Cross Cultural Ethical Conflicts

1. Cross Cultural Ethical Conflicts Whose standards to follow?

2. 8/30/2012 Ber�in Mersin 2 Introduction What is ethics? General ideas or beliefs that influence people's behavior and attitude� What is cross-cultural ethics? The application of moral values in situation involving two or more nations or multinational corporations... What is cross-cultural ethical conflicts? Perceived or actual incompatibility of values, norms, processes,goals between two or more cultural parties over content, identity, relational, and procedural issues

3. 8/30/2012 Ber�in Mersin 3 Why and How??? Why do cross-cultural ethical conflicts emerge? Differences in perspectives and values among decision-makers from different national cultures Different social and cultural factors across nations How to resolve cross-cultural ethical conflicts? Avoiding Forcing Education/persuasion Infiltration Negotiation/compromise Accommodation Collaboration/problem solving

4. 8/30/2012 Asli Kartal 4 A New Emerging Market: Turkey Joint ventures Finding the right person The company's corporate culture + home country's business practices Personal and job related adjustment problems

5. 8/30/2012 Asli Kartal 5 Cost of Adjustment Problems From the perspective of the host company Company's foreign operations may stagnate The productivity may go down The ability to control indigenous employees may lessen The company may lose its market share accompanied by its reputation.

6. 8/30/2012 Asli Kartal 6 Cost of Adjustment Problems From the perspective of expatriates: Ruining their careers Causing personal blows to their self-esteem and ego May be taxing on their family life both physically and psychologically Having difficulty in adjusting to the corporate structure once they return

7. 8/30/2012 Asli Kartal 7 Factors Influencing Cross-Cultural Adjustments Individual factors: Personality traits Non-ethnocentrisms Communication and interpersonal skills Language proficiency Spousal support, marital status. Prior experience in cultures other than one's own. Pre-departure knowledge. Education and age.

8. 8/30/2012 Asli Kartal 8 Factors Influencing Cross-Cultural Adjustments Job/task related factors: Training Role ambiguity, role discretion role conflict, role overload, role novelty Organizational culture and size

9. 8/30/2012 Esra Savas 9 Research on 342 Human Resources Departments Adjusting to amenities/ facilities Adjustment to social life Interactions with Turkish nationals outside of work

10. 8/30/2012 Esra Savas 10 Results� Previous work experience in a foreign country Training areas such as the Turkish business environment, management practices etc. Open communication channels, consensus decision making, teamwork Older managers with longer years of work experience Nationality of expatriate's bosses Spousal support

11. 8/30/2012 Esra Savas 11 Results� Personal characteristics Being culturally sensitive person Ability to recognize complexities in host cultures Liking to mix with with host nationals Being realistic in one�s expectations Enjoying social interactions Having empathy for others Effectiveness at resolving conflicts Being a people�s person

12. 8/30/2012 Esra Savas 12 Ideal Candidate for Turkish Company Ability to maintain a valued sense of self Ability to relate to host nationals Ability to cognitively appreciate the social beliefs systems

13. 8/30/2012 G�lbin Gezmis 13 Minimizing Problems for Expatriates Take action to prepare expatriates to handle new environment Providing housing Education of child Medical facilities Parent company may administer training programs: Cultural diversity training programs Information session Values, habits, beliefs, language of Turkish people General information about the country prior to arrival Traffic jams, frequent water and electricity outrages

14. 8/30/2012 G�lbin Gezmis 14 Minimizing Problems for Expatriates Social activities Organize recreational and entertainment activities Picnics, sightseeing tours Host national sponsorship programs Provide information about Turkish business culture: Collectivism characterizes High power distance Masculinity Low achievement Future orientation Respect of managerial hierarchy

15. 8/30/2012 G�lbin Gezmis 15 Motivate the Expatriates Importance of expertise in selection Recommend training programs about Career implications Repatriation concerns

16. 8/30/2012 G�lbin Gezmis 16 Implications Big emerging market�s importance Their booming economies are primary targets for western companies Deployment of expatriates to these countries Joint responsibility of parent and affiliate companies

17. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 17 Is Cross-Cultural Analysis Sufficient? Too many contradictions exist for accurate classification of Turkish culture as a whole Points of tension in Turkish society Westernization and modern ways of life vs. preservation traditional values and life styles Government control vs. private initiative

18. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 18 Why Subcultures in Turkey? Marked cultural differences exist in Turkey Rapid industrialization Concerted efforts to modernize a traditional culture Change has taken place in an uneven pace at various segments of the society Geographical location in between East and West allows for duality in values

19. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 19 Identification of Subcultures in Turkey Definition of subculture Subcultures are derivatives of, but different from, the larger culture; they embody shared system of norms, values, interests or behaviors that distinguish some individuals, groups and/or larger aggregations from the larger societies in which they also participate� Four Subcultures Power seekers Egalitarians Stimulation seekers Traditionals

20. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 20 Definition of Four Subcultures with Schwarts� Values Inventory

21. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 21 Subcultures and Conflict Management Styles

22. 8/30/2012 Senem Evrim �zer 22 Conclusion Cross-cultural ethical conflicts should be expected for expatriates entering the Turkish market place Governmental and business entities may take steps to insure significant reduction of cross-cultural ethical conflicts While Hofstede�s categories are helpful, distinct sub-cultural groups may be taken under consideration for predicting Turkish approach to resolving ethical conflicts

23. Q&A