Written on April 28th, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Because of the importance of social class, rank and precise behavioral forms in pre-modern Korea, all Koreans became incredibly sensitive about the behavior of others as well as their own actions because there were so many ways they could get into trouble. Doing something that made someone else “lose face” or yourself losing face was not a trivial thing. It could be, and often was, disastrous — and it is still something that cannot be taken lightly.
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Written on April 21st, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
There are well over 500 keywords in the Japanese language that clearly define and explain the mindset and behavior of the Japanese in all of their business and political relationships — elements that foreigners must be aware of and know how to react to in order to deal and compete effectively with the Japanese. As is often the case in Japan’s yin-yang culture, many of these elements have both positive and negative sides — and while the Japanese are acutely aware of these contradictory factors, they often must accept and deal with them because they have no choice.
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Written on April 14th, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Since ancient times Chinese, Koreans and Japanese businessmen and government officials have used the sensual appeal and entertainment skills of young women as integral elements in creating and maintaining their professional relationships. This custom appeared very early in China, apparently at least 3,000 years ago, where it was centered on the Imperial Court and the highest echelons of government.
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Written on April 7th, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Guanxi (gwahn-she), or “connections,” is one of the most used and most important words in the Chinese vocabulary — and increasingly so in the vocabulary of Americans and other foreigners doing business in China … so much so, in fact, that it is rapidly becoming a part of the international language. The role of guanxi in Chinese life naturally goes back to ancient times. From the dawn of China’s civilization, the people were controlled by beliefs, customs and laws that limited their ability to make personal and individual decisions.
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Written on April 6th, 2009
Brand Building, by Richard Ettenson
As Western companies struggle to navigate the worst economy in generations, here’s one piece of advice: Look at places where volatility is business as usual – emerging markets. In these countries, companies have learned they can’t just hunker down when bad times strike. They have to go on the offensive. In Eastern Europe, South Africa and Latin America, managers look at tumultuous times as a chance to implement bold ideas, outflank rivals and boost their business.
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Written on March 31st, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
It may be a bit difficult to accept the idea that Koreans have a deeply embedded need and desire for anshim (ahn-sheem), or “peace of mind,” after you have engaged in a bargaining session or had a personal encounter with someone. Koreans regularly engage in loud arguments and verbal fights that can be upsetting to those who don’t know what is going on — and in this respect they have sometimes been referred to as “The Irish of the Orient!”
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Written on March 31st, 2009
Philanthropic Adviser, by Betsy Brill
Betsy Brill, a 1983 Thunderbird graduate, founded Strategic Philanthropy Ltd, a global philanthropic advisory firm based in Chicago. The firm supports the design and management of giving strategies for individuals, families and the corporate market. This monthly column for the Thunderbird community is an opportunity to respond to questions about how to increase the impact of domestic and global philanthropic investments. Please send your questions to info@stratphilanthropy.com.
Q. There has already been discussion about how such severe market losses will affect investor behavior in the future. Will it also affect philanthropy?
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Written on March 24th, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Just as there is Mexican time in the culture of Mexico and American time in American culture, there is also Mexican truth and real truth. And again, this element in Mexican culture is a product of the convoluted history of the country. As noted earlier, for some 400-plus years the people of Mexico who were not of pure Spanish ancestry, and the native Indians, were subject to the will and the whims of medieval church dogma and doctrine, political leaders who were absolute dictators, a ruthless military, a corrupt police force and a cadre of local bosses who were typically despotic in their treatment of workers.
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Written on March 17th, 2009
Philanthropic Adviser, by Betsy Brill
Betsy Brill, a 1983 Thunderbird graduate, founded Strategic Philanthropy Ltd, a global philanthropic advisory firm based in Chicago. The firm supports the design and management of giving strategies for individuals, families and the corporate market. This monthly column for the Thunderbird community is an opportunity to respond to questions about how to increase the impact of domestic and global philanthropic investments. Please send your questions to info@stratphilanthropy.com.
Q. How will President Obama’s proposed tax increase affect charitable giving?
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Written on March 17th, 2009
Bridging Cultural Barriers, by Boyé Lafayette De Mente
Many foreigners are familiar with the Japanese term kata (kah-tah) from its use in the martial arts, where it describes the forms or processes used in training. But kata are far more important to understanding and dealing with the Japanese than this martial arts connection implies. The whole of Japan’s traditional culture, from personal etiquette to how one learned to do all of the routine things in life, were based on precise kata — on precisely prescribed ways of doing them.
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