Doing business in the UK explained (plus examples)
Doing business in the UK When it comes to international business, understanding the cultural differences between countries/regions is crucial for success. Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions will give you a framework for understanding these differences. This will...
Scandinavian Culture
Understanding Scandinavian Culture Through Geert Hofstede's Model of Cultural Differences Scandinavian culture is an interesting mix of rich traditions, history, and breathtaking landscapes. To gain a deeper insight and understanding of this unique cultural makeup, we...
Japanese versus Western Culture
Japanese versus Western culture; What are they? What is considered Western culture? First a list of what we (here at Culture Matters) consider Western countries (possibly skipping a couple): Canada USA UK Netherlands Scandinavia France Germany Northern Italy (not the...
A Culture of (Global) Compliance in International Banking
A Culture of (Global) Compliance: How Banking Differs (and Stays The Same) Around the World When it comes to banking and financial institutions, despite differences in regulations and currency, one common thread that brings together all wealth managers and banks...
Uncovering the Hidden Depths of Cultural Differences in Business: A Fish Out of Water’s Perspective
Uncovering the Hidden Depths of Cultural Differences in Business: A Fish Out of Water's Perspective The metaphor of a fish out of water is often used to describe a feeling of discomfort or unfamiliarity in a new environment. However, when it comes to...
Culture Matters in Business. Nine More Signs You’re Not Getting It
Culture Matters in Bussiness. It's Culture Stupid [4-mins read] In an earlier article called Nine Signs, You're Not Getting it, I wrote about 9 signs showing that people who work internationally don't always realize that they should pay attention to cultural...
Nordic Culture and Scandinavian
Nordic Culture, Scandinavian, and Swedish Culture. [6-mins] Is this One Region? Americans crossing the Atlantic often say they're going to "Europe", thinking in terms of a region. But of course, Europe is a continent and not one country. Europe is in fact one of the...
How to Shake Hands in Other Cultures
How to Shake Hands in Other Cultures; To Kiss Bow or Shake Hands [3-mins] How often do you kiss if that's the way you greet each other? In Belgium, it is once. In the Netherlands, it is three times. In the USA you air-kiss (kissing when only the cheeks touch...
Most Common Cultural Diversity Mistakes; 9 Signs You’re Not Getting It
The Most Common Cultural Diversity Mistakes [3-mins] These are the most common cultural diversity mistakes we'll cover in this article: The lumberjack syndrome You Think We're All the Same They Don't Get It (but you do) I Just Don't Understand Them Everyone...