|
Israel
Cultural Awareness
Useful
Hebrew Expressions
Book
Shelf
|
Innovation & Investment – Creative Technology Powerhouse
Today, the Israeli business arena is cutting edge and involves the world’s major players.
Israel has the second highest concentration of high-tech companies in absolute terms, next to California.
Software originating in Israel is found in almost every business in the Western world.
Voicemail, the Internet Fire Wall, instant messaging, VoIP telephony (internet phone calling), modern cellular billing and video endoscopy capsules were all conceived and developed in Israel.
Israel leads the world in patents for medical devices.
Israel invented drip irrigation and is an internationally recognized leader in agricultural advancements.
Israeli companies successfully partner with key world players to protect airports, seaports, government offices, financial institutions, recreational centers, international events and more.
Venture Capital investment in Israel has risen almost 6 times in last 10 years, with multiple major acquisitions of Israeli companies by multinational corporations.
The
importance of differences in national and organizational cultures in
cross-cultural technology and science development initiatives is often
underestimated. Many companies
have embarked on business connections with Israelis, and Israelis have
embarked on business connections with the US, without recognizing the
criticality of these differences for making cross-cultural partnerships
effective.
Israelis
have distinct ways of approaching and carrying out work –- for instance,
in communication style, expectations for meetings, presentations and
negotiations, manager-employee roles, building client relationships.
The unique cultural qualities found among Israelis can give a
leading competitive edge if leveraged effectively, but if not understood,
they can sabotage successful business results.
Israel
cultural training cannot be considered just “nice to have.” The stakes
for leveraging Israeli excellence and breakthrough innovations are too
high, as are likewise the stakes for Israelis to utilize their own talents
and business opportunities in partnerships with others.
Without proper understanding, intercultural differences between
Israelis and business partners based in the United States and other parts
of the world can lead to numerous areas of difficulty, frustration and
reduced productivity.
Developing global cultural competency is one of
the most challenging aspects of working globally. Managing the myriad work
and management styles that companies face across geographies, businesses,
functions and projects can be daunting.
A recent high profile example is Microsoft's
"8 pixels" problem. What is effective in one culture may be ineffective, or even inappropriate, in other cultures.
I
Another reference is
Starbucks lack of success in
Israel. On the surface, this seems a pure business case. However, overlooked cultural considerations were critical. Local perception was that it was assumed that an internationally recognized brand was enough in and of itself to sell well anywhere. However, cultural understanding would have identified and addressed existing local cultural attitudes and patterns regarding coffee houses, and their already established role in providing a social venue. A model that succeeds in other cultural environments cannot necessarily be transferred anywhere. In the Starbucks case, realizing and making accommodations for cultural tastes and expectations related to drinking coffee could have made the difference between alienating or attracting customers resulting in failure vs. success.
|
Cultural Savvy's Israel Business Cultural Programs
|
|
From
Information to Understanding
Research has shown that one of the biggest barriers to fully successful business relationships between Israeli and US companies and personnel are cultural differences.
Our consultants’ experience coaching and training US and Israel-based companies and managers shows that some of the most significant differences occur in areas of communication patterns and management style. These problems in turn create bottlenecks for a productive and meaningful business relationship and adversely affect the bottom line.
Recognizing the above problems, Cultural Savvy’s consultants have helped American and Israeli companies by providing culture related executive briefings and coaching for management on all levels, and orientation and training programs for employees.
Cultural Savvy’s Israel Programs are designed, customized and delivered by highly qualified multicultural experts of Israeli and
U.S. origin who have practical experience of working in both in Israel and the
U.S. We focus on providing a meaningful business cultural awareness of Israel, and of the US for Israelis, and practical ways of converting that knowledge into successful business applications.
|
|
Would
You Like More Information?
|
|
|
Please
contact us for information and to discuss how our
Israel Programs can help your company or organization.
|
|
|
|
|
|
