rent executives think about doing business around the world. The direction one takes towards the international market is crucial in establishing the company properly. “The globalization of market competition brings on the need to foster development of globally oriented managers and executives.”(13) Managers must be sensitive to the cultures and customs of the countries in which they are living and working. For example, a manager can not be expected to moved from the United States to France and conduct his business in the same manner. It is necessary for one to familiarize himself with the culture in the country in which they will be working. It is extremely important for a manager to understand that they need more than a fluency in a language to be successful in that country. “You should make a bonafide effort to learn the language and the customs of the country you’re going to conduct business with.”(12) In the global market place, the companies that succeed are the ones who mold their business to conform to the culture of the country in which they are doing business. What we might consider to be a minor fault, other countries take very seriously. People certainly do things differently and not paying attention to these differences can be costly. If a business deal is pending, a simple mistake such as scheduling a meeting at the wrong time can spark some hostility and kill the business deal. For example, if a businessman offers to shake hands with another businessman, and the custom in that country is to bow, this can be a significant factor in a business deal. This example brings to mind a situation that happened in an American sitcom, “Seinfeld.” There was a language barrier between one of the characters and a foreign businessman. When the characters had a cold and did not shake the hand of the foreign businessman a complete misunderstanding occurred which cost the deal. This i...
