Job Titles For Different Cultures

Most businesses understand that job titles can be perceived differently in foreign countries.

Different perceptions in job titles influences:

• Credibility
• Speed of sale

It might be a stretch to say that your job title can affect your international sales.  But it can create a few stumbling blocks.  Now this does not happen very often.

False perception of job titles works both ways. There is the question of different cultural perception of your own job title, and there is also the question of how you perceive other cultures based on their job title.

Some people get stuck on what job title to use when selling to international clients.  So here are a few guidelines.

Discover The True Picture

The problem is that your own cultural background may influence your perceptions on:

• Whether you need to adjust your job titles for different cultures or not.
• What changes you need to make.

Basically the problem is that it can be hard to recognize how different cultures can use a different logic to job titles.

Convey Your Job Responsibilities

A simple translation of a job title might or might not work. There may be different job descriptions for the same job title in two different countries.

Don’t get stuck on trying to find the right job title.  As in all cross-cultural communication, you need to focus on conveying the right message.

So…

You simply need to equate the job title with the right job responsibilities.

Market Research

If you feel a lack of credibility and think it may stem from your job title, this calls for a little research.

To discover how your foreign market perceives your job title, you need to ask the right questions.  Luckily, the questions are simple:

• How does your foreign market wants to be sold to
• How does your foreign market need to be sold to
• How does your foreign market perceive your job title
• Who would be your best spokesperson

This will give you a little background information.

Next…

Guidelines From The Different Cultural Behaviors

Ask yourself if there are any obvious cultural differences.

In North America for example there is a much wider scope for job titles.  Some Job titles appear to be pimped up, or over hyped.  Especially when compared to the responsibilities that go with the same job titles in other cultures.

Have a look at the different cultural behaviors.  There are some very obvious cultural differences to guide you.  Here are the different cultural behavior scales you can contemplate:

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism
• High Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity
• High Context versus Low Context

As I have written previously, these are the cultural behavior scales established by Geert Hofstede with an addition by Edward Hall. I personally think there is little value in studying the original results of this study.  The study was carried out over 30 years ago and in within a very narrow context.  And this context is out-of-date.

But, there is value in looking at these different behavioral traits when carrying out your own research.  You can evaluate your own perceptions and results using these 5 scales.  These behavioral traits can help you understand cultural differences better.  And you can then adjust your communication to improve results.

When selling to countries with different cultures, the key is to identify the differences in cultural values to yours.

Different Job Functions

When selling to different cultures you must constantly cultivate trust.  Both parties must appreciate who they are dealing with.

Very simply…

It is more about the perceived relevance of your job function than your job title.

Remember, company hierarchy works differently in different cultures too.  And this can complicate things if you go in with a job title that is not perceived as relevant.

When you are negotiating abroad, it is also a good idea to establish how the different job functions work together.  And then to connect at the appropriate level, with an appropriate job title.

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Cross Cultural Web Tools For High Collectivism Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the high collectivism behavior trait. This is part of the high collectivism versus high individualism behavior scale.

Traits Of High Collectivism Cultures

Some cultures are described as being high on the scale of collectivism . These cultures have strong beliefs in:

• Group goals

This is opposed to the other end of this scale, cultures high on the scale of individualism, which have strong beliefs in:

• Personal goals

Cross Cultural Web Tools For High Collectivism Cultures

There is more than one cross cultural communication web tool you can use to appeal to each of the different cultural behavioral traits.

Here are the web tools you can use on your website to communicate better with cultures who score high on the behavioral scale of collectivism:

When You Need A Community For Your Website

When A Family Theme Works On Your Website

Where To Put National References On Your Website For Maximum Results

How A Newsletter Works In Different Cultures

When To Have A Local Blogroll

Where Loyalty Programs Work Best On Your Website

These web tools respond well to the traits for cultures high on the collectivism scale. Read more details for each of these web tools in the articles in the Web Tools For Cultural Communication Guide.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

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3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Low Context Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the low context communication behavior trait. This is part of the high versus low context behavior scale.

Traits Of Cultures Low Context Communication

Some cultures are described as being low on the scale of context communication. These cultures communicate in a style where communication is:

• Direct
• Straightforward
• Detailed
• Without ambiguity

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Low Context Communication

There is more than one cross cultural communication web tool you can use to appeal to each of the different cultural behavioral traits.

Here are the web tools you can use on your website to communicate better with cultures who score low on the behavioral scale of context communication:

Where A Hard Sell Approach Works Best

When To Highlight Company Prestige On Your Website

When Superlatives Can Get You More Sales

Create A Better Communication On Your Website With Your Guarantee

These web tools respond well to the traits for cultures low on the context communication scale.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

Rate this:

3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Countries With Low Power Distance Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the low end of the power distance behaviors. This is part of the high versus low power distance behavior scale.

