Apr 28

Living and Working in the UK: Celebrating the Royal Wedding

Cross Cultural Training, Culture No Comments »

Unless you have been living in a cave for the last few months, you will be very aware that the biggest event this weekend is the Royal Wedding of William and Kate.  While the international media are putting this news as a priority, how is the event actually impactingliving and working in the UK?

If you are living and working in the UK you will have already noticed that the royal wedding has been in the daily news for several months now.  The biggest magazines, newspapers and news channels are devoting lots of their programmes and articles on the events surrounding the wedding.  The royal wedding is such an important event that it is has been declared a national holiday in the United Kingdom.  But why is everyone making such a fuss over this event?  How will people in the UK celebrate this special day in royal history?

iStock 000006666248Medium 425x283 Living and Working in the UK: Celebrating the Royal Wedding

© istockphoto.com/Matt Trommer

National Pride

England is one of the very few countries that still has royal involvement in the government and many Brits are quite proud of the traditions and presence of the monarchy in British society.  Broadcast around the world, the royal wedding will be an excellent occasion for the British to show off their traditional heritage, customs and culture to the rest of the world.

Many Brits are showing enthusiasm for this wedding because William and Kate will be tomorrow’s King and Queen.  They represent a fresh and modern perspective for the British monarchy which many people welcome.  The fact that Kate doesn’t come from a royal family is another aspect of the wedding that attracts optimism as it is a reminder of the beloved Princess Diana.

Preparations

London is hosting the wedding so the last few weeks have been dedicated to preparations for the event.  Hundreds of flags have been hung in the street, the roads have been cleaned, the rehearsals have been getting tighter and the royal route has been getting safer with intense security checks.  London’s shops have been customised with British flags and images of the bride and groom.  Public institutions such as Transport for London have been promoting the event, inviting people to come to London and celebrate the marriage.  The preparations alone are a sign of how far the British will go to ensure that this event runs flawlessly, reflecting their efficiency, organisation and well-kept cultural heritage.

Celebrations

While thousands of Brits plan to attend the event in the streets of London around Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey in particular, millions of others will be watching the events on TV and enjoying the celebration with tea parties, street BBQs and picnics. Stores may be closed in the morning during the wedding events and then open later in the afternoon.

A Commercial Opportunity

The royal wedding also represents a great commercial opportunity for British tourism as well as for Londoners who have rented their flats, rooms or even sofas to tourists from around the world.  Gift shops are also taking advantage of the royal wedding and the many tourists it is attracting by selling special merchandise representing the royal couple.  From postcards, mugs and banners to more bizarre items like a jelly bean with an image of Kate in the texture, you can find just about anything with the royal wedding theme.  Other shops are celebrating the wedding by offering discounts and promotions on their products and services.

Mind the Gap

As millions of people celebrate the royal wedding, many Brits are actually running away from it.  Surveys suggest an impressive 60% of the English population will not be watching the celebrations and will instead use the extra day off as an opportunity to get away from the crowds and press.  Some have suggested that this disinterest is a result of a generation gap.  Many younger people are no longer interested in old English traditions and consider the royal wedding to be pompous, boring and not on the same wavelength as modern British society.

One of the biggest points of contention around the royal wedding is the financial cost this places on British society in these difficult economic times.  The Royal Family is an icon of luxury and wealth and the celebration involves an important financial investment that British citizens may not take well.  Many feel that the scale of this event is too significant during a time when many are struggling financially.

Whether you are for or against the royal wedding festivities, be aware of the general disruption this will cause to your life when living and working in the UK.  No matter what your take, the royal wedding will certainly be a topic of conversation when everyone returns to work after this long weekend, and discussions about the festivities may even replace classic British small talk around the weather so be prepared.

In the meantime, whether you are planning a celebration in honour of this momentous British occasion or an escape to avoid the crowds and festivities, enjoy this extra bank holiday.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Apr 26

Top Tips for Doing Business in Russia

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

As the largest country in the world, Russia offers immense business opportunities for willing investors. The Russian Federation spans 10 time zones and has approximately 142 million people, giving it the ninth largest population in the world. Greater political stability and the diversification of Russia’s economy, combined with increased foreign investment flows, higher domestic consumption and rising oil prices have contributed to the superpower’s continuous economic growth over the last years.

