Curses, Foiled Again in France
In the case, Curses, Foiled Again in France, Erin Barker will be successful in her role in international relations only if she is able to adjust her attitudes and manner of working to that of the French. However, for as long as she insists on doing things the way she’s used to then it will be hard for her to succeed in the said role as the French would continue to resent her or will fail to cooperate with her, considering that they are not on the same page and have different work ethics or work attitudes.
However, in the end, although there is a chance for success, that chance is slim considering that Erin is pretty much set in her ways. She has her own way of doing things, at which she is effective. However, what she may be able to effectively do in the United States won’t have the same results in France. Also, the French work ethic and the American work ethic are very different that it would take a lot of effort, adjustment, and time for individuals from both cultures to be able to work effectively. In particular, while the Americans like to get straight to work or to the matter at hand, the French are more laid back and don’t see the need for urgency when it comes to their work. Whereas the Americans would like to remain uninterrupted while working so that they can quickly complete their tasks for the day, the French take their time about their work. Whereas Americans would be so intent on finishing their tasks for the day that they would just have their lunch on their work desks, the French make sure that they enjoy their three-or-so-hour lunches.
Given these differences in work attitudes, it would be clear how Americans might be frustrated by the French people’s slacking when it comes to their work while the French might perceive the Americans’ rigid ways as too cold and impersonal.
If I were in a similar role, I would prepare more for it than Erin did. Although Erin knew how to speak the language, this wasn’t enough for her to be able to connect with the French people and be able to work well with them. In addition, although Erin has been to France on several occasions as a tourist, being a tourist in a foreign place is really different from going to a foreign place in order to work, as working with people of a different culture entails interactions that would not be required when one is merely a tourist. Work communications and interactions, particularly when it comes to task delegations or asking for project updates, may be perceived as too imposing or autocratic by people of another culture. On the other hand, the most that a tourist would say to the locals would be to ask for directions and other similar things where no power or authority is imposed on the other person.
That said, if I were to be assigned Erin’s role, I would not be complacent with the knowledge I already have about France and the French people, but I would conduct further research in order to become familiar with their attitudes in the workplace, as well as their customs, which may affect their work and how I relate to them.
I would also not be so quick to assume that my management style, which works great for me in the United States, would also work well with the French. Seeing the French people’s lack of response from the very first meeting, I would seriously reconsider my management style when dealing with them, as well as my way of communicating with them.
Instead of getting right down to business, I would first try to establish a relationship with the by getting to know them better in a social setting where they will feel more relaxed. This will also allow me to gain their trust and allow them to feel comfortable with me before we delve into the serious matters.
I will also try to explain the purpose of my role as a liaison, what I intended to accomplish in my visits in Dijon, and what they can contribute to ensure the success of these visits. I will explain how these visits and meetings will benefit them and how they are a part of the company’s overall success; and thus, their contributions are greatly valued. I will demonstrate how the company values their opinions and feedback by making sure that I listen to them and that I try to address their issues and concerns. I will also be honest with them at all times and will not make them feel that they’re just a small part of the organization. This kind of communication will foster a good relationship between me and the French managers. It will also enable trust to be built on both sides, and although it will take time, it would eventually lead to a successful and harmonious relationship with the French.
In order to deal with issues that arise from cultural diversity, I would be more sensitive to the differences between my culture and beliefs with those of the French. I will not insist on my ways and my beliefs but will respect the other persons’ culture and beliefs and will find ways to work around these differences. In addition, since I am the one visiting their country then I should be the one making most of the necessary adjustments. As well, it would be helpful for me to also orient the French about my culture so that they would also be able to understand me better.
Workforce training, particularly cultural diversity training, will be able to minimize these types of issues in that such trainings will help orient the employees from both cultures about each other’s cultures. They will be informed of the dos and don’ts of each culture, which will enable employees to act and behave appropriately while in another country. By also becoming familiar with the differences of each other’s cultures, employees from these varying cultures will be able to avoid forming wrong notions and misconceptions about each other, which can lead to conflicts or to having negative impressions about each other. On the contrary, by having these trainings, everyone will be able to understand each other’s differences and be able to work more effectively around these differences.
Some ways to minimize these issues would be for the company to conduct cultural diversity trainings for all their employees, either through formal trainings or online trainings. Another would be for employees in each of the company’s offices to visit the other countries’ offices in order for them to get a first-hand experience of what the other culture is like. In addition, vignettes, particularly in video form, would help each other understand better how each culture is different from the other.
