International Management Individual Assignment: Challenges in France

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INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
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Table of Contents
Task 2: Individual Assignment Task...............................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................11
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Task 2: Individual Assignment Task
Introduction
The term international management is known to be the management for business operations
regarding an organization which conducts business within more than a country. However,
international management is considered to require skills and knowledge beyond and above the
expertise of normal business like familiarity in the business regulations for the nations where
organizations operates. Hence, the present study focuses upon a case study of John Thompson
who is an executive in Shonteur Inc. that is a wine wholesaler and is based in Massachusetts
USA.
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Discussion
Critically assess the challenges that Thompson faces in the case study
Based on the case study, Thompson has been appointed as an executive to the company of
Shonteur Inc. for wine wholesaler. It is a subsidiary that is established for procuring wines within
Europe for the distribution of US market. It has employed around 179 people. Thompson has
been selected for the particular assignment due to the experience of Thompson’s success for
managing other subsidiaries of wines in California, Napa Valley and USA. However, for the
present case, Thompson has been appointed for France where it can be seen that the French
supervisors expresses dissatisfaction, anxiety as well as low morale non-verbally. This became a
challenge for Thompson in order to execute the preset mission. Hence, critical assessments for
these challenges are mentioned below:
What is the problem?
As highlighted in the present case study, it has been observed that while executing the
appointment in France for procreation of wines in context of distributing within the US market,
Thompson faced certain challenges and problems with the French supervisors. They are known
to express dissatisfaction, anxiety and a low morale towards the idea of Thompson in a non-
verbal manner. This had surprised Thompson and has led to many difficulties for the execution
of the assignment in France.
Why did the problems occurred
Based on the assumptions from the case study, there might be certain reasons through which the
particular problem occurred for Thompson regarding the appointment for France. Thompson is
known to have a successful career for management of wine subsidiaries in California, Napa
Valley and USA. Thompson had attended many seminars of management development and got
to know about the concept of participative management. This style of management includes
employees for making decisions. Hence, applying this concept in the assignment of Napa Valley,
Thompson established the reputation for being an effective manager and it was resulted to be
successful as well. However, in the recent days, it can be observed that the managers requires an
extensive experience of cross culture which denotes the experience that manages diverse
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cultures. In many cases, it can be seen that different organizations apply different styles of
management for making any kind of decision, which solely depends upon the respective
organizational culture.
For instance, in case of Crew Clothing organization that is a retail company of clothing makes
use of different styles of management in various situations. In case of a major decision for the
organization, the managers are known to apply autocratic or rather persuasive style of
management. This denotes that employees can provide their views to the managers but, the
managers would have the ultimate authority for making the final decision. Hence, according to
the views of Thompson, it can be observed that while executing the assignment in France,
Thompson made use of the participative style of management without knowing the culture of
France that might differ.
Is the problem typical of management across international borders?
It can be assumed from the present case study, that the problem may result for the issues of
management around the international borders. The demands based on managing operation on
international environment have been changed in a considerable manner from the past few
decades. As per the increase of industries, there are certain benefits for exploitation of global
economies related to scope and scale enhanced for the need of integration as well as coordination
in context of various activities. However, there are certain different styles of management for
international trade that needs to be considered while dealing with any assignment or project.
Hence, there are several tactics or rather strategies in order to manage organizations across the
Borders (Collings et al., 2018). These strategies are mentioned below:
1. Shared tool of communication
This is to make sure of regular communication within the team members and that they must
comprise of open forums where, individuals may comment as well as contact to one another
(Ferreira et al., 2018). This tool denotes a process for being in touch with each other.
2. Recurring check for team meetings
This strategy is to make all the team members meet for at least once in a week. It is considered as
a key piece for connective tissue as; it forces each people within the team for a single meeting
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where it can lead to sharing (Goerzen, 2018). In the particular meetings, people must be sure of
repeatable and common agenda which occurs on a regular basis. Hence, team meetings help the
members to coordinate with each other in a positive manner and also allow discussing any kind
of problem related to any of the members.
3. Making important decisions without emails
Instead of relying over emails, people may depend upon other tracking systems for any key
decisions such as Trello or Google Document (Singh et al., 2018). Email is known to matter
being a core source based on communication but, it is better to not depend upon the a single
source for tracking any information.
4. To follow situational management style
Situational style of management is referred to as various management styles according to the
demands of the situations (Schwens et al., 2018). Thus, various styles should be applied as per
the situation such as, studying the organizational culture along with the culture of the Country or
rather any individual in case of international management.
Thus, as per the above analysis, it can be concluded that Thompson must have studied the culture
of France along with the organizations and the perception of individuals that are mostly used
there. Hence, in every case, participative management may not be applicable and can denote
negative results as well.
Can this problem be prevented in future?
This problem can be prevented for the future scopes through applying any theories of
international management that can be used according to the culture of France. Most of the people
relate the culture of France with Paris, that is a fashion center and also undertakes various arts,
cuisines along with architecture. However, the life outside the lights of city is termed to be
different and also is known to vary through region. The culture of France is shaped through
geography and also by intense historical events along with the internal and foreign groups and
forces. France is known to play a vital role being as the center for higher culture from past 17th
century and from 19th century within the world.
