As we revel in the wake of Globalization, models of organizations and styles of management are becoming increasingly similar. However, this conversion has a limit. Some cross-cultural differences will not disappear so easily and managers will have to understand and appreciate these cultural oddities' if they wish to run a successful business.
Let us take China and France as examples of two very different countries that may have cross-cultural problems while doing business. First we will give a general overview of the two countries and then discuss some management practices that may vary between these eastern and western cultures.
General Overview:
France
 Geographical location: Western Europe
 Population:
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Long-term rewards are expected as a result of today's hard work.
- Collectivism
Perhaps due to China's Communist background, the collectivist spirit is still very apparent in the country. This creates very strong and loyal relationships between people/groups.
- Very unequal power and wealth
The Chinese government preserves their high level of unequal power and wealth, accepted as a cultural heritage. This again, makes it very difficult for people to move upward within the society.
- Readily Accepts Change
In contrast to the catholic France, China has been officially recognized as Atheist by the State. That makes the Chinese less concerned about ambiguity and uncertainty and more open to diversity. In China, people are less rule-oriented and are more likely to accept changes and take risks.
3) Advise managers from each culture how they could be more successful managing in the other culture.
"Let my house not be walled on four sides, let all the windows be open, let all the cultures blow in, but let no culture blow me off my feet" - Mahatma Gandhi
The French in China
There are several aspects of the Chinese business culture that a French manager should consider in order to increase his/her effectiveness:
 Making Appointments: Being late for an appointment is considered a serious insult in Chinese business culture. Most Chinese workers take a break between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Practically everything
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