Cultural and language knowledge in international business environment

The objective of these expert interviews questions is to discover what are leaders thoughts about cultural and language knowledge and how it impacts business and its relations, also to determine their views on the effects of cross-cultural diversity in the international business environment. These questions are for anyone in a leadership position within their organization with experience of working with colleagues from a different cultural background other than their own. The results of this survey will be used to measure the value of what role cultural and language knowledge plays in international business environment.

What is your gender?

What is your age group?

Do you work in multinational company?

What is the field/fields you are specializing in?

  1. science
  2. logistics, cargo transportation to different countries
  3. mechanical engineering (well control engineer) offshore petroleum
  4. students recruitment and international export management
  5. manufacturing, wholesale, and retail

How long have you been working in your field?

  1. long time
  2. 5 years
  3. 3 years
  4. 4 years
  5. 32 years

What is your education?

  1. higher secondary
  2. university
  3. ph.d.
  4. master's degree
  5. college

How would you define this phrase - cultural knowledge?

  1. don't know
  2. familiarity and being acquainted with other cultures, that is to say - the beliefs, values, and social norms of a culture.
  3. understanding and adopting variables such as acts, attitudes, norms, and beliefs, which are the key elements of communication ability.
  4. ability to be aware of cultural norms and attitudes.
  5. crossing into unknown areas with knowledge of how, when, and why.

How do you/would you work with people from different cultural backgrounds?

  1. don't know
  2. first of all, i would do it slowly, get to know him better and his culture in order not to offend him. no doubt that patience would be a key factor in this case.
  3. yes, i do. different cultural backgrounds bring synergy to the work environment.
  4. i work based on my values and i respect their norms as well.
  5. patiently

What kind of experience you have in relating and dealing with people from different cultures than your own?

  1. don't know
  2. since my field is logistics and cargo transportation, i often talk to people from different cultural backgrounds, which i consider makes my job unique.
  3. in my experience, a team with cultural diversity in the workplace is able to find prompt solutions to business issues.
  4. i have a productive experience, though sometimes it might be challenging, but it's worth it.
  5. i have trained people from over 20 countries. each person brings their unique attitudes that require adaptive training.

How have you learned to adjust to different cultures?

  1. don't know
  2. mostly in a practical way, as well as some literature and articles had their role.
  3. i have lived in 7 countries such as iran, cyprus, china, turkey, lithuania, latvia, and norway. it developed mindsets on cultural diversity.
  4. yes, that's the main secret to succeed in international business.
  5. slowly, and with a wealth of understanding.

Describe a specific situation where you worked with people from different backgrounds. What have you learned from this experience?

  1. i don’t know
  2. we had to deliver a cargo to spain, and the spanish were so relaxed even though it was quite a serious job. i learned that you shouldn't be stressed in order to finish things up; stress won't help.
  3. cultural diversity brings different body language, which could lead to misunderstandings. i have learned to tolerate different manners.
  4. i have worked with people from all different continents, and i learned that if you want to go far in life, cultural knowledge is the answer.
  5. often many took their work seriously, but thought that they could do what they wanted because they believed they could get away with it. drawing the line early is important.

How common is English language in the fields you are operating in?

  1. very common
  2. every country has its own language, so in my case, i wouldn't be able to speak lithuanian when interacting with people from different cultures. when i'm working, i use english pretty much all the time.
  3. very often.
  4. i use english very often with my clients.
  5. very common

How cultural knowledge have shaped you in terms of professionalism?

  1. don't know
  2. it taught me to be a better listener, i became more patient and a better speaker not only in verbal communication but also in body language.
  3. very important part of my personal life and my working environment.
  4. it has strengthened my professional attitude and made me able to adapt to any situation i find myself in.
  5. i have come to understand that each person from each country brings a unique way of life with them. it is enjoyable to share that knowledge.

When you interact with a person from a different culture, how do you ensure that communication is effective?

  1. don't know
  2. when you speak to a person, you have to carefully listen to them and be patient, observing how their body language works.
  3. the results of the communication show the effectiveness of the communication. if i achieve what i needed to reach, then the communication was effective.
  4. by listening to them and answering their questions.
  5. you must take time to understand what makes each person tick.

What you think is important before going to work abroad or doing something that requires that culture's knowledge?

  1. don't know
  2. from my personal experience, you have to educate yourself before going to any country; this is a key factor in reducing the risk of failures and misunderstandings.
  3. yes. preparation for expatriation is essential. studying and learning about the culture, social issues, economic foundation, lifestyle, quality of life, and language are the primary subjects to be studied before arriving in the host country.
  4. first, be able to prepare yourself to learn new things, patience is very necessary ability to listen carefully ability to be able to say thank you
  5. important to know what to expect. what are the laws? what is the culture of the area i will be staying in like? understand the currency.
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