Decision Making: How difficult can it be?

 

Different cultures have different approaches and strategies when it comes to decision-making.

 

In the decision making process, several of the cultural dilemmas play a role: 

• Competition vs Consensus

• Structure vs Spontaneity

• Individualism vs Collectivism 

 

It is important to know the differences between your own cultural values and that of your counterpart to get the right mind-set for negotiations and decision-making.

A few tips to consider:

• Germany: Prepare all information (reports, tests etc) according to the agenda

• Netherlands: Make sure that you have gathered the input from everybody who could be concerned

• France: Check the decision-making authority / delegation of your counterpart

• China: If a higher-ranked manager is present, make sure to bring your own higher rank as well. 

• India: Follow up on the decisions made regularly otherwise they might drop in priority.

 

Be aware that there are also cultural factors that influence the execution of the decision.