Understanding Cultural Awareness and Diversity in Global Business

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Awareness and recognition of unique cultural behavioral differences, along with a global mindset, can further encourage shared understanding and enhance flexible thinking and communication.  It also allows you to conduct business the world over in a seamless fashion.

Here are five (5) cross-cultural communication tips for global teams.  You might also consider reading "navigating the cultural minefield" by Erin Meyer to better understand how cultural differences affect global business.

Is Your Business Ready for the World Stage?

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Rhett Power says "success in the U.S. does not ensure success in other countries, and a translated website alone does not a global business make. To succeed abroad, American companies must account for differences in local cultures."

Research from CultureWizard found that 24% of respondents spend at least 76% of their time on global work. High-performing global businesses consistently ranked higher for indicators of cultural awareness and intercultural competencies, suggesting that companies with a global mindset do better than their geographically narrowed peers.

Power goes on to caution:  "Before you set up shop in new territory, make a few preparations."

Here they are -- a four-step process to prepare your company for global expansion.

The Making of a Global Leader: Empathy, Cultural Awareness and an Open Mind

Today in Global Small Business: Entrepreneurship in America Wanes

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• How to cultivate cultural awareness.
• How to communicate effectively with your customers overseas.
• Learn the complexities of operating globally.
• Why you should go global from the get-go.
• A UK online platform open to export.
• Why entrepreneurship in America wanes.

Best Bloopers in the Global Marketplace

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When you conduct business internationally, you absolutely must develop cultural awareness!  There's no easy way to tackle this sensitive issue but there is a way as noted below to have some fun learning about it.

Expanding internationally is a goal for most growing small businesses, yet the misuse of simple words can sabotage even your best border-crossing efforts. Just as one size doesn't fit all in importing and exporting, one word doesn't fit for all cultures, either. In fact, if used erroneously, it can cripple the most promising of international deals.

Read:  Adventures in Mistranslations from Around the World