Abstract The paper relates that in order for the CEO to succeed in Sealwrap's global expansion, he would need to understand what common culturalbarriers other companies have experienced, and what policies and processes to implement in order to avoid such hurdles. The paper then examines how Parasoft, a Monrovia-based corporation headed by CEO Adam Kolawa, experienced and overcame the culturalbarriers to the company's global expansion. The paper explains the reasons why people may not appreciate the cultural point of view of others and points out that most issues arise from assuming that our own practices are followed everywhere else.
From the Paper "With many companies expanding abroad, more and more issues have been noted to surface in regards to offshore and global expansion. As CEO of Sealwrap -a producer of plastics in the United States- Jerry is considering such an expansion for his company. Of the potential hurdles that exist in global expansion, one primary concern of Jerry's is the potential cultural barriers that expanding abroad may present. At first glance, this concern that Jerry has appears deceptively minor. However, in conducting research on other companies that have made this global shift, like Sealwrap, it becomes evident that several have indeed failed because of different cultural point of views."
Abstract An examination of the culturalbarriers that exist when people travel abroad and how Americans are specifically sensitive to anything "non-American" when touring. This paper includes useful websites and hints the traveler should explore before embarking on his travels in order to avoid culture shocks. The paper brings an example of a South American group of students wishing to study in an exchange program.
From the Paper "But, while business travel and vacation trips may be relatively brief, increasing numbers of both businesspeople and students are taking advantage of study- or work-abroad programs and moving into radically different cultures not as temporary tourists, but as semi-permanent residents for weeks, months, or even years at a time. This propensity for packing up and "seeing the world," together with an increased overall global consciousness, is commendable-but it's also not without its own share of hazards which are above and beyond the normal challenges of everyday life in one's native country. "
Abstract This paper identifies the main barriers to intercultural communication and suggests how barriers might be overcome in order to be an effective international manager. It identifies the main barriers as including misperception, misinterpretation, and misevaluation.
From the Paper "There are certain barriers to intercultural communication. More specifically there are barriers to effective intercultural communication that prevent people from communicating effectively. Learning what these barriers are and how to overcome them will make individuals better communicators and will make international managers far more effective..."
Tags: intercultural communication, effective international manager, misperception, misinterpretation, misevaluation, overcoming barriers misperception cultural accommodation stereotyping, subconscious cultural binders, lack of cultural self-awareness, projecte
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that social networking through such sites as MySpace and Facebook has become a popular and spreading interest in the United States. Such online contexts for community and group orientation and networking have originated in the U.S. and have generated remarkable success and innovative application there. The writer looks at how language barriers and cultural differences affect marketing efforts in different countries. The writer discusses that China is a market context where challenges are specific and dominant due both to the dramatic distinction between the Chinese language and Romantic or Latin-based tongues and due to China's isolated and distinctly defined cultural nature. The writer then discusses an approach to introducing a product like the iPod to Egypt, a country that is somewhat modernized but still characterized by many of the cultural distinctions of its region.
From the Paper "In both of these, we consider that there is a real and difficult obstruction for organizations seeking to establish a meaningful identity.
"In consideration of the example of Foster's beer, for one, we are given a narrative detailing a long and difficult process by which the Australian beer distributor was eventually able to penetrate the market. For Foster's, one of the biggest problems was its prior strategic dependence on its name and Australian identity, which are easily and charmingly conveyed in advertisement in America. In a non-English speaking market, this is a harder association to draw. "
Abstract This paper discusses ways of overcoming communication barriers at an inpatient geriatric mental health unit. It suggests that effective communication leads to enhanced inpatient care. The paper presents a workshop conducted by the education department of a hospital and discusses its worth and impact on inpatient care. The paper also presents the writer's observations made from his own personal experiences.
Table of Contents:
Period of Reflection
General Introduction
An Exercise:
Points to Ponder
Teaching Plan
Background
Introduction
Barriers to Effective Communication
Two Assessments as Bases for Workshop
The Psychiatric Unit and Communication
Perception
Multicultural and Trans-cultural Nursing
Issues and Problems on the Unit
Conclusion
Recommendations
Evaluation of Teaching
Usefulness of Design and Methods
Evaluation Outcome
Recommendations that Emerged from the Evaluation
From the Paper "Barriers to effective communication and deficiencies related to skills training are ultimately based in perception which then influences attitudes and approaches to patients. At the same time, those barriers do contain a positive aspect. It is from those barriers and lacks that opportunities and enhanced skills can be made possible. Virtually all barriers to communication can be addressed not only for staff but also for clients and their families through means of a communication skills workshop. Such workshops can be established specifically for caregivers and professionals as well clients. As a result of periodic workshop sessions, the geriatric psychiatric unit can become a safer and more comfortable setting for patients and staff."
