Human resource management, at home and abroad, means assisting the corporation's most valuable asset-its people.Understanding Cultural Differences: Germans, French and Americans contributes to this effort by explaining the cultural context in which corporations in Germany, France and the U.S. operate and how misunderstandings arise among employees from each country. Based on interviews with top German, French, and American executives and on extensive research in intercultural relations, Edward T. Hall and Mildred Reed Hall offer insights to each country's unique approach to business and practical advice on day-to-day transactions in international business exchanges.Designed for Americans, Germans, and French alike, this book examines all three countries both individually and in relation to each other, covering topics like concepts of time, communication styles, cultural values, psychological mindsets, stereotypes, business etiquette, and the physical distances between individuals when they interact. The Halls emphasize behavior you can expect in the social and business culture of each country, pointing out possible pitfalls in understanding and communication, and offer insightful advice for coping. A model for cross-cultural analysis, Understanding Cultural Differences is a valuable guide for American, German, and French business executives. Contents Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part 1: Key Concepts: Underlying Structures of Culture 1 Culture is Communication 2 Fast and Slow Messages 3 High and Low Context 4 Space 5 Time 6 Time as Communication 7 Information Flow: Is it Fast or Slow and Where Does it Go? 8 Action Chains: The Importance of Completion 9 Interfacing: Creating the Proper Fit 10 Releasing the Right Responses Summary Part 2: The Germans 11 German Culture 12 German Psychology 13 German Business Part 3: The French 14 French Culture 15 French Psychology 16 French Business Part 4: The Americans 17 American Culture 18 American Psychology 19 American Business Summary Glossary Reading List Index
