Germany

Germany(Hello and welcome to this beautiful land of Germany)(Let’s get down to business)

Overview

• Known as the Federal Republic of Germany

• European Union’s Largest Population• 80.6 million people

Path to Modern Music

• Ludwig Von Beethoven• Robert Schumann• Richard Wagner• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • Johann Sebastian Bach

Cultural Orientation

• Value Systems

– Strongly individualistic– Important to develop a

personal friendship with your counterparts

– Strong internal discipline and adherence to formal rules

– Low tolerance for deviant behavior

Cultural Orientation

• Value Systems– Little show of emotion due to internal

structure and self-control– Fear about the future breeds anxiety and

pessimism– Biases exist against foreign workers– Equal rights for all are guaranteed by law–Women have a strong drive to overcome in

both pay and power

Cultural Orientation• Organizing and processing information– Closed to outside information– Younger generations are more open– Committed to the universals of their cultures– Friendships are not developed quickly

• Negotiation Strategies– Facts form the basis of truth– Feelings are not accepted in negotiation– Strong faith in the social democratic ideology

What Leads to Conflict from the German Perspective?

• Unfulfilled promises• Covering up mistakes and oversights • Breaking rules and work discipline• Work reports not submitted • Lack of professionalism • Insufficient motivation• Having an attitude not open to others

Common Reactions in German Business Culture to Conflicts

• An objection• A statement of a diametrically opposite proposal• Attempts to convince• Open criticism• Requests to ‘clarify the situation’• Confrontation• Ridicule/Irony• Cynical Statements

Conflict Resolution Strategies

• Describe the problem- without rejecting your responsibility

• Put the main emphasis on looking for a solution• Don’t avoid dealing with a German colleague if you

have a disagreement- answer phone calls and e-mails

• It is okay to criticize your German partner directly• In a conflict situation, Germans sincerely desire to

find a solution to the conflict that will be acceptable for all parties

German Etiquette & CustomsMeeting Etiquette • Quick, firm

handshake • Use a person’s title

and their surname• Wait for host/

hostess to introduce you

• Shake hands with everyone individually

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria

German Etiquette & Customs Cont.

Gift Giving Etiquette • If you are invited to a German house, bring a gift. • If you bring wine, it should be imported. Giving

German wines is frowned upon. • Gifts are usually opened when received.

German Etiquette & Customs Cont.

Dining Etiquette • Arrive on time, never

early • Send a handwritten

thank you note the following day to thank the host

German Etiquette & Customs Cont.

Table manners• Remain standing until invited to sit down • Fork is held on the left hand and the knife is on the

right • Large dinner parties- wait for the hostess to place

her napkin on her lap before doing so yourself • Cut as much of your food with your fork as

possible (compliments cook) • Most common toast with wine is ‘Zum Wohl!’

(good health) • Most common toast with beer is ‘Prost!’ (cheers)

Business Etiquette

Relationships & Communications • No open-door policy. • Direct/Blunt• Written communication

Business Etiquette Cont.

Business Customs • Writing to schedule an appointment• Signaling the end of a meeting• Entering a room

Business Etiquette Cont.

Business Negotiation • Limited small talk • Germans are detail-oriented • Business is hierarchical

Business Etiquette Cont.

Dress Etiquette • Formal and conservative• Men’s attire• Women’s attire

Any “Fragen” (Questions)

(Thank you for your time!)