Abstract This paper discusses how the current business environment is one of extreme competition and how cultural diversity is one area that is often described as a method of achieving competitive advantage especially with reduced trade barriers within the international market. It examines how having employees of different cultural backgrounds is an effective way of building these social and business networks since employees from different cultural backgrounds have an understanding of the other culture. It also shows how a culturally diverse workplace gives all employees the skills to communicate with any individual regardless of individual differences which increases the flexibility of the organization and enhances creativity within the organization.
From the Paper "With business becoming more international, organizations need to consider other countries and cultures. This could be simply to serve customers in other countries, to purchase supplies from other countries or to set up operations in other countries. A multicultural workforce means that employees are available that may represent the other culture. One article argues that cultural barriers are a major reason that companies do not pursue opportunities in other countries. The author argues that business and social networks that operate across national borders can overcome these barriers (Rauch 2001). Having employees of different cultural backgrounds is an effective way of building these social and business networks."
Abstract The paper shows how, although the establishment of a franchised operation in a foreign country can be challenging, a proper assessment of the situation assists in overcoming these challenges. The paper discusses the need for the franchiser, Chicago Style Pizza, to examine the culture, risks, business practices, price elasticity, product demand and trade barriers in the Czech Republic prior to opening the business. The paper refers to Geert Hofstede's four primary dimensions in regard to the Czech business environment.
From the Paper "The business industry is constantly evolving; therefore, changes are often necessary to further success. Determining possible solutions to the issues present within a company will assist with any required changes. Although everyday decisions can be challenging, the addition of cultural and foreign practices may increase these challenges.
"Steve Kafka, franchiser for Chicago Style Pizza, has achieved success in the United States; however, the decision has been made to further the franchise in Prague, Czech Republic. Prior to making the final determination to further the franchise, a proper assessment of the situation must be conducted. In addition to identifying the potential risks and barriers, cultural differences must also be examined."
Tags: price, elasticity, product, demand, trade, barriers, language
Abstract This paper discusses the human ability to communicate and cites recent research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life.
Outline:
Introduction
Communication Theory and Intercultural Communication
Communication Through Symbolism and Ritual
Complex Ideas and the Limits of Nonverbal Communication Across CulturalBarriers Conclusion
From the Paper "According to contemporary anthropologists and evolutionary biologists, the essential element of humanity that differentiates us from our nearest evolutionary cousins is our ability to communicate, and in particular, our ability to do so verbally. Some authorities believe that verbal communication is a natural result of our large cranial capacity while others suggest the reverse, characterizing the latter as one beneficial consequence of the former (Poole, et al 2007).
"In recent years, research into communication among other so-called "higher" forms of animal life has led to a different possible conclusion altogether, in that human communication may differ much more in degree than in kind from other mammals and from our closest Simian relatives. Despite the fact that human communication may
represent the pinnacle of intraspecies communication, whales, for just one example, may have equally complex varieties of sounds that lie much closer to human language than previously suspected.(Gerrig & Zimbardo 2005)."
Abstract This paper explores the meaning of stress and identifies the stressors within the Community General Hospital's radiology department. The paper discusses the stressful issues of management, cross-culturalbarriers and the leadership situation which damages teamwork. Next, solutions that utilize the effective use of management techniques, communication and motivation are explored. The paper concludes that, through these measures, differences will be best employed in an efficient manner, so as to reduce stress in the workplace and promote productivity instead.
Outline:
Introduction
The Importance of Studying Stress
The Stress Levels in Radiology at Community General Hospital
The Recommendation to Reduce Stress
Conclusion
From the Paper "The issue of stress is one which arises in nearly all situations, however to varying levels and degrees. In the workplace in particular stress is something which not only annoys and at times hurts the individual, but it likewise damages the company. In the radiology department at Community General Hospital, the levels of stress have reached the point where this is the reality, with the quality of work and operating atmosphere being harmed by the presence of stress. The interaction between employees, management, and the overall mission by which the department is led either create harmony, or discord. In the instance of Community General Hospital, the lack of synergy between these particular areas is inhibiting productivity, decreasing the quality of the overall work environment and also productivity."
