Wieke Gur’s Post

🌏 Cultural Integration in International Business: Insights from Thailand. In my 11 years of experience working in a Thai company, I've witnessed firsthand the critical role that cultural integration plays in the success of international businesses in Thailand. Here are some key insights: Opportunities: - **Cultural Richness:** Thailand's diversity offers unique perspectives that can boost creativity within a company. - **Building Relationships:** Establishing trust and personal connections is paramount in Thai business culture, leading to stronger partnerships. - **Adaptability:** Thai professionals are renowned for their adaptability, making them invaluable assets in dynamic business environments. Challenges: - **Communication Issues:** Language barriers can result in misunderstandings. Providing robust language support and promoting open communication are crucial. - **Hierarchical Norms:** Balancing Thailand's hierarchical business culture with international practices is essential. - **Conflict Avoidance:** Creating a safe space for dialogue is necessary as Thai culture tends to avoid direct conflict. - **Work-Life Balance:** Emphasizing work-life balance is vital in Thailand to prevent employee dissatisfaction. Strategies for Effective Integration: - **Cultural Training:** Offering cultural training for international teams fosters mutual understanding and respect. - **Local Insights:** Engaging local consultants can offer valuable guidance on navigating Thai business practices. - **Flexibility:** Adopting flexible business practices aligned with local norms eases operations. - **Clear Communication:** Encouraging respectful and transparent communication enhances team cohesion. Addressing cultural integration challenges in Thailand is crucial for long-term success. Proactively engaging with these issues can cultivate a harmonious work environment that appreciates Thailand's cultural richness. Remember, successful integration requires patience, understanding, and a genuine respect for local customs. #CulturalIntegration #InternationalBusiness #Thailand #CrossCultural #Leadership #GlobalBusiness #Diversity

🤝 After spending 15 years operating businesses in Indonesia, its taught me to always read between the lines. Indonesians are the opposite of direct communicators - they rarely say what they mean. Yes can mean no and no can sometimes mean yes! 💯 This is because Indonesian culture is an example of a high context culture. The concepts of low context and high context cultures were first introduced by anthropologist Edward T. Hall to describe how different societies communicate and share information. More recently it has been popularized by Erin Meyer in her book “The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business” 📚. Low Context Cultures: ▪ Communication is explicit, literal, and straightforward ▪ Emphasis on precise words/meanings ▪ Value clear and concise communication ▪ Focus on individualism and personal space ▪ Examples: U.S., Germany, Australia High Context Cultures: ▪ Communication is implicit and meanings are inferred ▪ Greater importance on non-verbal cues, context, and relationships ▪ Messages can have deeper, hidden meanings ▪ Build trust slowly over time ▪ Greater emphasis on harmony, hierarchy, status, and saving face ▪ Examples: Indonesia, Japan, China At all times, it's important to understand whether you're operating in a high context or low context cultural environment. Because when people from low and high context cultures interact, there can be misunderstandings and missed nuances. In a multicultural region like Southeast Asia, and with the rise of distributed global teams, these misunderstandings happen every day. ✨ I believe better understanding this cultural dimension (and the cultures themselves) is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration. We should all strive to get better at it. Have you experienced any miscommunications related to high vs low context communication? Do you have any strategies for bridging the differences? 💬 Share your stories and perspectives in the comments! #personaldevelopment #indonesia #southeastasia #globalworkforce

What does it take to build partnerships and grow a business beyond our little red dot? Social and cultural intelligence For me, it took six months of eating nasi padang (rice from a specific area in Indonesia) until I felt like oil was oozing out of my eyeballs! But that experience taught me a crucial lesson: in Indonesia, building relationships and trust takes precedence over everything else. Allowing potential partners and clients to truly know me—my values, my family, and my intentions—matters far more than showcasing my professional abilities. Growing up in Singapore, I was used to being direct and efficient; that’s just how we operate. But outside Singapore, each country has its own cultural nuances. To succeed sustainably beyond our shores, I had to adapt and embrace these differences. This journey has made me a more culturally and socially conscious entrepreneur and leader. In this video, I share the key elements I’ve found essential for building strong partnerships and sustainable businesses abroad. What about you? What strategies or practices do you use to build partnerships and grow your business? I’d love to learn from all of you! ******************************************************* I am Cassandra Nadira Lee. I thrive on helping people and teams unlock their potential for high-performing organisations. DM me for: ✅ workshops and trainings ✅ customized team performance programs ✅ speaking engagements #business #indonesia #singapore #intelligence #cultural #emotional #awareness #conscious #cassandracoach

