This document is an introduction to cross-cultural awareness presented by Perry Willemse of Global Acquaintance. It discusses cultural influences on communication and introduces the Lewis model for cultural types. The Lewis model identifies three major cultural types that determine comfort zones in communication. The document also lists 15 global differences that can impact areas like listening, planning, expressing disagreement and use of body language between cultures. It provides examples of cultural interpretations and communication patterns between the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

1. Rotterdam Business School
An introduction to cross cultural awareness
© 2014 Global Acquaintance, For Sustainable International Business: Perry Willemse

2. Content
• Introduction PHJ. Willemse
• Your way of Global communication
• Influences of culture.
• International meeting patterns
• Lewis model
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3. Perry Willemse
• 15 years Int Experience
• 5 countries
• 45 countries WW
• 100 + cultures
• HQ:
America, Canada, GB, India, China, Taiwan, & NL
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4. Global Communication
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With top management
Middle management
Floating

5. Influence of Culture
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Country of birth/upbringing
National/ Regional
Personal
Age
Class system
Religion
Professional/job
cultuur
Company/
Organisation cultuur
Education
Generation

6. International Prepared ?
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7. Well Prepared
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Bow: in some countries a way to show respect

8. Interpretation, Idea
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• Dutch “Let’s have a meeting”
• Germany ”I 'don't Agree”
• England “MMM That’s a interesting matter”
• USA “You got to be kidding”
• Brazilian ““Let’s go and have a caipirinha
and talk about it tomorrow”
• Japan “I agree”
• Finland “....................................”

9. “The Lewis model”
• Mr Lewis (1930) Cross-
cultural communication
specialist
• Speaks > 10 different
languages
• Author off more then 10
books
• Creator “the Lewis model”
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10. 3 mayor cultural types
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11. Where is your
comfort zone?

12. Design your profile
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13. 15 Global differences
1. Listening and Speaking
2. Planning
3. Directness
4. Connections
5. Feelings
6. Tasks and Action
7. “Face”
8. Job/People orientation
9. Expressing
disagreement
10. Interruptions
11. Truth
12. Patience
13. Body Language
14. Facts
15. Social/ Profesional
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14. Areas of concern
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15. Communication Patterns
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Different communication patterns per country
Netherlands versus the United Kingdom

16. Thank you for your attention
January 24, 2017 16© Global Acquaintance 2014 - Perry Willemse
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