management culture

5/25/2018 Management Culture

1/18

MANAGEMENT CULTURE

OF DIFFERENTCOUNTRIES


2/18

Management Culture in Belgium

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business

hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.

Hierarchy

In Flanders, organisational structures tend to be flat and procedures are easily comprehensible. Things

like job title and size of office are likely to be of less importance than a good salary. Although the

superior remains the final decision-maker at all times, Flemish employees prefer a manager who

allows his/her subordinates to co-decide.

Compared to Flanders, the relationship between superiors and subordinates in Wallonia still tends to

be rather formal. Similar to the French, most Walloons value a well-structured organisation with a

clear hierarchy and true leadership. Likewise, someones rank and title, a persons competences and

function within a company, size of an office etc., are quite important factors.

Strategy

Belgians usually strive towards reaching a compromise. Hence, winning a discussion is generally

regarded as less important than achieving mutual agreement. The decision-making process is

pragmatic, yet slow. However, it can lead to surprisingly creative solutions. At the same time, the urge

for compromise also gives rise to somewhat of a conservative attitude.

Meetings

The main priority at internal meetings in Belgium is to inform staff on decisions that have been made

at the top of the organisation. Furthermore, they are used to discuss ideas rather than to reach a

decision. In general, agendas are appreciated. Belgians like a meeting to be well structured and

focused.

Negotiations

Although Walloons tend to be more formal and indirect than their Flemish-speaking fellow citizens,

both equally seek for rational and efficient solutions. Yet, working in Belgium, you will soon realise

that people sometimes show a tendency to hold back on new ideas. It might in fact take some

persuasive argumentation to have a revised approach accepted. Thus do not overlook that also personal

appeal is an important factor during negotiations.

Decisions

Decisions are taken at the top of an organisation. In Flanders a lot of decisions are reached on the

grounds of an overarching consensus, whereas for the Walloons hierarchy and authority are potentially

more important. Therefore, Belgians often engage in long, critical discussions before agreeing on a

resolution in order to make sure that they have considered all the alternatives.

Time Perception

Attending a meeting, everyone is expected to be on timepunctual according to schedule, that is.

Watch out: arriving late might brand you as unreliable!

Regular office hours are: Monday to Friday, 9.30 - 17.00/18.00, with typically a 30-60 minute lunch

break around noon.


3/18

Appointments

Belgians do not particularly enjoy conducting business over the phone; personal contact is much

preferred. It is advisable to arrange appointments at least one week in advance. Avoid scheduling

appointments in July or August, as most people are on vacation during these months. The same

accounts for the week before Easter, and the time between Christmas and New Year.

Meeting & Greeting

Displaying ones good manners is of importance in Belgium. In a business context, Belgians use the

personal pronoun vous/u to address one another. Only switch to the informal tu/je or to first names

when your Belgian counterpart proposes so. The use of academic or professional titles is not strictly

required.

A brief handshake is the regular greeting. Once a relationship has evolved, three kisses on the cheek

may replace the handshake. Men are not supposed to kiss other men; they always shake hands.

Dress Code

In a Belgian working environment, clothing is rather formal, not extremely high fashion, but elegant in

a more traditional sense. Men are expected to wear dark suits and ties, while women wear business

suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses. When invited to a Belgians home, you do not necessarily have to

dress this formal.

Wining & Dining

Belgians are known to keep their business and their private life strictly separated. The home is

reserved for family and close friends. Business over dinner therefore will take place at a restaurant.

After you have arrived, wait for your host to introduce you to the other guests. Furthermore, wait tosee if your host or anyone else offers a toast before sipping your drink. Belgians take pride in their

local cuisine, hence praising a meal will be an earnest compliment.

While also lunch is a popular time for business meals, business breakfasts are rare and generally not

appreciated.

Use of Business Cards

Throughout Belgium, business cards are widely used. The card should state your name and job title as

well as your academic title and of course the company you are employed with.

