Instructions: Reply to peer discussion board using one outside source (cite source)

Peer Discussion Board:

• What are some sources of McDermott's excellence at managing cross-cultural differences? How did his experience working at a deli store at a young age help him develop cross-cultural management skills?
• • McDermott's excellence comes from his ability to revise business practices to cater to cultural differences. He listened to customers' needs, leading him to develop more customer-focused innovation (UMGC, n.d). At a young age, McDermott saw the need to adapt to the different needs of his customers. McDermott Deli shop was in Long Island, a melting pot of immigrants, each with their own culture, allowing him to maneuver diversity.

• What are some of the cross-cultural differences he discovered? Using your knowledge of culture, explain some of these differences.
• • American customers preferred a more interactive presentation approach, whereas the Germans endorsed a more disciplined factual delivery. Another difference is that while German companies focus on 30-year cycles, American companies lean heavily on quarterly results. Additionally, American opposes drawn-out sale pitches, but in Asia, they are detailed oriented and interested in building relationships.

• What is your assessment of his lessons for cross-cultural managers? Relate these lessons to the GLOBE findings of the influential global leader.
• • McDermott encourages managers to be considerate of cross-cultural differences. He recommends that managers embrace a vision easily conveyed to employees, believing that customer experience is critical. Additionally, he advocates that managers display compassion and humility (UMGC. n.d). All McDermott lessons relate to GLOBE findings of the six-leadership profile. For instance, the first profile is charismatic, which is the ability to inspire others. Another profile is Humane-oriented, where compassion and generosity are displayed.

References:

Chapter 6 Reading - International Management. (n.d). https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/713560/viewContent/28-year cyle778594/View

Chapter 12 Reading - Diversity in Organizations. (n.d). https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/713560/viewContent/28778695/View