Key Takeaways
Why could doing business and creating governance structures be difficult in the EU?
The European Union has 27 countries, each with their own languages, beliefs, and values.
True or False: The US is more risk averse than the EU.
False.
You are preparing for a business meeting in Germany. Apart from necessary paperwork, what else should you give your colleagues prior to the meeting?
Company profiles and personal profiles of those who will be visiting.
In the Netherlands, what physical object are you expected to exchange with others at the end of a business meeting?
A business card.
Which topic do you try not to discuss in Germany?
WWII
Why do we need to learn about business cultures?
What's acceptable in one country may not be well-received in another.
Which European country has a law which stipulates that employers can't require their employees to be available for workplace communication outside regular work hours or during their time off?
France.
What do you do in Germany if you greet a woman?
Wait for the lady to extend her hand before shaking her hand.
How punctual should you be when going to social events in Belgium?
5-10 minutes later.
In Germany and Belgium, what should you not do with your hands when talking?
Do not put them in your pockets.
If American businesses want to operate in the EU, what is the key thing they should do? (HINT: Think if they want to work in multiple EU countries)
Adapt to each country's cultural norms and expectations.
True of false: Punctuality is not seen as important in many Western European countries.
False.
In France, when can you use a person’s first name?
When you’ve been invited to. Otherwise, use family names.
How do Germans show their appreciation for a presentation at the end of a meeting?
They rap their knuckles against the table top.
Why do Dutch people see ‘excessive politeness’ as distrustful?
It implies a lack of directness or something to hide in communication
What is a benefit of having different nations under one economic entity (all the countries under the EU)?
Wider access to different markets, responses, and structures for various products and ideas.
True or false: In the Netherlands and Germany, it is important to address people using their academic title.
True.
Why is a long negotiation okay in France?
The longer the negotiation, the more thought there was put into it (risks are identified, mitigated, and managed)
What kind of gifts were recommended to bring if you were invited to a Belgian’s home for dinner?
Flowers and chocolate. WINE IS A NO NO.
In the Netherlands, it is considered rude for a person to ____ without covering their mouth.
Yawn and/or use a toothpick.
What can help us understand national attitudes and how they shape supranational economic, political, and corporate governance? Why?
Cultural indices. They could help us measure cultural attitudes in different countries.
Between the US and Europe, which business culture tends to be more open to collaboration, but have looser ties between businesses?
The US.
You are traveling to the Netherlands for a meeting with a company that you hope to collaborate with, but you don't speak any Dutch. Should you hire an interpreter?
Probably not. Most people in the Netherlands speak English, and many business professionals regard the use of a translator as a lack of trust.
What are three ways to maintain a business relationship in Germany?
Adhere to time schedules, follow the established protocol, be direct.
What are the lunch break hours you need to avoid when scheduling a meeting in France?
Avoid from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.