Cultural misunderstandings are an inevitable phenomenon in businesses that work across, and within, different borders and societies. Tensions resulting from such factors can be reduced to a minimum, however, through cross-cultural awareness among negotiating parties and international teams.

There is no “golden formula” for managing these issues and especially not as “culture” is becoming a much more nuanced factor in the globalised economy. International businesses are not just dealing with national cultures, but increasingly with specific local communities. There is no doubt that cultural awareness and preparedness will become one of the most influential competitive advantages for companies entering new, and sometimes uncharted, markets. Understanding the cultures, habits, norms, behaviours and values in different countries is seen as a vital success factor in a new operation. Learning to manage diverse teams and work groups is, in turn, a constant challenge to multinationals in new environments.

Menas Associates' longstanding experience in diverse emerging markets is an asset that our network of consultants can help transfer to clients and their multinational teams. Depending on the cultures and business sectors involved, Menas Associates would put together the most competent team of experts to address all existing or potential cross-cultural issues and to contain any risks through the following services:

• Cross-cultural Consulting: Preparation of a tailor-made report detailing the core cross-cultural issues in a new market and in a specific sector. The report would also address general issues and present cross-cultural management tools and strategies
• Country-specific Cross-cultural Training: Such a programme would go beyond a discussion of etiquette and behaviours by uncovering the hidden layers of a society which may directly, or indirectly, affect business success in the target market
• Intercultural Teambuilding: A practical and interactive workshop examining societal differences and similarities, and finding intercultural strengths and tools for enhancing effective performance. During the programme participants will understand the strengths of individual and group dynamics, become more culturally aware and will learn skills that succeed in a cross-cultural environment
• Executive Intercultural Coaching: Executive coaching is provided on a one-on-one basis by observing executives in their workplace and helping them to improve their communication and management techniques in the cultural context of the target market.

If you would like a detailed outline of the various cross-cultural seminars and workshops we offer, as well as actual case studies, please contact one of our senior consultants here.