How does Culture make or break international M&A?

In today’s global economy more people are paying attention to the impact of culture on the international business environment.

"Guanxi" (pronounced (jwan-see) is one of the most powerful forces in Chinese culture.

Though the direct translation of "guanxi" is "relationships", the concept as it is used and applied in Chinese culture is much richer and encompassing.

Status exists in all societies but varies in fundamental ways.

Did you know there are cross cultural differences in the way people perceive status, gain status and react to status?

Having a poor understanding of the influence of cross cultural differences in areas such as management, PR, advertising and negotiations can lead to cultural blunders with potentially damaging consequences.

It is crucial for today's business personnel to understand the impact of cross cultural differences on business, trade and internal company organisation.

"Education is the mother of leadership." Wendell Willkie

With the march of globalisation and internationalisation growing louder and stronger, few successful businesses can now escape the need to work across cultures.

The role of a manager is evolving in response to the needs of companies operating on the international stage.

The complexities of globalisation and international systems require today's manager to adapt in order to offer modern solutions to modern problems.

'The art of communication is the language of leadership' James Humes

Today's businesses are complex entities. However, one fundamental principle of success remains constant - the need for communication.

Many people ask, "What is culture?" 

How can it be defined? What analogies can be used to describe it?

We live in an increasingly complex world.

One element of this complexity is the mixing of different cultures, languages and faiths.

Working across cultures is a new experience for many people. 

Intercultural communication can be a dynamic and creative affair but occasionally due to the inability to interpret people correctly it can be a challenge.

'Culture shock' is used to describe the emotional rollercoaster that someone experiences when living in a new country.

Anyone that has worked and lived in a foreign country will experience culture shock of some sort.

Businesses who ignore cultural and language differences, do so at their peril! 

In this article, we'll explore some real life examples of the reasons why cultural sensitivity is so important and the damage caused when businesses ignoture culture.

"Understand the differences; act on the commonalities." - Andrew Masondo, African National Congress

The nature of our workplaces has changed.

Globalisation, internationalisation and trans-border trade are all terms that have been coined over the past decade(s) to reflect the reality of international trade.

Although international trade has long been in operation, the scale, frequency and speed at which it is conducted today is incomparable.

Cultural differences have a long and rich history of ruining marketing campaigns!

Although a little cruel, cross cultural marketing fails are a humorous means of understanding the impact poor cultural awareness can have when selling or working abroad.

Looking for examples of cultural blunders when companies have ventured abroad?

Then you are in the right place!

Do you want some advice on giving presentations abroad or to multicultural audiences?

Then you are in exactly the right place!

Are you involved in negotiations with people from other countries and cultures?

Do you sometimes get confused with the negotiation process?

At this moment in time, the increase in cross border human traffic has meant that companies are no longer dealing with a homogenous native community from which they recruit their staff.

Companies are now facing cross cultural challenges in how they recruit, manage and develop a multi-cultural staff base.

How does culture impact the world of advertising?

Well, as with any sector, it's definetly not immune to it.