It is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into French or Dutch. This will

demonstrate respect and understanding of the linguistic heritage of your colleagues. Should you be

frequenting meetings in both language areas or in the bilingual capital, have two sets of business cards

printed, and be careful to use the proper ones!


4/18

France

MANAGEMENT CULTURE


5/18

Management culture in France


hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette. Updated 2011.

Hierarchy

In France both business and political life are characterised by a strong hierarchical structure in large

companies. Positions and the corresponding power are clearly defined. And when dealing with theFrench, you should stick to formal etiquette.

Respect for authority in French organisations is based on respect for competence. The PDG

(PrsidentDirecteurGnral) or patron (general manager) will be expected to possess a strong

authority and general expertise. Usually, the patron does not have any personal relationship with

subordinates in or outside of the office. He/she is shielded by his/her secretary. Hence, if you try to

contact people at top positions you always have to get past their secretary first!

Strategy

Strategies are usually developed on a long-term basis. The larger the company, the longer and themore elaborate the planning. Planning is done at the top of an organisation, never by the staff. The

PDG decides what has to be done and depicts his/her ideas.

A vital part of communication in French organisations is partly hidden beneath a complex network of

personal ties and alliances that helps people to get things done.

Beyond that, the French language often employs rhetoric and philosophical devices, as an indicator of

education and status. The French like abstract reasoning, theories, and logic so much that it sometimes

confuses straightforward, pragmatic thinkers, like for instance the British.

Meetings

The French hold meetings simply to discuss a certain subject at stake, and the time will be used to give

instructions and to co-ordinate on-going actions. Important decisions are hardly ever made during the

meeting itself.

The seating at most meetings is arranged in coherence with the companys hierarchical order. Be

aware that there is an evident difference between a manager - the patron - and his or her subordinates.

Meetings with a tight schedule and a detailed agenda are most common.

Negotiations

The French business protocol requires formality and aloofness during negotiations.

Foreigners to France have repeatedly described the initial posture of the French towards new ideas and

new products being somewhat condescending. It is often perceived, that the French do not see their

counterpart as equalyou are either better or worse than them! Nevertheless, you should remain polite

and calm during negotiations. Illustrate how your ideas or products could be of great value to them.

Decisions

Reaching a decision can be a lengthy process, since every aspect will be extensively analysed and all

matters are discussed in detail. Keep in mind that verbal agreements have no binding value.


6/18

Time Perception

The French take punctuality seriously and it is considered a sign of courtesy to be on time.

Office hours are from 8.30/9.00 till 18.00, Monday to Friday, with typically a long lunch break

between 12.30 and 14.30.

Appointments

Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. A good time to schedule

appointments is at 11.00 or 15.30 Avoid scheduling meetings during August, as this is a common

vacation period.

Meeting & Greeting

A handshake is a common way of greeting in France. Family, close friends and long-term colleagues

kiss on both cheeks (depending on the region people originate from they kiss two or four times).

Colleagues of the same age and same level will use first names and the informal pronoun tu. But in

contact with superiors monsieur (Sir) and madame (Mrs) and only the formal vous is used to

address one another.

Keep using surnames and the appropriate titles until you are specifically invited to do otherwise.

Dress Code

Elegance is the keyword in this context: Men wear conservative suits and ties, and coloured, white aswell as striped shirts. Women wear conservative suits, dresses and pant suits. Suit-jackets stay on in

offices and restaurants.

Wining & Dining

Invited to a dinner party at someone's home you should typically arrive 15 minutes late, but make sure

you are on time for a social gathering at a restaurant.

The French do not like to do business over dinner. Dinner is more of a social event and a time to enjoy

good food, wine and discussion. Be prepared to discuss French culture, heritage and politics.

In France cooking is considered as a form of art. Enjoying good food and (French!) wine is highly

appreciated.

Use of Business Cards

Business cards should mention academic title and job title. Give your card to the receptionist or

secretary upon arrival. At meetings, business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions.

