 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Assignments
You have two assignments for this unit:
Assignment 1You are cross-cultural consultants whose task is to prepare a guide specially designed for foreigners willing to do business in Bulgaria. A lot of business opportunities have opened in the post communist countries. The message to Western businesses from those already there is clear. There are pitfalls to setting up operations in these countries, but there are also substantial rewards for those whose timing and approach is right.
You have to make it clear what the right approach is. You may start with topics such as:
Use of language: Is there a special way of addressing (or greeting) people? (Formal? Informal?)
Non-verbal communication: What are the various roles played by handshaking, gestures, and silence.
Business negotiations: How important is punctuality and respecting the agenda? What kind of negotiating styles are preferred? (Direct? Indirect?) When is the right moment to mention money?
Socialising: What are the attitudes towards giftgiving, eating and humour? What kind of conversation topics are avoided? (Religion? Politics? Salaries?)
Then you may go deeper into topics like tax regulations, property laws, etc.
The following rules might be of some help to you. They were published by an international business consultancy with the idea that you stand a better chance to succeed in business if you have certain respect and understanding in your approach to international dealings.
Rule 1. It is important to remember that first of all every country has its own historical heritage and this defines the specific context, and you should always try to understand this context. Do not forget that identical systems work differently in different environments.
Rule 2. Do not think of the East as a bloc. The so-called Eastern bloc countries have economic, industrial, social and cultural differences.
Rule 3. There is always the barriers of no common professional reference.
Rule 4. It is also important to remember when you start negotiations
with your partner that he is sending you out signals which could help you
greatly in your future business dealings with him. But if you do not understand
the specific context, your interpretation of these signals will probably
be wrong.
If you need, refer back to the readings
in the unit. Work with your partner!
Visit the following Web site on Team building: http://www.ccens.com/teamb.htm
Read "The need for teams" and "Framework for change". Write an essay not longer than 400 words on Team building. Address the following issues:
Why work in teams
The need for training
Enpowerment
The purpose of MBTI and other similar systems
Individual gains and organisational gains.
For more details contact your tutor. Work with your partner!
|
|
 |
