CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Cross Cultural Management

Cross Cultural Management

Introduction

The French engineer Bernard Liautaud and a partner set up a software firm, which over the years due to their Silicon Valley approach and their desire to compete head on with their American rivals came to be known as, Business Objects. The company was built-in in France initially, and they adopted a global approach by giving the company an English name. Those running the company felt they could market the company more successfully by doing so, and the power of U.S was so extensive and widespread that in France it was assumed that this company was a secondary partner of a U.S company.

The finance and business partners, as well as the employees were to be attracted from around the world. Within two years the company already had offices Germany, Singapore, California, Newyork, and other locations of United States, as well as the UK. This was a classic example of a global setup as the companies were now hiring Multi Cultural human resource from different backgrounds and setups, to have the most talented and resourceful employees.

To emphasize that the company was not French, the company was eventually spilt up. In France though the turnout rate is low and focus on salaries isn't much which is why Research and development was continued there for the diverse version of products the company was creating, with few functions relocated to United States.

Adopt Policy on Diversity and Organizational Compatibility

Business Objects is experiencing diversity on a global, as well as a national level. With a Multi Cultural Human Resource, the company now has individuals from various cultures, backgrounds, social setups, religions, class and race and the organization is experiencing diversity on more levels than one. For effective management, policies are required, which if followed lead to smooth running of the system.

Business Object's CEO is advised to hire a manager who can effectively work with people from various cultures and deal with diversity. Managers, who have been trained to keep their employees motivated, who helps them to use their differences to work together and produce better results.

Instead of having the employees focus on their individual cultures and letting their diversity get in the way, they should be introduced to the Organizations Culture, which will also give them something in common. They should feel a sense of ownership for the company and will then work together productively to meet the company's goals, lead by the manager. Apart from the basic qualifications, the manager should also have the knowledge and understanding of various cultures so he can relate better to the employees (Sparrow, 2000).

While the policies are being designed, it is crucial to keep in mind the extent of diversity present at a large global corporate group like Business Objects, where there aren't just individuals from different cultures working together, but individuals of diverse backgrounds as well.

Why Are the Policies Required?

Since Business Objects wanted to compete with their American rivals, they had to go global and expand their ...