INTERCULTURAL BUSINESS MEETING

BY: CARLIE PIERSON

A Meeting of the Minds

How Will They Behave?

The African-American Manager

•Start by introducing himself confidently with quick direct eye contact with each person of the group. Acknowledging each one of them.

•Confidently explains the reason and goals of the meeting

•Asking for collaboration and input from everyone

•Looking for a team effort

•Takes notes while others are speaking

•Is constantly thinking of the next thing to say, while others are speaking

The Saudi Arabian Manager

•Very Formal Introduction including name and rank in company

•Appreciates other managers undivided attention with all eyes on him

•Ignores any uncomfortable feelings or signals between the 4 of them

•Looking for input on ideas presented

•Making more statements rather than asking questions

•Portrays a serious personality when speaking

•Goal oriented and strives for satisfaction from peers

The Japanese Manager

•Active Speaking with many hand-movements

•Very limited eye-contact with listeners; Scanning the room more than stopping to look at any one thing

•Confidence when speaking

•Not only looking for approval on ideas but also input

•Little eye-contact when listening to others

•Outspoken during meeting; sometimes not waiting until person is finished speaking

•Has a demand for respect

The Caucasian Manager

•Formal introduction with a “down-to-business” attitude

•Seems like a nervous speaker with only moderate eye contact with listeners

•Uncomfortable speaking in front of peers and feels inferior

•Less active in conversation

•Saves input until asked or the end of presentation

•Strictly business personality not straying from topic

How Will Each React Towards Others Behaviors?

The African-American Manager

• Is intrigued with the Japanese Manager’s enthusiasm when speaking but senses an egotistic attitude

• Feels the Caucasian Manager has some excellent ideas but is confused by the vague communication of them

• Is inspired by the Saudi Arabian Managers’ serious approach to the celebration but is intimidated by the long, awkward eye contact

The Saudi Arabian Manager

• Feels disrespected with the lack of eye contact he is receiving from the African-American Manager when he is speaking

• Feels pressured to demand the same respect the Japanese man strives for

The Japanese Manager

• Feels superior to others• Always feels that he has a better idea or way to improve someone

else’s idea• Enjoys the African-American manager’s enthusiasm to get goals

accomplished

The Caucasian Manager

Is open to everyone’s ideas Feels intimidated by everyone’s confidence in their own ideas

therefore it prevents him from sharing his ideas Feels less confident of himself after hearing the others speak;

slightly intimidated Takes diligent notes on other’s input and ideas

AND WHY THINGS WOULD WORK THIS WAY

How this Meeting Would Look

I believe this meeting will be very formal, held in a meeting room with a large table to sit around. I can see everyone being very formal upon meeting each other because of their managerial etiquette. Everyone has very different personalities.

The African-American manager will keep the meeting positive and deligating duties, since he is the one that called the meeting.

The Saudi Arabian manager keeps the seriousness of matters, present at the meeting. He helps keep focus on the important decisions.

The Japanese manager asks important questions and looks for clarification on ideas and input, in order to make sure everyone is on the same page.

The Caucasian manager offers input and makes sure everything is planned and written down. This helps make sure nothing is forgotten.

Everyone plays their own part to this meeting and everyone possesses a needed quality in order to successfully achieve their goals of the meeting.