10 February 2021 Wednesday
Meeting Management Guide for Executives
Flexibility is not only a business feature, but also a feature that employees are expected to have. International companies need flexible managers in working, living and traveling. Executives who are flexible, knowledgeable, have high cultural awareness, adapt quickly and have understanding can be ahead in the business world. Below are a few things a manager should consider when meeting with people from other cultures:
Meet: It is important to avoid too much intimacy in acquaintances and to use titles such as "doctor" and "mr" in addressing. First names should only be started when allowed and it is important to be careful not to use abbreviations (for example, Cathy instead of Catherine) at first.
Personal Distance: Culture determines the proper distance between two people. In Latin America, the affinity between people is high and embrace between men and men is common. Similarly, Middle Eastern countries see proximity as important. However, close proximity may not be preferred in Far Eastern countries.
Religious Values: Your customs may not comply with the religious values of the other party; it is important to be careful about this. For example, the former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright kissed devout Israeli and Palestinian leaders on the cheeks and this behavior was frequently brought up. Therefore, it should be known how the situations will be perceived in different religions.
Business cards: In Asia, the business card is considered as an extension of the individual. In Japan, business cards are often exchanged with both hands extended, bowing, and the written face facing the recipient. You should not quickly throw the cards in your wallet or purse, but leave them on the table th (John J. Wild, 2017)roughout the meeting. In some such societies, personal business cards may be important.
Humor: Humor should be used with caution, because in the counterculture, its translation is often not the same. It is important to avoid jokes based on puns and events that local residents may have little or no knowledge of.
Body Language: Sitting comfortably or staying stiff at meetings can create a negative environment. Avoiding looking into people's eyes can be perceived as unreliable, but looking in a defiant and intense way can also leave a bad impression. Attention should be paid to such use of body language.
Managers representing international businesses may have many things to consider. The above are just a few of them. Therefore, in order to be successful in international business activities, it is important to be a flexible manager at the same time to be aware of cultural difference.
Source:
John J. Wild, K. L. (2017). Uluslararası İşletmecilik: Küreselleşmenin Zorlukları (8.Baskıdan Çeviri). (Çev. Arı G.S.). Ankara: Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Çağlar KARAKURT
Research Assistant
Istanbul Gelisim University
Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Department of International Trade and Business
