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Bridging Cultures

Being aware of cultural diversity and its impact on business interactions, and creating an environment that supports and welcomes international business relations.
Level 1 Seeks to understand different cultures and their implications on work.

BEHAVIORS

  • Learns about cultural differences in communication styles, interpersonal relationships, and business etiquette.
  • Identifies basic international regulations with respect to a specific product or group of products.
  • Applies the understanding of cultural diversity in basic international business transactions

QUESTIONS

  • Could you describe a time when you had to learn about differences in cultures when conducting business?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* Why did you need to learn about these cultural differences?

* What actions did you take to improve your understanding?

* What was the outcome?

  • Could you give an example of a time when you had to identify the international regulations related to a product or service?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* How did you identify these regulations?

* What implications did this have on your work?

* What was the result of your actions?

Level 2 Applies to understand different cultures in international business.

BEHAVIORS

  • Applies fundamental cultural understanding of values and norms when carrying out global business activities.
  • Identifies ethical and unethical behaviors in international business contexts.
  • Exhibits cultural sensitivity when dealing with foreign companies.

QUESTIONS

  • Can you tell me about an occasion when you had to work with people from a different culture?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* Who were you working with?

* How did you work with them? Describe your actions.

* Were your actions effective? Explain.

  • Can you describe an occasion where you worked in a culture that has different values, norms, or ethical standards than your own?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation and differences you observed.

* What were you working on?

* How did you manage your work in this different culture?

* How did this affect your work?

* What was the outcome?

Level 3 Navigates across cultures, seeking to promote cross-cultural effectiveness.

BEHAVIORS

  • Investigates cultural differences to determine appropriate courses of action and solutions for business activities.
  • Works to generate familiarity with cultural diversity within a team environment.
  • Selects appropriate communications vehicles and modalities which respect the cultural differences between the organization and its partners, customers, and suppliers.
  • Identifies and builds on the commonalities among various cultures rather than the differences when dealing with foreign companies.

QUESTIONS

  • Could you give an example of a time when you worked with an organization from a different culture?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* What was the need to work with another cultural organization?

* How did you work with the other organization? Describe your actions.

* What was the outcome?

  • Can you tell me about an occasion where you built a relationship with a group from another culture?

Probing Questions

* Describe the relationship.

* What was the significance of the relationship?

* What impact did this relationship have on the organization?

* Was the relationship successful?

Level 4 Incorporates a cross-cultural perspective in business strategies.

BEHAVIORS

  • Reinforces the need to project the right image when dealing with cross-cultural business scenarios.
  • Considers various elements of culture, such as customs and traditions, mannerisms, values and attitude, religion, etc. before entering new markets.
  • Builds and maintains a solid knowledge of foreign business regulations.
  • Learns how to do business in a potential market, recognizing skills or resources unavailable domestically.

QUESTIONS

  • Can you tell me about an occasion when you included different cultures in a business strategy?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* What did you do? Describe your actions.

* How did the inclusion of other cultures affect the business’ strategy?

* What was the outcome?

  • Could you give an example of a time when you prepared yourself or your team to do business in a foreign market?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* What was the need for preparation?

* How did you prepare yourself?

* What was the outcome of your efforts?

Level 5 Positions business for success globally.

BEHAVIORS

  • Provides an environment for multicultural understanding and encourages the use of this knowledge to enhance business decisions in the organization.
  • Ensures that the organization has access to the necessary tools and support mechanisms to operate in an international business milieu.
  • Considers world affairs and international finance when setting business strategy and direction of the organization.

QUESTIONS

  • Can you tell me about an initiative that you implemented to help your organization perform better in international business?

Probing Questions

* Describe the initiative.

* How did you implement this initiative in the organization?

* How was your initiative helpful to the organization?

* What was the outcome?

  • Can you tell me about an example where you helped an organization to operate in a global business environment?

Probing Questions

* Describe the situation.

* What measures did you take to help the organization in international business?

* Describe the process of your actions.

* What was the outcome of your efforts in this situation?