1. Managing Cross-Cultural
Differences in Multinational
Companies

2. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Introduction
 In today's globalized world, it is
essential to know how to
collaborate with people from
different cultures.
 But exactly what should we
learn to become a better global
collaborator?

3. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Important
 Fortunately, many people are being
prepared through courses to face
cross-cultural differences.
 But that doesn't mean they are
ready.
 Since there is a gulf between
reading a book, doing a course and
facing a real situation.

4. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
05 Tips to Help You Out
 We have prepared some
tips to develop an
important awareness when
dealing with cross-cultural
situations.

5. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 01 – Be prepared to be uncomfortable
 Working across cultures is likely
to push you out of your comfort
zone.
 Sometimes those cross-cultural
differences are hard to figure out
or even fully understand so don
´t worry too much.

6. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 02 – Be aware of your actions
 You need to learn right on the spot how
to manage cross-cultural differences.
 You need to be aware of :
 What is the right thing to say? What is the
right way to say it? What is my body
language saying?
 This awareness allows you to adjust
your behaviors and avoid
misunderstandings.

7. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 03 – Prototype Instead of Stereotype
 After doing your research about
the work practices of the culture
you are going to work with, be
careful with what you've learned,
because people tend to generalize
based on one experience.

8. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 03 – Prototype Instead of Stereotype
 Understand what the typical
response or approach is but
also remember there is
nuance.
 You need to be sure to keep an
open mind for the time you
come across foreigners.

9. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 04 – Build Trust and Be Curious
 If two people trust each other, they can
work together regardless of where they are
from.
 Invite your counterpart out to a meal or
coffee. During these interactions, be
curious. Learn how to say a few words in
the other person's language. Ask what it
means to be a successful leader in their
country.

10. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Tip 05 – Whose Culture Practices Should be Adopted?
 The answer depends on many factors:
 Whose area you are on, who has the
power in the relationship, and who is more
senior, to name a few.
 The goal is not to adapt to one culture
or another but to decide on a way that
you are both comfortable working.

11. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Principles to Remember - DO
 Be aware and keep an open mind
of how your behaviors are being
interpreted and received.
 Ask questions about what success
looks like in the other culture.
 Establish a way of working
together that is comfortable for all .

12. Managing Cross-Cultural Differences
Principles to Remember – DON´T
 Don´t stereotype the people you are
going to work with, instead, develop a
prototype that you can adjust based on
experience.
 Don´t attempt to highlight differences in
working styles, try to deal with them
without alarming.
 Don´t try to fully adapt to a culture that is
not your own.

13. Lico Reis Consultoria
& Línguas
Prof. Roberto Lico
Our Website: www.licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com.br
robertolico@hotmail.com
Linkedin: ww.migre.me/1d9r
Twitter: @licoreis