$1.$ Time and Planning $-$ connection to Ch $2$

This dilemma examines conflicting perspectives on time and planning in Germany and

France.

Construction in Germany

A French company wants to construct a manufacturing plant near Frankfurt, Germany.

Jean$-$Pierre D$.$ leads the French firm$$s negotiating team in discussions with the German

contractors. Jean$-$Pierre is consistently surprised by the German approach to planning. In

his homeland France, flexibility and contingencies are built in$.$ However, the Germans stick rigidly to a

predetermined plan and treat any deviation as a threat to the plan as a whole.

On the final day of meetings, there is only one hour left to finalise the details, with four important issues still

outstanding. The German project leader announces without hesitation that $15$ minutes will be spent on each

issue. However, Jean$-$Pierre feels this is too rushed and prefers taking the time necessary to finalise the

details properly.

Coping with dilemmas

Be aware that working cross$-$culturally requires sensitivity to unfamiliar cultural norms and values. Business

behavior which is the accepted norm at home, needs to be carefully considered in other cultures where

different standards of acceptability apply.

What do you consider the best course of action? $($Choose any one of the following$)$

a$)$ Follow the original schedule. Outstanding issues can be worked out by telephone later.

b$)$ Insist that all issues be discussed properly and extend the meeting by one hour.

c$)$ Try to win an extra $30$ minutes by drawing out the discussion.

d$)$ Adjourn the meeting on time. After a one$-$hour break, resume the meeting for an additional hour to

discuss the remaining issues.

e$)$ Divide the group and the remaining issues in two, so each group can spend more time on the

important details.

Write your answer and reasoning here: