Экзамен 3 курс / Culture rules virtually every aspect of your life and like most people

Culture rules virtually every aspect of your life and like most people, you are completely unaware of this. In effect, the things produced by a culture which we perceive with our five senses are simply manifestations of the deeper meaning of culture - what we do, think and feel. Culture is taught and learned and shared - there is no culture of one. And yet, culture is not monolithic - individuals exist within a culture. Culture is vital because it enables its members to function one with another without the need to negotiate meaning at every moment. Culture is learned and forgotten, so despite its importance we are generally unconscious of its influence on the manner in which we perceive the world and interact within it. Culture is significant because as we work with others it both enables us and impedes us in our ability to understand and work effectively together.

There are many factors which the most important in creating a culture. Such as climate, institutions, ideas and beliefs, cuisine, language, arts, religion, geography, social customs and traditions, historical event, ceremonies and festivals. I think that the most important are language, ideas and beliefs, social customs and religion. If people will not understand each other they couldn’t make a good business. Last time cultures are becoming more alike. Improved communication is important for doing business, global business is creating corporate with vertical integration, trading groups such as EU, ASEAN.

Cross-culture awareness in Russia. Important – shaking hands. This is the sign of respect in our country and in Europe. Socializing with contacts needed in all cities. Small talks before meeting are necessary. You should ask your business partner about his way, target of his visit, and discuss some usual subject as whether. During meeting people should avoid interruption. Being direct is important but some time it is difficult to make decision quickly. And Europe business partners more direct, especially in German.

There are many pitfalls of doing business in Japan. Firstly be prepared for important culture and language difficulties. This may seem obvious but some people try to get by Japan without hiring a good interpreter who can also explain Japanese traditions and customs.

Trade on personal contact at a senior level. This is more important then trading on price.

Patience pays dividends. It may take several visits before an order comes through.

Avoid middlemen so as to speed delivery.

Quote in local currency. Your bank should be able to help you; if it cannot, change banks.

There are wide variations

in dialect, climate and cul­ture. You may need a differ­ent distributor in Osaka from Tokyo, for example — and a different interpreter — because your Tokyo man may well not have the right network of contacts.

Emphasise your product's country of origin. Britain

is seen as quaint, old fash­ioned, but full of history. Whether you sell jewellery or engineering products, stress any hand crafting of your goods and the heritage of the city where you are based.

Develop your intuition. A culture of politeness prevent the Japanese from expressing dislike and dis­agreement. . If they visit you in the UK they do not usually eat big meals or too much meat. Fish restaurants are safer. Cus­tomers from the regions are unfamiliar with western cul­ture. UK visits by them should be well-supervised from arrival to departure, with an inter­preter provided at all times.

Offer gifts. 'The Japanese enjoy giving and receiving beautifully presented gifts