Cross Cultural Group Presentation Essay

What is important s abstemiously Germe actually?Germ whatever is an industry leader in areas such(prenominal) as automobiles and healthcare, to name a few. With globalization and reducing trade boundaries Germany has in fact become a trade partner for many Indian firms. Thus understanding backing etiquettes, culture and protocol will supplement international vocationmen and leaven cross cultural dialog.The Rational GermanBased on look into findings, Germanys geographical location and history imbibe had a cheering effect on its culture and thus on the way that Germans negotiate. round(a) historical events helps us understand more ab out(a) Germany, its population and the set up on duologuesPre-Unification EraBefore Charles V formed Prussia, Germany was largely comprised of lower-ranking princely states (similar to India) in conflict with each other ein truthplace resources. This brought upon the Germans a constant state of uncertainty and continuous battle. This however similarly do the Germans tough and seas atomic number 53d negotiators.Unification &type A PrussiaThis era was too liable to developing many traits of the German culture which are insightful for ancestry value out of a negotiation. With the formation of Prussia came economic stability, growth and melter structure. Germans privilegered the certainty of an economically stable state and developed a keen star of hierarchy. As the German state began to develop so did the socio-political structure. Germans thus over the years formed in truth bureaucratic agencies of institution through methodical planning and reason.World WarsBoth the world wars left-hand(a) Germany crippled. However, Hitlers action made certain that Germany would have to heavily dep one on diplomatic relations before considering the part military force. It also made Germans develop a sense of fairness when dealing with mass from other cultural backgrounds.Points to PonderNow that we understand where German people come from, we think its essential to shed some light on the salient features of the culture and how they impact a negotiation business concern RelationshipGermans traditionally believe in building trust over a period of succession. This is usually an outcome of dependability, analytical thinking and intellect. Germans, irrelevant Indians, enter negotiations with a sense of trust. This is important from an Indian point of figure as ability to generate and maximize value from a negotiation takes place over a long period of while. Interestingly bounteous trying to establish rapport in a hurried expressive style whitethorn arouse suspicion from a German counterpart. Trust one built, goes a long way in a business relationship, as Germans tend to be wary of uncertainty. Hence it is important to think strategically in long term and develop a mutually adept relationship from the start.One of the easiest ways to establish credibility with a German during a negotiation is to r ely on a third caller who has already established a level of trust and dependence on the German side. Displaying authority on the subject matter at hand, by professional qualifications will let the negotiating party earn respect in the eyes of their German counterparts, thus providing an upper hand will negotiating. evening though Germans are reserved and formal in nature, its practicable to build long lasting relationships with them. A sure indicator of a relationship in the making is when a German decides to tell you ill-chosen stories about himself.However its best non to repeat the stories to others as Germans tend to actually proud people and can reduce endure very easily. They also might acquit you to be equally unsophisticated once the relationship has been built. During negotiations Germans tend to give more air time to the person who they think is technically sound in that matter. Hence its practically a great idea to have your degrees printed out on the visiting card in order to establish a sense of authority when negotiating with them. Also Germans have a grounded belief that the workers in their countrified are better than the some the world and its best not to altercate this assumption.Business CommunicationAlthough German is the official language of the country most of the business people speak British English. Most of the younger genesis is well travelled and is fluent in business intercourse. It is advisable to conference in short, complete sentences and in a slow firm articulate to keep any negotiation without bringing in confusion. Germans tend to very direct in their communications and some quantify this can be interpret as being rude. Being very direct Germans dislike dimmed statements and diplomacy during any formal business discussions including negotiations. In fact as well as much diplomacy is likely to confuse a German. They will expect explanations, simply is it possible that a German will walk out of a negotiati on if the deal is unacceptable and/ or against company policy.It is also possible that a blunt NO can come your way, without meaty explanations. Germans tend to use body language very sparingly. Excessive use of body language may confuse your German counterpart. This can be an obstacle, especially during group negotiations as it will be knockout to decide the direction of the negotiation. Facial expression although limited can act as an indicator to judge if the proposal you have put forth has been desire or disliked. Maintaining eye equal is very crucial when talking to any German and is considered as a sign of trust and sincerity. This eye contact can border on staring. The American OK sign, with thumb and baron finger forming a circle, is an obscene gesture in Germany, as is put the thumb between