This information is based on the Looking for work in France guide (ISBN 978-90-5896-056-6),

written by Expertise in Labour Mobility. This one-pager is one step to making your international

career aspirations become reality. The full Looking for work in France guide tells you everything youneed to know. If you want to order or find out more information about our services, have a look at

www.labourmobility.com.
http://www.labourmobility.com/http://www.labourmobility.com/http://www.labourmobility.com/


7/18

Spain

MANAGEMENT CULTURE


8/18

Management culture in Spain

Conducting business in Spain is not just about having long lunches and patience. This handy

guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy,

negotiations, and etiquette.

HierarchyIn Spain, most companies are still hierarchically structured, although the old mindset is changing at

high speed. For instance family-owned businesses as well as most government undertakings are run ina traditional Spanish way, i.e. with strictly separated divisions and a strong hierarchical system.

However, the strong hierarchical and bureaucratic organisational culture is changing due to a growing

number of young managers educated abroad and changes in Spanish society itself. Throughout the

Spanish economy, individualism is predominant in management, whereas teamwork is not so much

appreciated.

StrategyIn Spanish organisations, planning does not seem to be that important, mainly because no one can

predict the future. The strategy of an organisation is the sole responsibility of the managing director

or the owner of the company, who trusts more on intuition than on systematic research.

MeetingsMeetings are merely held to give instructions to and exchange ideas with subordinates; making

decisions or reaching consensus is not the key activity.

Spaniards are very social people. It is not uncommon to discuss matters that are rather personal, even

during a first meeting with someone.

You may criticise certain Spanish customs, but do not under any circumstances say anything that

might be offending their personal dignity or honour. The first meeting is generally formal and is usedto get to know each other. Non-verbal communication may tell you which things are not being said out

loud.

NegotiationsCatalans prefer a professional negotiation style, in which bargains are not the main aim. In the South a

more traditional, formal style of negotiation is appreciated, in which bargaining is cherished.

In general, Spaniards consider it rude to answer a request negatively. Generally, negotiations are a

process that requires time. Getting acquainted with your business partner is of great importance in

order to be successful.

DecisionsDespite the changes in Spanish society, decisions are still taken at senior management level, often by

the senior executive alone. Likewise, a modest employee is more appreciated than an assertive

employee.

Many things are currently changing within Spain, but people still prefer some clarity on who makes

the decisions and who is the boss. If a subordinate has a problem, he or she will expect his or her boss

to take care of it.

Time perceptionTo understand the Spanish conception of time, one needs to know that for the Spaniards time was

created by god to meet people. Often jokes are made about the maana feeling in Spain. In fact,people do make long days from 8.30/9.00 to 19.30/20.00, with a long lunch break of two hours starting

at approximately 13.30.


9/18

AppointmentsAppointments are mandatory and should be made in advance due to busy schedules. Do not try to

arrange a meeting between 12.00 and 16.00, people will be out for lunch.

Spanish people do appreciate others to be on time. However, some patience is still required.

Meeting & greetingGreeting is an extensive ritual. Hands are shaken with everybody present. Kissing each other on both

cheeks is only done between people who know each other.

Note that it is not uncommon to be interrupted while speaking. Most of the time this simply means that

the person is honestly interested in what you are saying and is getting into a dialogue.

It is important that you allow sufficient time in order to let your business colleagues get to know you.

If your Spanish partner is not wishing to press business, be patient and wait till the second meeting

comes up.

Dress code

The way you present yourself is of critical importance when dealing with Spanish business people.Spaniards usually spend quite some time and money on their outfit and appearance. Business dress is

classic, professional and conventional. Suits usually come in dark colours, although lighter colours are

not necessarily avoided. Women wear suits too, either with skirt or trousers. There can be an emphasis

on accessories and make up, yet it should never be flashy.

Wining & diningLunch and dinner are important when doing business in Spain. They are used to getting to know

people better. Spaniards rarely invite (business) friends to their home; instead they prefer to meet in a

restaurant or caf.

Long lunch breaks and dinners are common. Even in a business context, people generally will not startdiscussing business before coffee has been served. First you enjoy the food and the company and talk

about anything but serious matters!