Abstract Culture is a critical variable in career counseling and should enter into every part of the career counseling process. This paper explains that, in order to effectively utilize a valid frame of reference in which to place cultural variables, counselors need to be familiar with theories of acculturation, world-views, aspirations and expectations, societal barriers and intra-group socialization, and racial and ethnic identity development.The writer explains that it is clear that career counselors working with multi-cultural students must be trained in such a way as to ensure that they are completely sensitive to and well-versed in matching individual students to the appropriate work environment. It discusses how career counseling is a process occurring between two or more individuals and designed to help students reach a career decision. It concludes that, in order to be effective as a career counselor with racial and ethnic minority students, counselors must become skilled in cross-cultural counseling.
From the Paper "Good career counseling always takes place within a cultural context, which is true regardless of ethnicity. Current theoretical models may not be adequate to explain the career behavior of racial and ethnic minorities. Vocational assessment has to be culturally sensitive, and only culturally appropriate tools should be used in vocational assessment. The goal of career counseling is to help clients make career choices that are culturally appropriate, rather than to try to have all clients make the same choices. Today, with the changes in the balance of ethnic representations in the United States, and a greater recognition of the changing needs of racial and ethnic minority members, it is generally agreed that counselors must be competent to work with a diverse population and effectively deliver vocational counseling services to racial and ethnic minorities."
Abstract This paper describes the need, in today's global environment, for managing diversity and bridging cultural differences and explains that that need is best met by integrating cultural audits into the human resources department. The paper explains that the objective of a cultural audit is to provide an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the work-force and that a growing need for cultural audits exist, particularly, in the United States.
From the Paper "The objectives of a cultural audit are to "determine...'climate', establish how the current status (of a department) aligns with its vision, provide a planning tool, (and) provide a baseline for future comparisons." More than an assessment, of course, cultural audits tend to define (and possibly remove or lower) barriers due to cultural, gender, ethnic, or language differences (to cite only a few). Cultural audits, therefore, are established to enhance the work environment, to understand the needs, the similarities and differences, the ease or difficulty of working together. If cross-civilizational issues do present barriers, the cultural audit should be able to pin-point problem areas which can then be addressed."
Identifies barriers that are both expected and unexpected when small to medium size businesses go through transitional periods as well as the impact such barriers had on future development of the firm.
Abstract The paper discusses a proposal for investigating the expected barriers to entrepreneurship in small to medium businesses experiencing transition. The paper introduces the topic of business transition, either internal or external, and briefly discusses the need for such research. The paper then develops a set of research objectives that will answer the overriding questions of barriers to growth and opportunity during and following transition in SMEs. Next, the paper reviews pertinent literature that discusses the issues at hand, develops a methodology for researching the question, discusses the ethics of such research, details expected outcomes and finally discusses the implications of such a research study.
Outline:
Abstract
Objectives
Review of Literature
Method
Ethics
Expected Outcomes
Implications of Study
From the Paper "One type of organization that works well in and SME situation is a "flat organization model" where members of the team have real authority to make changes when they are needed. (Sanchez & Heene, 1997, p.21) For all intents and purpose the transition to a flat organizational model may be the most significant transition associated with a business change, and comes with all the proceeding barriers and alterations of scope. Flat organization models have been favored in the most recent past, as those which empower employees to seek excellence in production and create team systems that offer better production and possibly better innovative systems, as hierarchical models tend not to allow those with hands on experience the opportunity to elicit change, possibly in a manner that would increase production, as a result of the skill set of the individual low level members of the team."
Abstract The following paper will explore a U.S. product or service that is extensively traded internationally. The paper will analyze whether the product has a comparative advantage and why. The paper will also assess what trade barriers exist and why, and the impact that the trade barriers have on the product. Further analysis will be conducted as to the percentage of U.S. trade that is involved in the product or service; and the United States' current account surplus or deficit in the produce or service.
Abstract This paper states the cultural preferences of Japanese businesses and explains how the American business person can overcome the culturalbarriers and penetrate the Japanese market to claim a portion of success.
Abstract This paper reviews Steven Spielberg's movie 'The Terminal', discussing the movie's focus on one man that has entered the United States to put the past of his father at peace. The paper reports that the main character soon discovers that his country has undergone a civil war while he was en route to the United States and the powers that have overtaken his country have now abolished its existence. Airport authorities, therefore, refuse to honor his visa and confine him to the airport terminal. The paper further discusses the apparent cultural differences and language barriers between the main character and the airport employees.
