Cross cultural training gains importance

Organizations are no longer constrained by geographic boundaries. Today, as they diversify their businesses into global markets, cross cultural training and orientation for employees has become an integral part of the HR agenda.

Every country and every organization has its own business culture. Like in China, maintaining eye contact during a discussion is considered offensive and in many European countries, it is rude to refuse dinner invitations while conducting business.In the US,business conversation may take place during meals. But unless initiated by the host, it is rude to talk business over lunch in Czech Republic, Italy and Greece.

Cross cultural competency is valued highly in today’s business environment where an associate has to deal with multicultural customers and colleagues. In such an environment, the associate needs to correctly identify, construe and react to people, incidences or situations arising out of cultural difference.

Workspace mantra    

A diverse mix of employees has become business imperative for companies as it helps to create a workforce that reflects the marketplace and helps them understand their customers better. Cross cultural diversity helps the organization conduct business better by recognizing and valuing perspectives that are key to local operations while driving the company’s global mission. In India, this becomes more relevant given the diversity of cultures that we have within a single nation.

Training in cross cultural adaptability enables professionals to create cultural synergy within the workplace. Training in customer site etiquette, handling hostility, conflict management etc. has helped professionals to build better rapport with the customers and enhance mutual understanding.

The feedback received from our customers, account managers and onsite coordinators indicates that the training programmes have been successful in helping associates to make a smooth and quick transition in their personal and professional lives. These associates are able to get more productive with lesser lead times for adjusting because they have all the information required to settle down and know exactly what to expect.

What do you say friends, Should organizations give cross culture trainings for their employees?