Use of business cardsBusiness cards are typically exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. They contain first name and

surname, job title, but no academic titles. When presenting your card, having one side of your card

translated into Spanish, generally leaves an amazingly positive impression.


10/18

Switzerland

MANAGEMENT CULTURE


11/18

Management culture in Switzerland


hierarchy, negotiations and etiquette.

HierarchyThe Swiss appreciate sobriety, thrift, tolerance, punctuality and a sense of responsibility. This is

reflected in the way they do business. The business climate is very formal and conservative and

companies are structured in the traditional vertical manner.

The culture of companies can vary somewhat, depending on whether they are in the German, French

or Italian areas of Switzerland. Overall, one can say that decisions are taken at the top of the

organisation. In most organisations employees have little responsibility, although this differs from one

company to another.

The many international companies in Geneva have a more American management culture, they are

less hierarchic and employees hold more responsibility.

StrategyGenerally, the management of an organisation is at large responsible for the planning. Most companies

use detailed planning with a tight schedule, although organisations in the French and Italian areas may

have a more laid-back approach to strategy. Most of the planning is long term.

MeetingsMeetings are generally impersonal, brisk, orderly, planned and task-oriented. It is important to prepare

yourself in advance of a business meeting.

The Swiss tend to get right down to business after a few minutes of general discussion. Be aware of

the fact that non-verbal communication, such as body language, is very important and varies fromregion to region in Switzerland.

Note that organisation, procedure and planning lie at the heart of Swiss business success. Clear

systems are all-important. Meetings always have a detailed agenda that is followed to the letter.

Discussions are open but not aimless. Everyone is expected to contribute with the goal of arriving at a

consensus at high speed.

Please note that punctuality for business and social meetings is taken seriously.

Negotiations

During negotiations, patience is required. Discussions are very precise, cautious and sometimes tend tobe a little gloomy. Decision-making is slow and methodical. The Swiss are considered hard but fair

bargainers.

In any case, business is regarded with the utmost seriousness and humour has no place in negotiations.

DecisionsSwiss business culture has a rigid, deeply entrenched hierarchy. Only the highest individuals in

authority make the final decision. Moreover, although everyone involved or affected must be in

agreement, the final decision will pass unquestioned once it is reached. Organisations with strong

international orientation allow their employees a lot more responsibilities and distribute the level of

decision-making lower in the organisation.

Be aware that the 26 autonomous cantons in Switzerland make decision-taking for the entire country a

cumbersome process due to rivalry between the cantons.


12/18

Time perceptionThe Swiss take punctuality for business and social meetings very seriously and expect you to do

likewise. Only if you have a very good reason you are excused when being late.

Office hours are Monday to Friday, from 08.00 to 17.30.

AppointmentsAppointments should always be made some time in advance. Do not be late to appointments and avoid

rescheduling.

Meeting and greetingWhen meeting people, you shake hands with everyone present. Handshakes are firm and combined

with eye contact.

Use last names and the formal Sie/Vous/Leiuntil specifically invited by your colleagues or business

partners to use their first names; especially when there is a great difference in rank or age, first names

are not used. First names and the informal title du/tu/tuare generally reserved for very close friends

and family.

Please note that in the French-speaking region the use of the first name is often combined with the

formal vous.

Generally, the Swiss take a long time to establish personal relationships. Yet if you are willing to put

in the time and effort, the bond you establish with them may prove to be very worthwhile.

Dress codeYour appearance should always be clean and neat. In a business setting, dress should be conservative

and formal and certainly not too fashionable. During official meetings, men should wear dark suits and

ties; women should wear suits or dresses.

Wining and diningBusiness and private life are strictly separated. It is therefore not acceptable to call a Swiss

businessperson at home, unless there is an emergency. Business entertainment is almost always done

in a restaurant and spouses are generally included in business dinners. Business breakfasts are not very

common. It is rare to receive an invitation to someone's private home. If this does happen, be aware

that it is a great honour.

Business cardsHand your business card to the receptionist upon arrival and give one to every person you are meeting

with.