Business Meeting 12LajosRepasi i2 Top Tips for Doing Business in Russia

© istockphoto.com/LajosRepasi

Russia’s work ethic is increasingly influenced by western culture, but the Russians also have a unique set of values and attitudes and a different approach to communication, negotiation and decision-making which could affect anyone doing business in Russia. The following tips will help you ensure make the most of your experience doing business in Russia:

  • Address colleagues by using their ‘patronymic’ name, based on the first name of the father. Always try to find out the best way to greet your counterparts before any meeting in Russia and be aware that addressing new contacts with their Christian name is considered impolite.
  • Since personal and informal contact is crucial when doing business in Russia, be ready to spend some time establishing rapport before discussing business. Getting past the initial formality and reticence you may experience with your Russian colleagues might take time but it will result in stronger relationships and improved business interactions.
  • Russians are very patriotic. Avoid criticising any aspects of Russian history, culture or politics. Good neutral discussion topics are sports (especially winter sports) and family.
  • In meetings, Russians prefer a direct approach. You should be well prepared and your presentations should be straightforward and comprehensible.
  • Many Russians are increasingly fashion conscious, particularly in Moscow. Looking very professional and polished will help you make a positive impression on your Russian counterparts.
  • Compromise is seen as a sign of weakness in business negotiations. Always come with a strong argument and know where your limits are.
  • Russians are very status conscious and prefer to have meetings with those of equal status. Decisions tend to be made by the most senior person.
  • Avoid praising or rewarding anyone in public as this may be viewed with suspicion and can cause envy and jealousy. Any praise or criticism will be much better received in private.
  • Never shake hands across a doorway or threshold as Russians believe this will bring very bad luck.
  • Remember that Russia is an immense country spanning 10 time zones. Always research the location where you are doing business to ensure you do not schedule meetings at a bad time.

Considering and respecting the top tips for doing business in Russia above is the first step towards building effective relationships with your Russian counterparts. Participating in a cross cultural awareness training course such as Doing Business in Russia will give you a deeper insight to the cultural differences you may find in Russia and the ability to anticipate and manage them effectively.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Apr 22

Celebrating Easter across Cultures

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Millions of people are going to celebrate Easter this weekend, an important holiday in the Christian faith that is celebrated around the world. Easter originally stems from pagan traditions which celebrated the goddess Eostre and spring. Many of these traditions then merged with the Christian celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection around the same time, creating the holiday which we now celebrate today.

Celebrations of Easter can vary dramatically across cultures. For some, Easter still has a very deep religious meaning and will be celebrated traditionally with periods of fasting, prayer and feasts. Others will celebrate with a simple meal together with family, a service at Church or games with children.

No matter where in the world you are doing business, it’s important to recognise the importance of this holiday and how it is celebrated when working across cultures. Here are a few ideas of the festivities and traditions you may come across when doing business in the US, France, the Czech Republic and Spain.

Easter Eggs gilaxia i Celebrating Easter across Cultures

© istockphoto.com/ Gilaxia

Easter in the US

Easter is celebrated to varying degrees in the US. Some people will go to church for every symbolic event during the Easter period while others may only celebrate with a traditional meal on Easter Sunday. Good Friday is a public holiday in the US, but Easter Monday may only be given as a holiday by some businesses so when doing business in the US always ask when your counterparts will be working during this time.

Easter tends to be a very popular holiday with children in the US and often involves events or food around the theme of bunnies and eggs. Easter egg hunts are one of the most common American Easter traditions. Another popular Easter tradition in the US for children and adults alike is egg rolling. The most famous egg rolling race in the US takes place on the lawn of the White House and involves children and parents pushing eggs through the grass with wooden spoons. Children also traditionally wake up to a basket of chocolates, jelly beans and other treats or small gifts on Easter Sunday.

