arrival is accepted 10 minutes before the meeting, 20 minutes if any senior executive will be present. The meeting needs to be confirmed before the 1-2 hours before the official meeting time. Japanese interpreter is necessary to translate the presentation. The presentation should be detailed and may print copies required.

Seating is also important, “don’t rush to the nearest available seat in the meeting room. There is a Japanese custom about which party sits on which physical side of the table (it depends on where the door is and supposedly dates back to the samurai era)” (Secret of, 2017).

“A properly prepared entry into Japanese business will generate substantial levels of revenue, profit, and all the glories that go with them.” (Secret of, 2017)

References

Secrets of Japanese business culture – Venture Japan. (2017, September 17). Retrieved November 04, 2017, from http://www.venturejapan.com/business-in-japan/doing-business-in-japan/secrets-of-japanese-business-culture/

Japan- My Perspective

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My unique perspective on Japanese culture is based on personal relationships.  You see, the photo in my post is my sister, niece, and Japanese brother-in-law.  My perspective on Japanese culture was shaped based on my sister’s account of living in Tokyo for her first 10 years post graduation teaching English to Japanese college students.  Her seemingly rock star status among her Japanese students couldn’t have been more welcoming or appreciated by her.  She was treated to concerts and other outings that acclimated her to her new home for the next 10 years.  The acquring of educational credentials are a high priority to the Japanese, and their desire to know this foreigner/ teacher with whom they were interacting was very important to her students.  As stated in the text, there is a formal politeness among them (Moran, et al, 2011).

My sister moved back to the US with her new husband and daughter after 10 years living in Tokyo.  As you can imagine, the transition for my brother-in-law was difficult.  Japanese culture is familial and it was difficult to leave his family.  His parents, sister and her family, and my brother-in-law shared a home.Though he had learned some English he wasn’t fluent and found it difficult to communicate.  He found himself in a new country he had never previously visited and a family to support.  Though language was somewhat of a barrier, he found employment quickly and soon became the best worker at his company.  His work performance was typical of Japanese workers being respectful of seniority, willing to learn all the jobs at their skill level, and  the desire for security and belonging (Moran, et al, 2011).  Also, in his generation Japanese workers were employed by the same company for the duration of their career (Moran, et al, 2011).  He has worked at the same company since his arrival 20 years ago.  The value of striking a work/ life balance, which the younger Japanese are beginning to understand the value of, is something my brother-in-law appreciates about living in the US (Moran, et al, 2011).

I am thankful for the opportunity to have learned about a different culture I otherwise don’t think I would have.  The Japanese prefer a “congenial, well-known surroundings, and seek an atmosphere of well focused energy and disciplined good cheer.” (Moran et al, 2011).  I am sure my relationship with him has influenced me in a positive way.

 

Reference:

Abramson, N. R., Moran, R. T., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences. London: Routledge.

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