A German human resources manager arrives right on time for your meeting, but the Nigerian executive is 20 minutes late. Your Japanese hosts invite you out for a night of drinking – do you have to go in order to do business? Feedback from a candid French manager leaves you in tears, but feedback from an oblique English boss leaves you mystified as to what it means.
Cultural differences often determine what someone views as acceptable workplace behavior. Knowing and respecting these differences is crucial in today’s global environment. The following “culture map” offers eight comparative scales to help you work more congenially and respectfully with people from other cultures:
"Good morning, Mr. Schmidt. For cost reasons, Dr. Rob Ott suggests we forgo the local anesthetic. Of course, your insurance wouldn't have paid for it anyway."
Bloody Hell!
Robots have much to offer in the medical world, and can even carry out operations, but don’t worry: There’s still a surgeon behind their actions.
Kelley Steven-Waiss & Edie Goldberg / (c) Christophe Testi @ CreativeShot Photography
“Sideways Is the New Up!”
Most organizations still assess employees’ skills by looking at their current roles and job titles. In a rapidly changing environment, however, this approach is no longer suitable. Edie Goldberg and Kelley Steven-Waiss propose a tried-and-tested alternative.
The Hybrid Workplace
After the pandemic, there won’t just be the office and the home office – but everything in between. Here are five points to consider if productivity, employee health and a good company culture are important to you.
Education: Now Also a Company’s Business
Employers say universities fail to adequately prepare people for jobs – and find they need to be more proactive as a result.