Easter in France

In France, flying bells replace the symbol of the bunny. Children believe that the flying bells hide chocolate eggs in the garden while they are sleeping. This tradition comes from a Christian belief that church bells flew to the Vatican in Rome to see the Pope and returned on Easter Sunday bringing chocolate and eggs. This belief is one reason why church bells do not ring from Good Friday to Easter Monday in France.

To celebrate Easter many families in France will share a meal together and give chocolate flying bells, eggs and bunnies to children and boxes of chocolates to family, friends and colleagues. Easter Monday is a bank holiday so bear this in mind when doing business in France.

Easter in the Czech Republic

The most popular Easter game in the Czech Republic is egg tapping. In this game players must tap each other’s hard boiled and decorated eggs with their own in an attempt to break them without damaging their egg. In some areas of the Czech Republic, men will gently hit women with handmade whips decorated with ribbons on Easter Monday. This tradition can be linked to a legend of the Middle Ages which suggested that women should be spanked to stay healthy and beautiful for the coming year. In Prague, music festivals and Easter markets animate the city.

Many of these traditions are also celebrated in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe such as Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Home to many Orthodox beliefs, many Eastern European countries celebrate Easter more religiously with periods of prayer and feasts with family. Easter is the period where thousands of Orthodox pilgrims converge on Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Orthodox Church celebrates Easter according to the Julian calendar, so the date may vary from the Christian calendar. Bear this in mind when doing business in Central and Eastern Europe as working hours may be disrupted in a different way.

Easter in Spain

In Spain the week leading up to Easter called Semana Santa is celebrated with great effort. On Palm Sunday people traditionally attend morning mass and then watch a procession organised by local churches to celebrate the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. During the procession children and adults will often carry palm leaves for the priest to bless. On Ash Wednesday worshippers may fast and also place ashes on their foreheads as a sign of remorse. This tradition can be seen by many practising Christians around the world.

On Easter Sunday some cities like Almaden de la Plata and Castilblanco de los Arroyos have Easter parades that end with the burning of giant puppets representing famous people. The city of Verges hosts a traditional midnight death dance parade where people wear costumes. At the end of the procession people dressed as skeletons carrying boxes of ashes perform a ghoulish dance. In Sevilla, people will wear penitential robes with pointy hats and walk through the streets following heavy wooden floats carried by men. The streets on the route of the Semana Santa procession are covered with fresh rosemary and people will watch from their balconies waving palms as the procession passes. During the Easter Sunday feast, godfathers will often give their godchildren a traditional cake called ‘La Mona’.

Easter traditions around the world can have a huge impact on anyone doing business internationally. Showing an awareness of the religious and cultural traditions that form part of Easter will help you to not only make a positive impression when working across cultures but it will help you to more effectively manage a period when many people take time off.

Failing to understanding an Easter tradition or not respecting a cultural custom can cause frustration and potential misunderstanding with your international counterparts. A simple greeting, chocolate or card on this holiday could make a huge difference to your cross-cultural relationship, just check what is appropriate in advance.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Apr 21

Top Tips for Doing Business in the Middle East

Cross Cultural Training, Cultural training for Relocation, Culture No Comments »

Much of the Middle East’s wealth comes from oil and natural resources, with banking and tourism following close behind. Although some of the region is still struggling with political turmoil and conflict between differing ideologies, much of the Middle East is thriving with immense opportunities for foreign investment and continued economic growth.

Arab businessman monkeybusinessimages i Top Tips for Doing Business in the Middle East

© istockphoto.com/ Monkeybusinessimages

The diverse countries of the Middle East each have their own unique identity and culture but they share many fundamental beliefs and traditions which are common throughout the region. Successfully doing business in the Middle Eastis impossible without understanding that Islam is a way of life in most Middle Eastern countries and it governs politics, family life, values and business practices. It is essential that you respect Islamic culture, customs and prayer times when doing business in the Middle East.

Personal relationships are highly valued in Middle Eastern cultures and networking is essential to develop relationships before doing business with counterparts in the Middle East. People in the Middle East tend to mix their business and personal life and therefore tend to use personal relationships to get things done.

The following tips will help you ensure that you maximise your opportunities for doing business in the Middle East.

