Intercultural management : expatriate interview

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Intercultural management : expatriate interview

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Abstract

This work will address the cultural differences conducted in an interview of an expatriate.
First, it is important to define culture. In its broadest sense, it is the whole complex web of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society, a social group or an individual. We can say that every society has its own culture, that is seeking to distinguish it from others and admits more or less within and the existence of different cultures. Geert Hofstede, a professor at the University of Maastricht, described the same in his book "Consequences of Culture, comparing the values, attitudes, institutions and organizations across nations". For G. Hofstede, "culture is more often a source of conflict than synergy. Cultural differences are a nuisance at best and often a disaster."

There are many levels of cultural differences which are not limited to a single nation. The purpose of this interview will be to observe, understand cultural differences in another country in daily life and the world of work. The first part of this work will be the presentation and summarizes the expatriate and his interview. Then, we will analyze this interview based on different concepts of intercultural management. Finally, we will conclude with a personal interpretation.

The interview
1. An introduction to the expatriate
2. A summary of the expatriate's cross cultural interviewed
3. An analysis of the different concepts covered in class
Analysis of the interview: a personal point of view

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[...] Appendix A word-to-word transcript of the expatriate interview Helena Fery is of French origin and does not speak English. The interview was conducted in French. Présentation de l'expatrié : En quelques mots, pouvez-vous vous présenter : - Nom et Prénom - Nationalité - Age Je m'appelle Hélène FERY, j'ai 26 ans et suis de nationalité française. Dans quel pays travaillez-vous ? - Pays - Nom entreprise - Activité de l'entreprise Depuis combien de temps travaillez-vous dans cette entreprise ? Quelle est votre rôle dans l'entreprise ? [...]

[...] Context : Implicit (strong). Explicit (low). Germany is ranked explicitly low, there is little reference to environmental context, and there is a formalization of information, and clarity in the messages. Approaches of cognitive styles (modes of thought) of Galtung. There are 3 models; Saxon, Latin and Germanic. Saxon: inductive reasoning. Latin: deductive reasoning. Germanic: conceptual and logical reasoning are both inductive and deductive, and that's the strength of Germans; as they mix the Saxon and Latin models Analysis of the interview: a personal point of view What I learned during this interview is that the Germans have different working methods than the French. [...]

[...] Masculinity/Feminity : The most important aspect for the Germans: Parade, reason, achieving material aspects, career, money and assertiveness. The index of masculinity is above average: 66. Uncertainty avoidance/risk taking: This is very mixed in Germany, degree of risk, uncertainty of the through its recent history with the environment. fall of the Berlin Wall, or Nazism. The level of control over uncertainty is high: no risk, presence of rules and procedures, philosophical principle, suspension of originality. Individualism/Collectivism: What is important is the individual, company or individual character of autonomy, efficiency; competition solidarity in a group. [...]

[...] Je représentais directement l'image de l'entreprise et n'avais pas le droit à l'erreur. Oui, les travailleurs allemands agissent en autonomie, mais sans négliger les apports du travail en équipe, ils sont assez flexibles de ce point de vue là. Pensez-vous qu'au sein de la société, il est courant d'exprimer ses émotions ou de les contrôler ? Il est plus courant d'exprimer ses émotions et ses opinions d'ailleurs. Depuis la chute du mur, la société allemande a beaucoup évolué dans ce sens. [...]

[...] Pour résumer, les différences concernent: - Méthodes de travail : organisation, rigueur, efficacité : les maitres mots en entreprise - Gestion du temps - Séparation vie privée/vie professionnelle - Engagement et acte Est-il difficile de vivre avec des personnes qui ont une culture différente de la vôtre ? Pour ma part non. On s'y habitue facilement. Lorsque l'on se prend au jeu, on est parfois tenté d'exporter certaines habitudes ou mœurs en France. Comment avez-vous surmonté ces différences culturelles ? [...]

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