Life and Business Across

Cultures
Some Personal Experiences

The Launch

Wonderful New Life!

1 year later

International Consulting Company

Acquired local company in Singapore
Build on existing customer base
Use of existing talent pool

Considerable investment
Purchase
Expat management team
PR

One year later

Nearly all former staff and customers left!
Internal politics rife

Pulled out of Singapore - < 3 years

NOT a gift!
Bigger size
Bigger voice
Bigger ego
we need an ang moh who speaks his
mind
Ang moh = red hair = westerner

Commit!
Create clear timeframes for re-evaluation
Dont keep reviewing beforehand
Not sure Im going to stand it here!

Dont keep comparing with home!

It annoys the locals!
the service is so bad here!

Dont keep running home for help

Make it work with what is available
please send me .
you will use our process now!

Objectives set & monitor

E.g. retain 80% of local staff after 1 year
All staff to be upgraded to new methods
1yr
Staff satisfaction survey x%
Speak chinese within 2 years
Have >50% of friends from local

Study the Local Culture

Language
Motivation
Respect
Ethics
Tradition

Language
Same language = DANGER!
Different use of same words
Local words understand /use
Lah v lor!
Accents

Yes/ok may not be yes/ok

Some cultures never use no!

More correct use of your language

Double negative
India!

Motivation
Recognition v money v time
Rewarded with more work?
Job titles

Bonus v personal time

E.g. $ / car / travel

Appraisals
Priority work!

Long term v short term

Respect
Introductions
Priority
Seating
Business cards

Punctuality
Japan at least 15 mins before!

Women
Introductions
Familiarity

Public and senior figures

E.g. royalty

Ethics
Work hours
Longer, plus expected overtime
Holidays shorter, override
Standby always!

Confrontation /Emotion
Emotive language/behaviour
Silence
Non-aggressive
Non-apologetic

Face!

Modesty
Trust different expectations

Traditions
Extremely deep-rooted
Superstitions & practices
Sometimes no good reason
Feng shui

Festivals must be honoured in full

Gifts
May have other meanings
Flowers

Manage Relationships
Treat all as equal
Develop all to potential

Share viewpoints & values

Recognise & respect all festivals
Initiate team activities
But interesting ones!
Persist they may not join in at first.

Communication
Clearly say what you mean
Avoid slang, jargon, ah!
Confirm understanding

Consider the status of others

Are they nodding at anything?

Watch body language for doubts

Be careful of jokes (esp exam)

Leadership
Clearly state and enforce values
Recognise different motivators
Be sensitive with feedback
Handle conflicts fairly
Based on goals, values, etc
Explain why

Ten Years On

Wonderful New Life every day!

One Useful Tip

ENFP

INTJ