A cross cultural experience_What is it?

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 3

Cultures and business

Introduction

Goals of the period

- Discuss cross cultural differences

- Build awareness about differences in the business world

- and of course.... improve your English skills

What is culture?

Discuss the picture.

- Who are they? (Bush and Abdullah, from Saudia Arabia)

- What are your feelings when you see this picture? Why?

- Why are they holding hands?

-Is that different from your own culture?

What does this mean?

In most parts of the world (even on Facebook), thumbs-up is a harmless, even positive sign. It suggests that you are looking to hitch a ride, or that you like something. However, should you find yourself in Iran, add this to the long list of things to avoid. Believe it or not, it’s akin to giving the one-finger-salute. Now, could that be why Facebook is banned there?

Which shirt would an Englishman wear to work?

Mention the differences regarding workplace dress code in different countries.

Can you come up with other differences?

Yes or no?

“When overseas, you learn more about your own country than you do the place you’re visiting.”

 — Clint Borgen, American activist

What kind of behavior is
"very Dutch"?

2e kerstdag vieren
Iedereen feliciteren bij een verjaardag
Bij een verjaardag in een kring zitten
Ooievaar in de tuin zetten bij een geboorte
Beschuit met muisjes uitdelen bij een geboorte
Fietsen… zonder helm

Elke maand het alarm testen

mensen in de ogen kijken

duidelijk je mening geven

go home als het etenstijd is

Elkaar begroeten met 3 kussen op de wang

Why is cultural awareness important for businesspeople?`

2 examples

in pairs

Go to your worksheet and answer the questions on the first page.

Let's discuss

Next class: Listening about Cultural differences in Business

Idioms regarding the topic

Any question or suggestion?

Listening

1. Open the worksheet available on SBIS.

2. Do exercise 1.

3. Watch the following extract of the TED talk "Cross Cultural Communication" and answer exercises 2 - 4.

Discussion

In groups, discuss the following question:

HOW DO CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AFFECT BUSINESS?

Share your opinion with the group.