Latest Thinking

Whether in a foreign culture to work or study, people often find themselves in situations where the rules for appropriate behavior are different from those with which they are familiar in their native cultures.

As part of doing business globally and operating across cultures, we often want to predict how others are going to behave.

We all know the famous expression “When in Rome, act like the Romans.”

The future for MBA graduates is clear. Regardless of the country in which they build their careers, they will come into ever closer contact with foreign markets.

There’s no question that communicating across cultures can be challenging — and at times even overwhelming.

Over the holidays I’ve had a chance to consolidate a few thoughts about global dexterity and would like to share them with you… in a Q&A format. 

You’re an executive at a large company starting to do an increasing amount of business overseas.

Michael Black is an American employee working in China for one of the country’s oldest and most traditional consumer products manufacturers.

The ability to network – to develop contacts and personal connections with a variety of people who might be helpful to you and your career – is a critical skill for any global business leader.