index and middle finger in a fist. These should be strictly avoided.Initial MeetingFollowing are some of the points which should be noted when starting a negotiation * Shall we st art with business will be used often as a conversation starter and is not considered rude in the German context. * Meetings need to be scheduled at least a week in plead and should not be cancelled at a short strike * There has to be reasonable explanation given when arriving late for a meeting and this is taken very negatively. * Planning is crucial when negotiating with Germans as it is very probable that they will be well prepared in any negotiation.Negotiating with GermansStyle and Attitude of NegotiatingUnlike Indians, Germans believe in arriving at a win-win proposition. They tend to start negotiating respecting the other party and with a sense of trust, which they expect to be repayd. Interestingly, except for dispute re reply, any form a negotiation for a German is a joint problem solving bodily process rather and they expect both the parties to be involved equally in arriving at the solution. Many a times, a German would concentrate on dwelling over the technical aspec ts of a solution before go into the negotiation. Although co-operative in nature Germans may be unwilling to compromise totally un little this is their only option. While negotiating it is advisable to avoid open confrontation but remain calm, friendly and persistent.In case of a dispute resolution, one might try to find common ground by providing logical arguments establish on data. Since many German negotiators will be ingrained in their planning and data collection before the negotiation, it is sensible to have the same level of preparedness when youre the opposite party. Many a times, during the negotiation a German might want to have surplus data about certain aspects of the negotiation, which will help them analyze the solution better. Refusing to provide that data may reflect as lack of trust.Germans would prefer if data sharing was open and transparent and would not hesitate to reciprocate in the same manner. Germans are slow negotiators. The meticulous planning and da ta collection done before hand results in a very rigid and structured negotiation flack. Thus Germans would prefer going into ordered negotiating debating each singular point, rather than packaging certain issues. This compartmentalized approach can be detrimental towards value maximization. Hence Germans find it difficult to negotiate with people from the south asia and middle east. At such times it is advisable to clearly state which objectives are linked and interdependent.Bargainingtraditionally Germans do not like the idea of bargaining and consider negotiation as a necessary evil. Business people do not give drastic concessions in this country so when if the bargaining microscope stage in the negotiation is long drawn the variance in the final examination price would be not very far away from the legitimate price. Even though German people may not agree, they tend to be aggressive during negotiations. These outcomes are more likely to be based on negotiation strategy dev eloped during planning the negotiation. Threats, warnings and walkouts may be occasionally used. In this case its better to open with an chap which is already a part of your estimated ZOPA. Extreme offers can upset a German. Germans many a times employ defensive tactics such as blocking, asking probing or direct questions, or safekeeping a rigid position. Opening with written offers and introducing written terms and conditions may be effective as this will allow for proper cookery and could help shorten the bargaining process.Germans will likely find both benefits desirable. Corruption and bribery are very rare in Germany. It is powerfully advisable to stay away from giving gifts of significant value or making offers that could be read as bribery. With Germans one must be careful when using pressure tactics such as applying time pressure, making expiring offers, or nibbling. Germans may consider these inappropriate unless they are strongly interested in your offer and clearly und erstand the logic stool the approach. Otherwise, while the negotiation is not necessarily over, it may become less constructive.Decision MakingGermans tend to respect hierarchy because it helps maintain an member of control, not because they believe that bosses are better managers. So more than often when a German states that a decision during a negotiation is not within his authority, it would help to provide him with more data and information to get the approval from his immediate superiors. Decision making is a well think and executed process in Germany and hence takes substantial amount of time. intentness is required to see the decision through and once made is very unlikely to change.Agreements and ContractsBoth agreements and receives in Germany tend to be legally spine unless stated otherwise. It is always advisable to consult a legal consultant before signing any contract to understand its process. These contracts (once signed) are usually dependable and considered b inding. Once signed any amendment to the agreement or contract can be meet with serious opposition. Surprisingly German enjoy for punctuality is often not extended towards contract drafting as they would prefer to have everything in writing.References* http//books.google.co.in/books?id=0b6DChPi0UUC&pg=PA60&lpg=PA60&dq= wherefore+are+germans+logical+?&source=bl&ots=UAyhMKCScy&sig=3Nxe8sfCspiubwZel99itdZ3QxI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=OZfUUK6bHY_rrQevl4CQDg&ved=0CGcQ6AEwCTgKv=onepage&q=why%20are%20germans%20logical%20%3F&f=false * http//www.german-business-etiquette.com/22-successful-negotiations.html