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In an increasingly global marketplace, managing cultural difference has to be a corporate imperative not a nice-to-have option.

As organisations take a more global perspective of their markets, there is an increasing need to interact, negotiate and work effectively with people whose values, language, customs and business practices differ from their own. Both for individuals and members of a team, such cultural misunderstandings can often lead to costly mistakes and even business failures. The importance of understanding how business is conducted and learning how to avoid often irrecoverable situations has never been greater.

The effective management of cross-cultural differences and an ability to turn this to competitive advantage is seen as one of the core competences of the international manager.

An international Vice President recently attended a briefing programme with his wife Sheila, as part of their preparation for a forthcoming assignment in India.

"Sheila and I recently attended a two-day course at Farnham Castle to help us prepare for our move to India. I had received mixed feed-back prior to the course, but after having been there, we both feel it was time extremely well spent and has helped us greatly in our preparations for moving to India. The content of the course is highly relevant and the quality of the speakers exceptional, with many of the sessions being for just Sheila and myself, allowing us to address all of our individual questions and concerns."

Delivered by a range of experts, each briefing programme is 'personalised' to the country or region of interest. With a strong business focus, programmes include an update on the current political and economic situation, an in-depth review of business customs and traditions, an examination of negotiation and communication styles, power structures and hierarchies, meeting practices, time and timing and the importance and complexity of networking. This is complemented by practical advice on living conditions, health and safety as well as help and assistance in coping with the impact of culture shock when adapting to a new cultural environment.

"The Farnham Castle location is ideal and I would thoroughly recommend this two-day course to anybody moving overseas for the first time."

Using the largest available network of expert consultants, speakers and tutors, Farnham Castle offers a completely flexible range of intercultural programmes designed to meet the specific needs of any business.

Full details of programmes and conference facilities are available on the web site at www. farnhamcastle.com