[SpringerBriefs in Business] Sino-German Intercultural Management (Self-Organization, Communication and Conflict Resolution in a Digital Age) ||

This book presents the findings of a comparative study on office work culture in Germany and China. Focusing on behavioural and work practices, it explains the cultural influences on local staff’s personal behaviour. The book also offers solutions for improving overall productivity, and examines digital work environments in manufacturing and sales organisations. Documenting business practices and cultural traits, as well as typical approaches to conflict situations, it lays the foundations for better global teamwork. Acknowledgements About This Book Instructions for the Use of This book Contents About the Author List of Figures List of Tables 1 Seeking Added Value in the Digital Business World 1.1 Digital Economy with New Working Rules and Challenges 1.1.1 Shift of Position of Human Workers 1.1.2 An Open System Without Borders 1.1.3 Changing Working Concept 1.1.4 The Double Role of Being a System Builder and Part of the System 1.1.5 The Individual as a Global Player and Local Hero 1.2 The Mindset Challenge—Digital Transformation Requires Intercultural Rethinking References 2 Intercultural Management as a Powerful Business Tool 2.1 Culture as a Supplement to International Management Competence 2.2 The Process of Intercultural Awareness 2.2.1 Mindfulness 2.2.2 Perception of Foreignness 2.2.3 Broadening of Perspective 2.2.4 Implementation 2.3 Intercultural Skills Pave the Way to Intelligent Communication 2.4 The Way to Perfect Intercultural Expertise 2.4.1 Discovering Common Ground and Discrepancies with Your Foreign Partners 2.4.2 Setting up Your Own ToolBox References 3 Action Research—An International Comparison of Country-Specific Work Methods in Germany and China 3.1 Starting Point 3.2 Objective 3.3 Methods and Presentation 3.4 Study Result 3.4.1 Organization 3.4.2 Business Procedure 3.4.3 Communication 3.4.4 Conflicts 3.5 Application of Study Results in Practice 3.6 Open Points for Solutions in the Future References 4 Tools and Exercises 4.1 Reporting 4.2 Relationship Management 4.3 Meetings: How to Get Individual Opinions References Bibliography