Cross Cultural Diversity: How to Bridge a Gap

Abstract:     
Differences across the nations are so vast that people who live in different countries are different in each and every aspects of life. There are number of things that contribute to the formation of these differences. Education, social standing, religion, personality, belief structure, past experience, affection shown in the home, and a myriad of other factors affect human behavior and culture.

This paper discusses different cultures and practices that are followed in different countries and their effect on businesses. As people are different in different countries so if a person from one country enters in the another country, he must take into consideration that he need to modify and adjust in the culture of another country otherwise it may lead to a big business failure.

Sure there are differences in approach as to what is considered polite and appropriate behavior both on and off the job. In some cultures yes means, I hear you more than I agree. Length of pleasantries and greetings before getting down to business; level of tolerance for being around someone speaking a foreign (not-understood) language; politeness measured in terms of gallantry or etiquette (e.g., standing up for a woman who approaches a table, yielding a seat on the bus to an older person, etc.); and manner of expected dress are all examples of possible cultural differences and traditions.

Working Paper Series