space to mention all of you again here, please collectively accept my heartfelt thanks for so generously sharing your insights with us. This includes those of you who, because of professional or cultural constraints, did not wish to be named. Quite honestly, this book could not have been written without you!
The same is true of the following people, each of whom have made significant contributions, if not directly to the content of this book, then certainly to my sanity.
First, I would like to thank my consulting co-author Dr. Liz Alexander who has been a coach, mentor, friend, guiding light, and true pleasure throughout this journey. During our lifetimes we meet special spirits who touch our lives deeply, and Dr. Liz is one of those life-transforming gurus for me. I am forever indebted.
I also remain extremely grateful to the support given by Cathy Hoover and Courtney Harris and the team at Regus.
Thank you, Jerald Wrightsil, for your generosity of spirit in introducing us to so many wonderful people within your extensive Asian networks. Liz and I can never thank you enough for always being there when we needed you.
Other people and organizations that I would like to single out for their contributions to this project are: Korena Garcia, director of Custom Intelligence Services, Stratfor; A. J. Gallerano and Bryan Campbell of DuBois, Bryant & Campbell, L.L.P.; Jamie Nanquil and the team at Social Media Delivered; Deborah Wallis of One-on-One Transcription; and Kathy Wood and her team at KatzTranscription – as well as Priya Kumar, who designed the beautiful maps that grace each of our country chapters.
Where would I be without my assistant Vaughn Bradley, researcher Kristen Eggers, and author's assistant Leah Haney all of whom have been pivotal in getting this book completed and in on time? You are all greatly appreciated, as is Kristen's mom, Julie Smith, whose phenomenal administrative services I cannot praise highly enough.
Deserving special mention, too, is everyone who has helped me at The University of Texas at Austin, with special mentions to Kevin Hegarty and Dr. Steve Leslie; The Ohio State University, with special thanks to Dr. William Brustein; and the leadership of the City of Austin.
Thank you to the team at John Wiley & Sons. This first-time author is honored to be published by such a well-respected name in the publishing industry; your support and guidance have left me feeling confident that my work could not have found a better home: Elizabeth Gildea, Brian Neill, Christine Moore, and Chaitanya Mella.
Finally, I am indebted to my friend Mary Scott Nabers; my supportive and loving family: my phenomenal parents, Ted and Lynn Schweitzer – it all started with you; my brothers and sisters; my amazing niece, Erica Schweitzer-Wirth; John Robinson III; and Deborah Schons.
Above all, I would like to express my huge gratitude to my brilliant, loving husband, John Robinson, and to Charm, the world's most beautiful golden retriever.
Introduction
In the world of high-speed motor brands dominate – Formula One and NASCAR. Both require skill, strategy, and intense focus. In all other respects, they couldn't be more different.
Formula One is the racing equivalent of a Louis Vuitton store: high class, with European roots and international appeal. Formula One races, known as Grand Prix, showcase technologically sophisticated, single-seat, purpose-built cars driven by men like Prost, Villeneuve, and Schumacher with engines designed by world-class talent at Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus, and Mercedes-Benz. The only two U.S. Americans who have won in Formula One's 62-year history are Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti in 1978.
NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), on the other hand, is an all-American phenomenon whose heroes have first names such as Denny, JJ, and Kyle. Stock cars are almost indistinguishable from those you'd find in a Chevrolet, Ford, or Dodge showroom. In contrast to Formula One, almost all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series winners have been U.S. Americans. Whereas attendees at Formula One races can enjoy four-star hotels, expensive restaurants, suites and grandstand seats, NASCAR fans tend to prefer an RV, eat BBQ, and drink beer.
When Formula One announced that it would race again in the U.S. at the purpose-built track named Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, many were surprised. Other U.S. venues were under consideration to host the race. However, misperceptions of Texas as a state with cactus, men in cowboy hats, and armadillo were shown to be wrong. Austin's reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World is just one indication of the city's culture of inclusiveness, sophistication, and willingness to embrace new experiences. Formula One held its inaugural race in Austin in 2012 and given its ten-year contract with Texas, racing is expected through 2022 and beyond.
The awareness, flexibility, understanding, and a willingness to adapt are similarly essential when conducting business across different world cultures. If you have ever traveled to China, India, Japan, or any of the other Asian countries explored in this book, you will appreciate how important it is to travel with an open mind and not to expect that domestic business practices are understood elsewhere.
Where there are cultural differences, there is the potential for misunderstanding. That is why the overarching question at the heart of this book is: What do I need to know, think, and do to build trust, inspire respect, and create long-lasting business relationships in Asia?
A Journey of Passion
As the daughter of a military officer, Sharon has spent her life exposed to different cultures – she's a real “third culture kid.”1 Her passion for helping others professionally benefit from enhanced cross-cultural relationships began in 1989, the year she graduated from law school. After spending a month that summer experiencing China, Hong Kong, and Thailand with a fellow summer associate, she wrote in her journal: “I need to be doing something where I'm traveling and working with people in different cultures.”
Nevertheless, back in the U.S., Sharon did what most recently-graduated lawyers do: She joined a law firm. Two years later, she began working for the Texas Attorney General's office, which reignited her fascination with the way different mindsets and priorities impact how people communicate and resolve conflict.
By early 2008, Sharon had visited all seven continents and over 30 countries, and had gained a professional understanding of how to bridge the gap between people from different cultures. Taking a two-year sabbatical from the law, she visited the Czech Republic and immersed herself in family and culture. Then she embarked on a series of courses at the Protocol School of Washington to emerge as a newly minted corporate-etiquette and international-protocol consultant, and a protocol officer.
From Etiquette to Intercultural Exchange
For the first six years after launching Protocol and Etiquette Worldwide, Sharon was influenced by experts in the field of international etiquette and intercultural awareness. What she found was that her clients wanted more than third-hand advice. They were hungry for realistic, practical, and implementable guidance that would enable them to be more successful in our globalized economy. They wanted to hear Sharon's experiences and stories!
In 2012, the city of Austin asked Sharon to present on cross-cultural awareness in readiness for the inaugural Formula One races. Her interest in the research of social psychologist Geert Hofstede and his son (Gerte Jan), as well as that of cross-communication consultants Fons Trompenaars and Charles Hampden-Turner deepened. Sharon's lifelong cross-cultural experience, training, and research have been funneled into this book.
From our great personal love of Asia, and in light of the increased interest worldwide in doing business across that continent, we chose to focus this book on Asia. By crafting material that engages, educates, and entertains, we intend to take you on a personally fulfilling journey.
David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken,