Traits Of Cultures Low In Power Distance

Some cultures are described as being low on the power distance scale and are compared to cultures at the other end of the scale with a high score in power distance traits. These cultures low on the power distance scale believe:

• Power should be distributed

They do not have a strong belief in

• Authority
• Hierarchy

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Low Power Distance Cultures

This one is easy. You do not need to do anything in particular.There are no specific web tools for cultures with low uncertainty power distance traits.

This means that you do not need to emphasize any web tools for this behavioral trait.

You simply concentrate on the web tools recommended in the other cultural behavior traits.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

Rate this:

3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Countries With Low Uncertainty Avoidance Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the low end of the uncertainty avoidance behaviors. This is part of the high versus low uncertainty avoidance behavior scale.

Traits Of Cultures Low In Uncertainty Avoidance

Some cultures are described as being low on a scale of uncertainty avoidance and are compared to cultures at the other end of the scale with a high score in uncertainty avoidance traits.

The cultures low in uncertainty avoidance show:

• More willingness for risk taking
• More openness towards ambiguity
• A tendency towards the use of less structure in their lives

This is in comparison to cultures with a high score in uncertainty avoidance behavior traits.

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Low Uncertainty Avoidance Cultures

This one is easy. You do not need to do anything in particular.

There are no specific web tools for cultures with low uncertainty avoidance behavior traits.

This means that you do not need to emphasize any web tools for this behavioral trait.

You simply concentrate on the web tools recommended in the other cultural behavior traits.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

Rate this:

3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Countries With High Masculinity Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at all of the web tools for the high end of the masculinity behaviors. This is part of the masculinity versus femininity scale.

Traits Of Cultures High In Masculinity

Some cultures are described as being high on a scale of masculinity and are compared to cultures at the other end of the scale which are high in femininity. The cultures high in masculinity are stimulated more with:

• Ambition
• Achievement
• Assertiveness

Cross Cultural Web Tools For High Masculinity Cultures

There is more than one cross cultural communication web tool you can use to appeal to each of the different cultural behavioral traits.

Here are all of the web tools you can use on your website to communicate better with cultures who score high on the behavioral scale of masculinity.

When To Toot Your Product Quality More

The Cultures Where You Need To Get To The Point Fast

When To Convey Strong Gender Roles On Your Website

How To Use Games And Quizzes To Improve Your Website

These four web tools respond well to the traits for cultures high on the cultural behavioral masculinity scale.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

Rate this:

3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Countries With High Individualism Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the high individualism behavior trait. This is part of the high individualism versus high collectivism behavior scale.

Traits Of High Individualism Cultures

Some cultures are described as being high on the scale of individualism. These cultures have strong beliefs in:

• Personal goals

This is opposed to the other end of this scale, cultures high on the scale of collectivism, which have strong beliefs in:

• Group goals

Cross Cultural Web Tools For High Individualism Cultures

There is more than one cross cultural communication web tool you can use to appeal to each of the different cultural behavioral traits.

Here are the web tools you can use on your website to communicate better with cultures who score high on the behavioral scale of individualism:

How Personalization Helps To Sell Across Culture

When To Use Themes Of Independence In Your Web Communication

Where To Use Your Privacy Policy For Better Online Business Results

The Place For Your USP On Your Website

These 4 web tools respond well to the traits for cultures high on the individualism scale. Read more details for each of these web tools in the articles in the Web Tools For Cultural Communication Guide.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools as mentioned in the very beginning of this article, please do so before implementing any of these web tools.

You need to look at the whole picture of all five cultural behaviors before tweaking how you use the specific web tools outlined here.

Use these cross cultural web tools to inspire you to improve your web communication with your international clients.

Rate this:

3.2

Cross Cultural Web Tools For Countries With High Context Cultural Behaviors

Last updated 16 August 2008

There are 5 different scales of cultural behavioral traits.

• High Individualism versus High Collectivism Behavior
• Uncertainty Avoidance versus Low Uncertainty Avoidance Behavior
• High Power Distance versus Low Power Distance Behavior
• High Masculinity versus High Femininity Behavior
• High Context versus Low Context Behavior

Important: Read the Basic Guidelines For Using Cross Cultural Communication Web Tools before implementing any of these web tools.

Today we are only going to look at the web tools for the high context communication behavior trait. This is part of the high versus low context behavior scale.

Traits Of Cultures High Context Communication

Some cultures are described as being high on the context communication scale. These cultures communicate in a style where:

• Key communication is relayed in the context, not only in the words.
• Communication is internalized

Cross Cultural Web Tools For High Context Communication

There is more than one cross cultural communication web tool you can use to appeal to each of the different cultural behavioral traits.

Here are the web tools you can use on your website to communicate better with cultures who score high on the behavioral scale of context communication:

Where Soft Selling Gets You More

When Indirect Communication Is Best

How Visual Harmony On Your Website Gets You More International Sales

These 3 web tools respond well to the traits for cultures high on the context communication scale.

There is lots more on the different cultural behaviors in the June issues of the Get International Clients Weekly Newsletter. Sign up quickly for more tips and ideas for getting more out of your international marketing.

Important Notice

Basic Guidelines For Using This Web Tool

If you have not re