CASES FROM BUSINESS PRACTICE
Why can a multi-billion merger founder on cultural differences? Why does a talented employee strike their manager as lacking initiative? We examine real business situations and show the role intercultural differences play in them.
2026/09/19
Betafilms' management dilemma: what matters more — personal connections or business processes? "The indispensable employee: a company asset or a threat to the business?" When one person knows too much…
Imagine that a company’s success depends largely on a single individual. This person has unique connections, experience, and expertise, yet is unwilling to follow established procedures.
What matters more to the business—personal relationships or well-designed processes? What should a manager do when the company’s best employee generates millions in revenue but refuses to share their methods and know-how? Should the company adapt to this individual, or should it build a system that can operate effectively without them? And what role do cross-cultural differences play in this dilemma?
Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table
WHO THIS PROJECT IS FOR
Students
and educators
For those interested in the topic of cross-cultural differences
Read Ask a Question
Personnel of organizations
For those involved in the development of cooperation programs with foreign countries
Read Ask a QuestionFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
During the greeting
In a number of cultures a firm Russian handshake is not accepted, for example, in India and Iraq. How should you greet your partner?
When contacting
It can be difficult to determine where on a business card is the first name and last name, and when it is possible to switch to "you".
Giving a business card
What language should the business card be in? What is important to remember when passing it on?
Starting conversation
What topics are considered dangerous? And what is the best way to engage in conversation?
Manners
Pauses in conversation, loud expressive speech, violent gesticulation? What is common in my partner's culture?
The answers to these and many other questions can be found on this site:
- business etiquette — in the intercultural navigator
- business practice — in-depth country information Order
- business situations, problematic issues — trainings, consultations Order
ARTICLES ON BUSINESS CULTURE
Why are decisions made quickly in some cultures and over weeks in others? What lies behind a partner's silence — or their unexpected “yes”? Our articles offer observations and practical advice for working with foreign partners.
2024/07/27
Indian culture
When we talk about cultures we talk about ourselves, we talk about us. What can be more important? Today let's look at the Indian culture. It's fantastic! Let's see what you should think of when communicating with a partner (even potential) from this country.
Check yourself before you sit down at the negotiating table
Consultation Request
Contact us if you have any questions, can't find the right training or need more information.
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