Chapter 8 Understanding Cultural Diversity

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4. 3 Understanding Other Cultures Understanding other cultures helps hoteliers when: Communicating with international colleagues Working for a foreign company Managing human resources in a foreign country Managing multicultural employees in a domestic operation Accommodating international guests

5. 4 Considerations in Managing Diversity How employees view work What they offer Their needs and motivations How they communicate Their attitudes How they think

6. 5 Areas in Which Cultural Perceptions Differ Time Cultural thought patterns Communication Personal space and touch Material possessions Family roles and relationships Religion Personal achievement Competitiveness and individuality

7. 6 Importance of Business Protocol Show respect Avoid embarrassment Enhance understanding Avoid weakened negotiating position

8. 7 Differences in Negotiating Styles Latin American: Business based on friendship Relaxed atmosphere European: Belgian�conservative, efficient, impersonal German�direct, factual Dutch�little room for debate French�intellectual approach Greek�government contacts Italian�confident, shrewd, competent British�proper; neither imposing nor offensive Japanese: Indirect Rely on trusted go-betweens Build relationships Try various strategies Honor oral commitments

9. 8 Cultural Sensitivity Training Purpose: The acceptance of unfamiliar behaviors and value systems as valid Benefits: Increases insight into one's own behavior Increases sensitivity to others' behavior Increases awareness of the processes that facilitate/inhibit group functioning Develops attitudinal flexibility Enables expatriates to work more effectively Minimizes culture shock Maximizes cross-cultural opportunities Increases understanding of one�s own culture

10. 9 Two Factors Affecting Organizational Relationships Power Distance Individualism