Dimensions of Difference: Why Business Must be Approached Differently in Indonesia Culture affects business. Few countries are comprised of more distinct cultures and languages than found in Indonesia. https://lnkd.in/g6pU6ruj #GlobalBusiness #CompanyCulture #America #Indonesia

🌱 SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth in Malaysia! 🌱 Decent work isn't just about having a job – it’s about securing meaningful, safe, and sustainable livelihoods. In Malaysia, we're working toward an inclusive and dynamic workforce that empowers individuals and fosters economic growth! 🚀 Malaysia’s Path Forward: Supporting Small Businesses & Startups: Small enterprises are the heart of our economy. How can we build a support network to help entrepreneurs thrive in today’s digital landscape? 🌐 Boosting Innovation & Skill Development: Emphasizing skills training in tech, sustainability, and industry needs creates opportunities for everyone. Could your workplace invest more in employee development? Creating Inclusive Opportunities: How do we ensure marginalized groups have equal chances for decent work? 💡 Think About This: What role can you or your company play in building a future where every Malaysian has access to fair, growth-driven employment? #SDG8 #DecentWork #EconomicGrowth #Malaysia #InclusiveEconomy #BeResponsible #DigitalKitarSemula #IKitar

Dimensions of Difference: Why Business Must be Approached Differently in Indonesia Culture affects business. Few countries are comprised of more distinct cultures and languages than found in Indonesia. https://lnkd.in/gYdzKu3F #GlobalBusiness #CompanyCulture #America #Indonesia

Landing in #Indonesia back in 2010, For me it was all anticipation and uncertainty. What awaited me in this vast archipelago? The years that followed have been a whirlwind of experiences, exciting and rewarding. In the 11th edition of the Expat Insider 2024 rankings by InterNations, Indonesia is ranked 3rd. The ranking gathered responses from over 12,500 expats representing 175 nationalities in 174 countries or territories, analyzing factors such as Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance and the Expat Essentials Index (which covers housing, administration, language and digital life). What works in Indonesia's favor? --> Affordability, --> Friendly people, and --> Excellent work-life balance The report highlights room for improvement in areas like digital infrastructure and healthcare, but the progress is undeniable and opportunities abound. You definitely can't deny the appeal! Link to the report in comments. #Indonesia #SoutheastAsia ------------------- I write regularly on People | Leadership | Financial services | Sustainability. Follow Surya Sharma.

Navigating Japanese Expatriate Roles in Overseas Operations When working with Japanese companies, understanding the various roles of Japanese expatriates in your office can be a game-changer for building stronger business relationships. In my experience, expatriate roles often fall into four main types: The Top Manager – Often a figurehead, focusing on big-picture decisions, while middle management handles day-to-day operations. Some may embrace the leadership role, but many remain closely tied to guidance from headquarters. The Worker Bee Manager – Typically the driving force behind the operation, under pressure to succeed and motivated to prove themselves. They may hold the true decision-making power, even under a top manager. The Coordinator – Acting as a liaison, they facilitate communication with headquarters in Japan. Some act quietly, while others serve as cultural translators or unofficial decision-makers, which can lead to tension if roles aren’t clearly defined. The Trainee – Younger employees gaining experience through overseas rotation. Some may take on roles that exceed their expertise, creating a teaching dynamic for local teams, but they bring valuable cultural insights and new perspectives. Key Takeaway: Understanding these roles helps you navigate interactions effectively and capitalize on transitions. New expatriates bring new opportunities for business growth if managed skillfully. Are there specific roles or scenarios that you’ve found challenging in global teams?

Relocation .... does it scare you or bring lots of excitement in you? Reposting this for the map! Thank you Surya Sharma. I come across many executives who wish to relocate... hope this map gives you some ideas... I find that often the language determines the choice of country. Many Indians wish to relocate to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia because of the English language...and some familiarity with the lifestyle/culture ... Other reasons people want to relocate can be the type of education they want to give to their children or for the weather and lifestyle. And of course for many it is a career change or career promotion. Have you ever thought of relocating? Do you know how to negotiate a relocation package? 👉 DM me if you want to make your relocation a great success for you and your family. #relocationforwork #careeradvice #careercounselling #changingcountries #relocationpackage