FTMBA 2019_II Workshop Cross-Cultural Competency Part II - Doing Business in Germany

Words such as order, punctuality and the label “Made in Germany” often cross our mind when we think of the fourth largest economy in the world. Others relate to the Oktoberfest, beer and German “Gemütlichkeit”. How do these different stereotypes fit together? Are they still up to date? What do we need to know about German culture, history and values to be able to conduct sustainable business with German customers, colleagues and service providers?

This workshop is an extension course of the session „Cross-Cultural Competency in an International Business Environment”. It builds on the fundamentals of cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity as well as the theoretical framework of cross-cultural diversity.

Alongside a general understanding of German history, society, value system and every-day life, this workshop focuses on aspects of German business culture such as:

- principles of German leadership and hierarchy (including aspects of German labor law),

- how to build trust with a German counterpart,

- German preferred communication style,

- the German concept of professionalism,

- importance of quality and thoroughness,

- German need for security, processes and documentation,

- German work ethic,

- German business etiquettes as well as Do’s & Taboo’s

This workshop is an interactive, hands-on session with many opportunities for discussions, self-reflection and exercises. It provides plenty of practical examples and concrete behavioral strategies as well as general information about German culture and values.