We thank GACC Pittsburgh member Nevena Staresinic of Moderna Relocations for the following contribution.
The German Mindset
In the main, Germans are proud, competitive and ambitious. Society is highly structured and life is conducted according to a set of rules. Focus is on the long term, and on achieving stability. Germans enjoy a high standard of living and take their personal time seriously. Most people keep their private and work lives separate. Germans are highly educated and cultured; Germany is the best-read country in Europe and the arts play a big role in many lives. Germans are also active, enjoying outdoor life to the full, with many people practicing sport regularly.
Business Organization
Germany has few self-employed or entrepreneurs; most people in employment work for someone else. Hierarchy is very important in German business. Decision-making in Germany can be a mystery to outsiders: in addition to the official chain of command, German companies often have a parallel ‘hidden’ experts, advisers and decision makers.
Working With A Broad Spectrum Of Germans
Germans are focused on two objectives: product quality and product service. They have a strong desire to be the best and are highly orientated to customer satisfaction. The process of production is important, as is the end result. Order, planning, a lack of risk and technical detail are all highly valued. Expect detailed negotiations with many experts called in; a great deal of due diligence on any deal; extended decision-making; lengthy contracts; and detailed follow-up. Be prepared to work hard at building relationships. German work teams have often been described as a group of individual experts working towards a common goal.
Communication Styles
German communication styles are direct, short and in general very quickly to the point. The style of communication in German workplaces is very formal; even people who have worked together for years use the polite ‘Sie’ form of address. Germans tend to be quite frank. Be sure you can back up your claims with lots of data. Small talk is not traditional. Germans tend to like people who are very clear about their expectations and getting down to business is the norm.
The Five Essentials to Successful Collaboration
- Be willing to work hard. Have a capacity to lead and analyze. Have a good level of technical expertise.
- Be clear, honest and respectful; say what you mean and you mean what you say.
- Be punctual, as being even a few minutes late is considered rude.
- Presentations should be concise. Be prepared to answer technical questions. Highlight the features and performance of a product rather than its look.
- Decision-making can be slow with opinions sought from various outside experts and advisers.
American and German Comparison
Main similarities:
- Very task oriented
- Communication style is explicit and direct
- Driven by deadlines, don’t waste time
- Linear, systematic approach to problem solving
- Rely strongly on facts for problem analysis and decision making
Main Differences:
- Power tends to be more concentrated than shared in German companies, with a fairly rigid hierarchy; while traditional organization in American companies is believed to be flattening hierarchies
- Germans take problem analysis and research very seriously; while Americans think that simplicity is the key
Exceptions and rules
There is an old joke that goes, “Germans love to live by rules. As long as they are German rules. Others’ rules don’t make much sense to them.” In a similar vein, this and other cross-cultural documents can’t be taken overly seriously or read through a telescope of rigidity. Cultures cross a wide spectrum. Individuals dwell within culture, including those who refuse to be bound by traditional social norms and cultural expectations. These days, many managers and executives are versed at living in the world and have adopted an international style. In this regard, Americans are wise to apply the US’ culturally typed acceptance, fairness, democracy and openness at full throttle. Be inquisitive, open, ask good questions, listen carefully, and learn about each other.
Generally speaking, general-isms are often true. When dealing with each other, we remain mindful of generational differences, the speed of social change, accelerations that bring people together more than in the past, sharing and living across cultures, a global cosmopolitanism in urban centers, and myriad ways in which converging spheres of consumerism, news, language and information may yet mask deep differences in habit, culture, and expectations. Maintaining an open, flexible, tolerant stance can be helpful in deepening understanding, and establishing trusting contacts that lead to strong relationships.
For more in-depth about German society characteristics, as Etiquette, Business Meeting Culture, Forms of Address, Making a Good Impression or Easy guide on key elements of other society mindsets, please inquire at office@moderna.us.
Moderna Relocation helps corporate transferees, newcomers and companies with Orientation, Settling-In, House/Office Finding and Cross-cultural training in the Pittsburgh region.
www.moderna.us
nevena@moderna.us
