Inter+cultural Learning. Focus on Business: India-Germany
Indian-German Business: cultural success factors
Invitation: Webinar with exchange of experience
Understand key cultural success factors for best Indian-German Relationship
Participate in our joint interactive webinar on Tuesday, 17th of January 2023, 12:00 – 13:30 hours, Berlin time! getting started: for free; pls register until 13th of Jan. 23
It is my great honour to have been able to invite as special guest Mr. M J Abraham, Head of Country Operations in India of a well-known German Manufacturing Company, who knows very well both cultures from his comprehensive working experience and has mastered many intercultural challenges. He will graciously act as my counterpart for discussion during this interactive webinar.
Objective
We will explore cultural common ground and different interpretations in Indian-German Business relationships to draw practical conclusions and transfer to the daily business having both countries involved.
Your exchange of experience and insights as participating leader, manager, project leader, HR expert, professional are most welcome!
Pls. register here for the webinar (use e-mail client at the bottom of the new page)
Hypotheses
In many cultural dimensions India and Germany differ a lot from each other!
Therefore joint cooperation implies at the same time, a maximum of possible cultural clash & conflict AND likewise a tremendous potential for synergy!
Thus, having potential conflicts reflected, facilitated and mediated, at best preventively, this special intercultural cooperation could lead to very innovative, high quality products and flexibel services offered to a huge market…
Indian-German Business is a challenge with synergetic benefits
Rationale
Well-known companies such as Volkswagen Group, Bosch, Henkel and Siemens have established thriving businesses in India. So what has been the mantra for success for these German companies? And, which characteristics will help Indian companies & experts to succeed in the German market?
Indian-German Cooperation – there are many different political, social & economic implications. However, focusing here at cultural relevance, what makes for a successful business cooperation for both, the Indian and German staff being involved on a daily basis?
At first glance, the difference in time zones and the variety of the English language spoken seem to be the biggest problem to be solved.
Looking at things more deeply, we realize that especially communication and decision making in both countries can differ a lot.
One of the major challenges in the day-to-day cooperation is the difference in communication style.
India is known for very indirect communication and much is circumscribed. Germans quite frankly would state “a lot of beating around the bush”. German communication, in particular, is very direct and is often perceived as hurtful in India. In India communication tends to be very mindful, indirect and relationship-oriented. Doublechecking and reading body language can be helpful for both. – We will reveal further ways to successfully deal with communication processes.
Dealing with fluctuation – there are several interesting coping strategies to tie aspirants closer to the company – from an intercultural perspective
.
Studies indicate that India produces up to 1.5 million engineers every year from 4000 institutes, which is more engineers than USA and China combined. The shortage of skilled professionals is a predominant subject for many sectors of the German industry. Skilled IT-experts coming from India to German speaking countries need to adapt to a totally different setting culturally spoken. As many American and European companies strive for low cost production and outsourcing, there is thus much of a choice for well-trained Indian engineers, especially in the expanding IT sector. For several reasons fluctuation in India is currently high, a trend which tends to hamper the companies‘ success. We will closer look at possible solutions during our webinar, such as
- concentrating on people orientation
- combining individualistic with collectivistic approaches
- having in mind the different perceptions of what the company means to its staff
- certain flexibility in applying rules & norms
- the diverse expectations regarding private & business life
The key to success is to understand the underlying needs of both parties and to address them culturally sound. This requires at its best a mutual process of understanding.
Procedure for webinar inscription
The link for the webinar via video-conference (MS Teams) will be sent to you as soon as you have registered by e-mail.
getting started: for free
pls register until 13th of Jan. 23
Thank you for your cooperation!
You are interested in the topic, but not available on the date or wish an inhouse event, pls contact me likewise.
Background / Context
According to the Indian’s National Investment Facilitation Agency, cumulatively, Germany has invested over $13.6 bn in India between 2000 and 2022. Key areas of investments have been transportation, electrical equipment, metallurgical industries, services sector (particularly insurance), chemicals, construction activity, trading and automobiles. Over 1,600 Indo-German collaborations and 600 joint ventures are represented in the Indian marketplace.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung and Fraunhofer Institute, Germany, recommend strategic collaboration using the principles of Industry 4.0, that can help both sides increase their industrial output, GDP and make optimal use of human resources.
India and Germany have a long history of trade.They have also been collaborating at three major levels – industry, government and academics.