Business cards should mention academic title and job title. However, your rank within the corporate

hierarchy is even more important. When designing your card, you might consider having your

professional title printed in a different font.

It is advisable to have your business cards printed in both German and French. English business cards

are accepted widely.

This information is based on the Looking for work in Switzerland guide (ISBN 978-90-5896-072-6),

written by Expertise in Labour Mobility. This one-pager is one step to making your international

career aspirations become reality. The full guide tells you everything you need to know. To order a

copy or to find out more about Expertise in Labour Mobility services, visitwww.labourmobility.com
http://www.labourmobility.com/http://www.labourmobility.com/http://www.labourmobility.com/


13/18

US and China

MANAGEMENT CULTURE


14/18

3 Main Differences in Management Culture between the US and China

Differences in management culture can have a big impact on employee and company performance.

Often having a good understanding of what these differences entail and how they can influence your

work, can go a long way in helping you overcome many of the obstacles that impede you from

performing at your highest potential. The United States and China have become closer trading partners

in the last decades, making it quite common for people from both countries to work together on a

regular basis. Last January, when president Hu of China met with US President Obama, Hu said thefollowing in his speech:

We both agreed to further push forward the positive cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S.

relationship and commit to work together to build a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on

mutual respect and mutual benefit, so as to better benefit people in our own countries and the world

over

There are, however, many differences in the way the Americans and the Chinese do business.Especially the management culture has a large impact on the overall way of doing business within

organisations. We will focus today on what we believe to be the three main differences in management

culture between the United States and China. These differences are based on the following three

factors:

Responsibility and Accountability Perception of Time Individualism vs. Collectivism

Responsibility and AccountabilityThe way that responsibilities within an organisation are delegated or given to its employees changes

the way that employees behave within their organisation and how the organisation performs. The way

employees are given responsibilities or not also affects accountability within an organisation. This

affects the mentality of the employees in both the United States and China. In the United States

employees are given tasks which come with clear and designated responsibilities. Employees are then

held accountable for their performance regarding the tasks assigned to them. In China, employees are

given far less individual responsibility in the workplace, which means that they are often not

individually accountable for a specific task or project, but are rather judged as part of a team or group.

Perception of TimeDoing business in the United States is to the point, and often occurs at a much quicker pace than in

China. Apart from being on time, which is absolutely vital in China, it is also important to build

relationships with people before doing business. This often prolongs the time spent in discussing

business and making decisions. This can be quite frustrating to an American, who would much rather

get the deal done, and move on to the next thing. Furthermore, in China they focus on long-term

commitments for which the Chinese expect long-term rewards, whereas in the US its very much the

opposite. Americans expect short-term rewards for their work. Additionally, when doing business with

the Chinese, you must take into account the importance that the Chinese give to not losing face in

front of a group. Never will the Chinese make someone in their group look stupid or ignorant. This

makes their conversational style very indirect, and you often cant tell by their words what they arethinking. This can make business discussions take a lot longer than Americans are used to. Americans

are far less occupied with the thought of whether they might make someone lose face or not, and more

with trying to close the deal. Punctuality is extremely important in China. To the Chinese, being late is


15/18

extremely rude, and a sign of disrespect. Although Americans value punctuality as well, they will take

a more flexible attitude towards it.

Collectivism vs. Individualism

Although we have always qualified the Chinese society as one in which collectivism is preferred over

individualism, things are changing in the 21st century. Probably due to the fact that the Chinese

market has opened up significantly in the past decades, Chinese managers have taken over some traits

from their Western counterparts. Studies have shown that some Chinese managers now haveinternalised some Western values such as individualism, alongside more traditional values such as

loyalty and responsibility. However, social obligations to a higher authority and to the family are still

deemed very important in China, even more important than rules directed at protecting the individual.

This collectivist culture still influences the management culture in China in a big way. In The United

States organisations have a far more individualistic culture, which emphasises individual tasks, goals,

and performance. For Americans, achievements and success are deemed far more important than

seniority, or any type of social standing or class. Doing something extra or using your creativity to

tackle problems is something which still sets Americans apart from the Chinese.


