Learn key strategies for executives to succeed while navigating new business cultures abroad and avoid common cultural pitfalls.

Investir em treinamento intercultural é importantíssimo. Por mais que informações estejam à disposição na internet, o diferencial está em falar com especialistas em cultura, pessoas que estudam e trabalham com interculturalidade, para que seja desenvolvida essa competência no viajante, e, consequentemente, a melhora nas relações.

Last updated on Oct 29, 2024

You're navigating a new business culture abroad. What mistakes should you steer clear of?

Venturing into a new country to do business can be as thrilling as it is challenging. The excitement of fresh opportunities is often tempered by the need to adapt to a different business culture. To thrive, you must be aware of common missteps that can hinder your success. Understanding these pitfalls is critical for any professional looking to make a positive and lasting impact in a foreign business environment.

1 Cultural Norms

When you're working abroad, respecting local cultural norms is paramount. It's easy to inadvertently offend your colleagues or business partners by ignoring social etiquettes that might seem trivial from your perspective but are taken seriously in the new culture. For instance, the concept of saving face is crucial in many Asian cultures, and direct confrontation or criticism in a group setting can be seen as deeply disrespectful. It's essential to take the time to learn about these nuances and demonstrate your respect through your actions and communication style.

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Danyel Andre Margarido

Global Mobility and Expatriates | Global Mobility @Suzano | Co-Founder of Altiore Experience | Columnist @MigraMundo | Global Mobility Content Creator | BRTALKS Commitee member
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Investir em treinamento intercultural é importantíssimo. Por mais que informações estejam à disposição na internet, o diferencial está em falar com especialistas em cultura, pessoas que estudam e trabalham com interculturalidade, para que seja desenvolvida essa competência no viajante, e, consequentemente, a melhora nas relações.

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Olivier Cane

founder of TFA Group (Riviera University and The French Academy)
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Respecting local cultural norm can be a challenge especially in countries with a melting pot of cultures such as Malaysia, where Indian, Chinese and Malay cultures will be topped up by religious beliefs of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Taoists... Never ever take something or someone for granted, stay humble and open minded, be ready to apologize if you offend a business partner and be patient always.

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2 Language Barriers

Language barriers can pose significant challenges when working internationally. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes in negotiations, contracts, and daily interactions. Even if you're fluent in the local language, idiomatic expressions and professional jargon may be unfamiliar. To avoid miscommunication, it's wise to double-check translations, learn key phrases in the local language, and use clear, simple language when discussing complex topics. Additionally, being patient and open to learning from language-related mistakes can help build rapport with your colleagues.

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Olivier Cane

founder of TFA Group (Riviera University and The French Academy)
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There s a saying for business : buy in your own language but sell in the customer's language. This truly applies here, even a few words in the local language will make a difference. Mingle with locals, explore the country, the town, your district, avoid staying with expats in order to be successful and to learn the country's culture.

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3 Time Management

Understanding and adapting to the local pace of business is critical when working abroad. What might be considered a lack of urgency in one culture could be seen as respectful deliberation in another. For example, while you might be accustomed to fast decision-making and tight deadlines, your new environment may value thorough discussion and consensus before proceeding. Respecting these differences in time management and adjusting your expectations will help you navigate the business landscape more effectively and avoid frustration.

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4 Relationship Building

Building relationships is often a cornerstone of business success, and this is especially true abroad. In many cultures, personal trust is a prerequisite for professional dealings. Rushing straight to business without taking the time to develop a rapport can be a faux pas. Take the time to engage in small talk, attend social events, and show genuine interest in your colleagues' lives outside of work. These efforts can pave the way for smoother negotiations and stronger partnerships.

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Caroline Bradshaw

Director at Y-Axis | Over 20 Years of Leadership in Global Immigration and Education Services
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Building strong relationships is crucial for business success, especially abroad where personal trust often precedes professional dealings. In many cultures, diving straight into business without establishing a personal rapport can be seen as inappropriate. To navigate this, invest time in small talk, participate in social events, and show genuine interest in the lives of your colleagues outside of work. These efforts help build a foundation of trust, smoothing the path for negotiations and fostering lasting partnerships.

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5 Legal Nuances

Every country has its own set of laws and regulations governing business practices. Failing to understand these legal nuances can lead to serious consequences, from fines to damaged relationships. Before engaging in any business activity, make sure you're familiar with the local legal environment. This includes labor laws, tax regulations, and any industry-specific legislation. Consulting with a local legal expert can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the complexities of doing business in a foreign legal system.

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Olivier Cane

founder of TFA Group (Riviera University and The French Academy)
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There are globally 2 approaches to law in business, the English approach, which base its decisions on previous courts decisions in similar cases, and the Latin countries approach, which refers mainly to a code of law (example, in France the Labor code has more than 3000 articles, so whatever you omit to state in a job contract still can be referred by looking at the labor code). Once you understand which approach has embraced the country you are working with, it will already help you apprehend the local legal system

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6 Adapt and Learn

Finally, maintaining an attitude of humility and willingness to learn is crucial when working abroad. Cultural faux pas are bound to happen, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your behavior as needed. Remember that each mistake is an opportunity to learn more about the local culture and improve your approach. Embrace the learning curve, and you'll find yourself becoming more adept at navigating the new business environment.

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Daniel Z.
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Cultural Norms: Research local etiquette: Learn about customs like greetings, gift-giving, and dining etiquette. For example, in many Asian cultures, it's considered rude to refuse a gift. Avoid cultural faux pas: Be mindful of gestures or behaviors that might be offensive in the local culture. For instance, in some countries, pointing with your index finger is considered rude. Respect religious and cultural sensitivities: Be aware of any religious or cultural taboos that may affect your interactions. For example, in some Islamic countries, it's important to avoid discussing sensitive topics like religion or politics.

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You're navigating a new business culture abroad. What mistakes should you steer clear of?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Cultural Norms

2 Language Barriers

3 Time Management

4 Relationship Building

5 Legal Nuances

6 Adapt and Learn

Working Abroad

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You're navigating a new business culture abroad. What mistakes should you steer clear of?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Cultural Norms

2 Language Barriers

3 Time Management

4 Relationship Building

5 Legal Nuances

6 Adapt and Learn

Working Abroad

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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