  • Dress conservatively when doing business in the Middle East. This is particularly important for female visitors.
  • Bear in mind that business meetings are less structured in the Middle East than in the West so be ready for later starts, interruptions and deviations from the agenda.
  • Avoid doing business during the holy month of Ramadan. Business activity reduces dramatically during this period as Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk and often participate in celebrations at the end of this period.
  • Don’t forget that the working week usually begins on a Sunday and ends on a Thursday, though it could also begin on a Saturday and end on a Wednesday depending on which country you are doing business with. Always check beforehand.
  • Try to avoid eating pork or drinking alcohol in the presence of your Middle Eastern colleagues and never use your left hand to pass food or drink.
  • Take the time to develop personal relationships with your Middle Eastern partners and ensure you make small talk rather than jumping straight into business discussions.
  • Bear in mind that your ‘word’ will be much more important than a written contract. Make sure you only make promises you can deliver otherwise you risk loss of honour.
  • Remember that while it is polite to enquire about your colleague’s family, you should not ask specifically about female family members.
  • Try not to show discomfort with close proximity or casual touching as this may cause offence.
  • Take time to read about the culture of the country where you are going so you can make educated references to cultural traditions or events they may celebrate. This will show your interest and help give your counterparts in the Middle East a positive first impression.

Considering and respecting the top tips for doing business in the Middle East above is the first step towards building effective relationships with your counterparts from the region. Participating in a cross cultural awareness training course such as Doing Business in the Middle East will give you a deeper insight to the cultural differences you may find in the Middle East and it will improve your ability to anticipate and manage them effectively.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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Apr 21

Global Marketing – Making and Selling Movies across Cultures

Cross Cultural Training, Culture, Culture training for Business & Management No Comments »

In recent years the once ascending star of Asian cinema, Bollywood, is increasingly making its mark on foreign markets while Hollywood’s hit engine is losing traction in the East. Some of Hollywood’s biggest releases are missing in some Asian markets where home-grown cinema is on the rise. In Japan, for instance, an increasing number of successful movies which often stem from the global phenomena manga are locally developed and filmed. International film makers are increasingly seeing the challenges of making movies for a global market and selling across cultures.

Film Oleksiy Mark i Global Marketing – Making and Selling Movies across Cultures

© istockphoto.com/ Oleksiy Mark

In an effort to adjust to these dynamic cultural environments, Hollywood has started to produce Western-friendly versions of Asian films that they are now selling across cultures. For example, the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs was remade into the western version called Departed a few years ago and was a huge success in the West. This adaptation of films from one culture to another works both ways, evident in the recent remake of classic Hollywood success film Ghost for an Asian audience called Gôsuto.

Another illustration of this East-West relation and effort to sell films across cultures is the growing trade that now exists between Hollywood and the writing talent of Korea which gives American cinema fresh perspectives and exciting new voices in cinema. Koreans can take advantage of useful funding models and some protection from piracy while the international market of an American funded film also extricates the Koreans from an unpromising domestic export market.

The usefulness of co-producing manifests itself by increasing the skill set of the Korean workforce and giving Hollywood low-cost original content. Other international collaborations like the strong partnership between Hollywood and China together with Japanese ownership (via Sony’s presence) of most Hollywood studios is helping to redefine the international film market.

In a global economy, building cross-cultural cooperation with domestic markets is one of the safest and successful moves that most companies take. Such cross-cultural collaborations can be riddled with difficulties, however, mainly caused by different working values and communication styles. In order to avoid frustrations and, ultimately failure, cross cultural training courses help people working with international counterparts to develop the sensitivity required to successfully communicate, work and sell across cultures. Cultural awareness training can also help your business have more insight into new market preferences and trends which can help any company selling across cultures.

As with movies, successfully adapting products for other markets has become necessary for both large and small businesses. The influence of expanding Asian markets has an increasing impact on marketing strategies and product design. Being aware of cross-cultural preferences and expectations is crucial for anyone selling across cultures, whether a major producer of international films or a small business vendor.

© Communicaid Group Ltd. 2011

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