Additional information
by Lawrence A. Beer (Author)
You may recognize the statement on the back cover of so many textbooks concerning the global environment of commerce-"to help you understand and appreciate the economic, political, and technological context in which international business operates." But this defined approach is tantamount to placing three wheels on a car and expecting it to drive smoothly. It cannot be operated without the balance that a fourth one provides, and that required wheel is culture. The author believes, in this modern era of globalization, managers venturing forth to engage alien societies must be armed with cross-cultural skills that go above and beyond the instructions of how to kiss, bow, or shake hands. This book provides a more concise, simple, and practical approach that cuts through the complicated cultural matrix. This book is divided into three sections. The first section explains how culture acts as the prime driver of our life-the filter of our senses and the guide of our values, hence the measurement barometer upon which all our decisions and behavior are constructed; the second section examines how cross-cultural determinants should function as a worthwhile tool in cross-cultural engagement proposing a two-step concentration; and the final section offers the practical application of specific techniques that will help you navigate the cross-cultural milieu and become a cultural detective.
Author Biography
Lawrence A. Beer, JD, is a retired senior lecturer after 12 years at the W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, teaching MBAs and undergraduates on various international business subjects. Professionally, he is an attorney and accountant with senior executive tenure as president of international operations and house counsel to global corporations as well as managing director of his own international consulting firm. His other books include A Strategic and Tactical Approach to Global Business Ethics, 2nd Ed. and Essential Concepts of Cross-Cultural Management: Building on What We All Share (Business Expert Press). He is an article reviewer for the Journal of International Business Studies, a member of the Academy of International Business and Institute of Behavioral and Applied Management serving as conference paper submission reviewer as well as an editorial consultant and contributor to various business textbook publishers.