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As per the business culture of France, the French organizations tends towards the rigid hierarchy
along with functionality where it consists of PDG system. The PDG system determines a future
direction in relation with the organizations. Hence, both the political and business life of France
are characterized through the hierarchical structure for larger companies. Moreover, the
corresponding power and positions are defined clearly. While dealing with French people
regarding business purpose, individuals must deal with a formal etiquette. Respect in context of
the authorities of French organizations, it is related to the respect for competence. Therefore,
reaching to a decision for France can result in being a lengthy process as each aspect are
analyzed extensively and all the matters are discussed in a detailed method. A verbal agreement
within France does not comprise any binding value. Hence, while dealing with the French
people, individuals must be conscious about their approach and things should be according to the
French culture.
What lessons can be learned from experience (positive or negative) of other businesses that
have headquarters in one country and subsidiaries in another in a globalised economy?
Based on the experience of Thompson, it can be observed that it has led to both negative and
positive experience. For exploring the business culture of international countries, people should
observe the organizational structure of the respective countries and also must study individual
culture as well. In case of Thompson, it can be learned that each and every style of management
may not be applicable to any kind of situation and hence, people should act accordingly. This can
lead to a positive experience as it helped Thompson to realize for following the rules and policies
of France. There are certain factors that must be kept in mind for dealing with international
countries. These factors are mentioned below:
1. France meetings
French people are known to hold meetings for discussing a specific subject and the time is also
used for providing instructions as well as to coordinate with the actions. Vital decisions are made
hardly within the meetings. However, the seating arrangements for most of the meetings are
arranged for coherence in relation with the hierarchical order of the organizations.
2. Business negotiations
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Foreigners of France are describes initial posture for the French people in accordance with new
ideas along with new products. Most of the times it can be perceived that French people does not
see their equal counterparts. Hence, while negotiations; people should be calm and polite. French
people are very punctual and are considered a courtesy sign for being in time.
3. Business cards
Business cards are used in France and it must mention job title and academic title. The business
cards are provided to the receptionist and the secretary after arrival for business negotiations.
Furthermore, business cards are known to be exchanged after initial introductions.
Hence, knowing the culture of France can lead to positive outcomes. Not studying about the
culture of France led to a disadvantage for Thompson as there was a chance that the deal would
not have been successful. Thus, change in the management style through coordinating with the
French supervisors may help Thompson to achieve success for assignment of procuring wines.
Recommendations for Thompson for resolving the problem
Regarding the above analysis about the case study of Thompson, it can be said that there are
certain strategies that must be followed while dealing with the French people. These strategies
may help Thompson to achieve success for the assignment beside the particular management
style. For instance, if Thompson approaches the French supervisors to decide the process of
business deal, it may impress them as they are fond of formal approach and etiquettes. However,
certain strategies for dealing with French people for a professional purpose are mentioned below:
 Strategies are generally developed in a basis of long term. A larger organization makes use of
elaborate planning and it is generally done within the top of a company without the staffs
(Hodge, 2018). The PDG is considered to make the final decisions and depicts their ideas as
well.
 An important part within the French organizations is hidden partly beneath the complex
network for personal ties along with alliances which in turn helps the people for getting
things done.
 People should be particular while making appointments in France as it must be made before
2 weeks and good time for scheduling appointments are 11:00 or 15:30. Meetings must not
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be scheduled in the month of August as this time is perceived to be the common period of
vacation.
Thus, through following these strategies, Thompson may impress the French supervisors along
with maintaining formal greeting style of France and their formal dress code as well. Thus, these
can result in turning out to be the factors of success for Thompson.
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Conclusion
Based on the above discussion, the present study has been focused upon the case study of
Thompson and emphasized the reason of the problem that has been faced by Thompson
regarding French business people. Strategies to prevent the problem and to achieve success in the
business deal have also been highlighted in the above discussion. Hence, it can be concluded that
people must know and maintain the culture, values and principles of a country before moving
forward for a professional meeting.
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References
Collings, D.G., Wood, G.T. and Szamosi, L.T., 2018. Human resource management: A critical
approach. In Human Resource Management (pp. 1-23). Routledge.
Ferreira, M.A., Matos, P. and Pires, P., 2018. Asset management within commercial banking
groups: International evidence. The Journal of Finance, 73(5), pp.2181-2227.
Goerzen, A., 2018. Small firm boundary-spanning via bridging ties: Achieving international
connectivity via cross-border inter-cluster alliances. Journal of International Management, 24(2),
pp.153-164.
Hodge, G., 2018. Privatization: An international review of performance. Routledge.
Schwens, C., Zapkau, F.B., Bierwerth, M., Isidor, R., Knight, G. and Kabst, R., 2018.
International Entrepreneurship: A Meta–Analysis on the Internationalization and Performance
Relationship. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 42(5), pp.734-768.
Singh, R., Sandhu, H.S., Metri, B.A. and Kaur, R., 2018. Supply Chain Management Practices,
Competitive Advantage and Organizational Performance: A Confirmatory Factor Model.
In Operations and Service Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp.
1181-1207). IGI Global.
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