Tips

'Culture' means that we and others will expect conformity to certain patterns of behaviour as a consequence of the groups we are perceived to belong to. As culture influences every aspect of our lives - from the way we dress to the way we do business - we need to develop certain attitudes and skills to become successful global players, in our own country or abroad. These skills will enable you to interact both effectively and in a way that is acceptable to others when working in a group whose members have different cultural backgrounds.
Depending on the type of interaction, you will need a range of skills, among them:
  • tolerance of ambiguity;
  • behavioural flexibility;
  • communicative awareness;
  • knowledge discovery;
  • respect for otherness;
  • empathy.

Click here for specific examples of differences you will need these qualities to deal with in societies around the world.

As well as adapting your own behaviour, you will also need to consider cultural adaptation of your website and products.