An Early Start is Recommended

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Today's successful managers require the skills to operate in a global marketplace, to understand the cultural implications of their decisions and possess the ability to turn cultural difference to competitive advantage.

The growing need to negotiate and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries demands a high level of understanding as to the ways in which different cultures approach issues. The earlier this awareness can be created, the more effective the individuals selected by their companies to become the international managers of tomorrow, are likely to be.

Farnham Castle recently launched a one-day interactive cross-cultural awareness programme for new graduates. Topics covered on the programme include:

• What limits our performance when working with other cultures

• Identifying the crucial cultural differences and similarities affecting the way people work around the world

• Implications of cultural differences on corporate styles

• Developing strategies to work more effectively with other cultures.

BG is a multinational, multicultural organization with operations in over 20 countries, managing activities across the supply chain. People are required to work around the world with a variety of cultures and nationalities, essential in supporting their global operations.

BG recently ran an Intercultural Awareness workshop for their new graduate intake. Roberta Quayle, HR Advisor explains why she felt such a workshop was important and what the participants got out of the programme.

"The course proved an ideal way to engage our graduates in the issues which arise from cultural diversity, in particular; the factors that can enhance team performance, a recognition of culture differences through an identification of visual and non visual indicators, and finally the development of corporate and personal strategies which can be deployed to assist in working effectively across different cultures.

"However, what aided the learning process most was the manner in which the course was delivered. The use of team games and role-play reinforced the course objectives and provided a practical tool in ensuring graduates recognised both cultural diversity and the strategies which can be deployed to overcome such limitations. In addition, the strong commercial element enforced through a trainer with experience working across cultures and for multinationals, made the workshop both fun and informative. We would highly recommend this course for all recent graduates in global companies."