Corporate and local cultures consist of several dimensions, and this is not limited to any of our global headquarters, which, like many global firms, can experience challenges aligning with foreign branches. Even our headquarters in the Netherlands, which have domestic offices, face challenges in maintaining consistency in their operations. Ernst Gleijm, Senior Partner at N2Growth, notes that operating from the same perspective with a unified message is essential, avoiding communication disturbances and operational differences between the headquarters and other branches. However, it is also important to allow creativity and innovation. The key, then, is to make agreements in a good way. This resource will provide five tips to avoid culture conflicts and help global corporate and local entities work together seamlessly.
Understand the reasons behind cultural conflicts: To avoid any unwanted situation, it is crucial to understand its root cause initially. This also holds in the case of conflicts between different cultures within a company. Therefore, it is important to consider the following factors for different company locations: How important is the informal corporate culture? How is it communicated? How are certain matters dealt with? You can create plans and agreements to manage these differences only when you comprehend the barriers.
Discover the different dimensions: After applying the first tip, it’s important to understand the need for multi-dimensional appointments. Language is one aspect that varies across cultures. Dutch people tend to be very direct, which may not be the norm in other cultures. Similarly, while some cultures follow a hierarchical communication style, others may emphasize giving feedback regardless of one’s position. It’s crucial to be aware of these differences and make them discussable across various dimensions.
Verbal communication as a cause: Have you ever experienced a situation where you thought you communicated something clearly, but the other person didn’t seem to understand? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Miscommunication can happen for various reasons, such as language barriers, nonverbal cues, or cultural differences. But did you know that some symbols or gestures may have different meanings in another culture? That’s why it’s crucial to research and understand each country’s cultural nuances to avoid misunderstandings. We can communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships by respecting and considering these differences.
Embrace diversity: Although this particular area may appear to be well-trodden, there remains a plethora of possibilities to be explored. It is highly recommended that one exhibits genuine empathy and understanding towards what makes us unique. By doing so, we can avoid any unnecessary misinterpretations and misunderstandings. To achieve success, it is essential to maintain an open line of communication. Transparency plays a pivotal role in this regard, and one must be willing to initiate conversations and be open to embracing diversity in all its forms. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of this area.
Set the team standards: It is important to have shared values within a company, regardless of whether you work at the headquarters or a subsidiary. These values should be universal and applicable to all countries and cultures. As colleagues, it is important to pay attention to these shared values and bring everyone together to work towards the same goal. This can be achieved through team activities that involve physical participation, which create a sense of community and foster a stronger connection among team members.
Lastly, navigating and working effectively can be challenging when dealing with different people and cultures in your workplace. However, we have experience in addressing these issues positively and productively. If you are facing such challenges, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help you find a solution that works for your team.
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