16/18

South Africa

MANAGEMENT CULTURE


17/18

Management culture in South Africa

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includesinformation on business hierarchy,

negotiations and etiquettein South Africa.

HierarchyThe South African economy is dominated by large corporations with a relatively underdevelopedsmall

and medium enterprise sector. Consequently, the traditional South African organisationalstructure is a

pyramid, consisting of many layers with a strong vertical inclination. However, due to

global management trends of the recent past structures have been flattening. Decentraliseddecision-

making and more responsibility at the lower organisational levels are the result of theglobalisation

process.

Groups within South Africa tend to live side by side rather thanmerge. For a foreigner, not aware of

the strong influences Apartheidstill holds for the South African society, this may feel slightly

surprising. Nonetheless South Africans do share a common identity,even though no one is able to fully

explain what this South Africanidentity entails . Moreover, there is a strong group orientation,

which is noticeably strongest among black South Africans.South Africa is a collectivist culture, with a

high priority given to(extended) family or other group interests. Talking about differentgroups within

society is not uncommon, but political correctness hassometimes had some (unwanted) side effectswhen strong positivediscrimination made it very difficult for white higher educated Sud Afrikaners to

find work at theireducational level. Currently, this has evened out but sometimes foreigners are taken

aback at thestill present self-censoring mechanisms.

StrategyPlanning is done on a short-term (one-year) to medium-term (five-year) basis. Nevertheless, a lot of

larger and progressive organisations have developed long-term strategic plans and initiatives

covering up to ten years or more. Though the country is growing more business friendly after having

ended its long isolation, a foreigner to South Africas complex legal framework and tax system is well

advised to seek the assistance of local professionals.

MeetingsMeetings can be rather informal. Be punctual according to schedule; yet do also plan some time in

between two meetings in case the other will make you wait. There will considerable time to engage

into small talk at the beginning of a meeting, to greet the participants and exchange business cards.

Gift giving in a business context is uncommon in South Africa.

Negotiations

The most important aspect of conducting business successfully in South Africa is building stable

personal relationships, because the majority of South Africans want to trust the person they are

dealing with. Direct confrontation tends to be avoided. Most South Africans do not appreciate

haggling over profit and expenses. Instead, they aim at creating a win-win-situation for the mutualbenefit of all parties involved.

Decisions

The responsibility of decision-making is usually passed up the hierarchy. Disregarding this tradition

would mean to challenge the established order of things, and is not necessarily an advisable move!

Trying to avoid any unnecessary delay, it is pr

the authority to make decisions. Note that a lot of the time deadlines are not really perceived as

binding commitments but rather as somewhat fluid. It is therefore advisable to include dates when

setting up a contract with your business partners.

Time perceptionThroughout South African business life it is essential to be on time, especially when attending a

meeting. And in this case, being on time means being at the givenspot, preferably ten to five minutes

before the actual meeting startsaccording to schedule.


18/18

AppointmentsAppointments are necessary in South African business life. Regardlessof their cultural background,

most South Africans clearly preferto-face encounter to a telephone call or email contact.

Avoid scheduling meetings from mid December to mid January or thetwo weeks surrounding Easter,

as these are prime holiday periods.

Dress codeAt work business people are generally dressed mhowever, to also come across people dressed in

traditional African garments at work or duringbusiness meetings. This is certainly common during

evening gatherings and dinners.

Wining and diningBusiness lunches and dinners are very common in South Africa. Also business breakfasts are quite

popular. Although actual negotiations are not carried out during a meal, business may be discussed.

Business cards

It is common to exchange business cards at a meeting,

This information is based on the90-5896-082-5), written by Expertise in Labour Mobility. This article is one step to

making your international career aspir

work in South Africa guide tells you everything you need to know. If you want to

order a copy or find out more information about our services, have a look at

management culture

Documents

walloons hierarchy

size of office

potentiallymore important

important factors

negotiationsalthough

hierarchyin flanders

meeting greetingdisp

wellstructured organisation