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Impact of Culture on Project Management

Impact of Culture on Project Management. August 22 , 2011 Tim Porter portertt@msn.com. Background. My perspective on multi-national projects Managed multi-national software outsourcing projects

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Impact of Culture on Project Management

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  1. Impact of Culture on Project Management August 22, 2011 Tim Porter portertt@msn.com

  2. Background • My perspective on multi-national projects • Managed multi-national software outsourcing projects • Taught project management at the university level in China (Zhejiang University) and the USA (GMU, GWU) • Implemented new or improved project management business practices at a Chinese company (Hundsun Technologies) • PM for various internal projects for a major Chinese corporation • Currently provide consulting services related to USA-China projects

  3. Culture • What is culture? • The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group • How do we manage the differences?

  4. Value Differences • Individualism • Achievement • Equality • Pride • Respect for Competence • Directness • Informal • Collectivism • Modesty • Hierarchy • Saving Face • Respect for Elders • Indirectness • Formal

  5. Understanding and Capitalizing on Chinese Culture Traits • Confucianism and the Collective play important roles • Relationships and “guanxi” • 爱面子 –Face • Concept of time • Respect for traditional values • Contracts and the Law • Soft “yes”

  6. Culture of Information Protection and the Master • “shifu” – father, teacher, master for life • The need for self-sufficiency • Transfer of knowledge • Acquiring someone else’s secret and IP

  7. Knowledge Area: Project Communications • Communication – Communication – Communication • Language • Many study English in China but …. • Producing quality English documentation • Translators and Interpreters • Having multi-lingual staff on your side is essential

  8. What Issues Do Chinese PMs Worry About With Western Clients? • Project Direction • More not less, detailed • “in the west, everything can be discussed” • Some things should just be decided • Requirements • Lack of specificity • Communication • Language and startup time • Does “not talking” mean not working? • Flat organizational structure in USA vs hierarchical in China • Many Chinese won’t readily initiate a conversation with a foreign boss

  9. Any Questions? Thank you

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