- Tip 1
- Germans are uneasy with uncertainty and ambiguity. They like to analyse problems in great depth before reaching a conclusion and are uncomfortable with 'feelings' or 'hunches' in the business setting.
- Tip 2
- In-depth, long-term planning is both expected and respected. Such planning helps, in large measure, to shape the future.
- Tip 3
- The greatest amount of respect is due to the person with the greatest depth of technical merit. Therefore, education is highly prized.
- Tip 4
- Once decisions have been made, everybody is expected to carry them out without question, regardless of their agreement or disagreement with the original decision.
- Tip 5
- The boss is expected to know his/her subject and give clear leadership. As there is a strong respect for authority, subordinates will rarely contradict the boss in public.
- Tip 6
- Outbursts of emotion in the workplace (anger, frustration etc.) are seen as signs of weakness and lack of professionalism.
- Tip 7
- Employees expect to be given precise, detailed instructions regarding specific tasks, but then expect to be left to carry them out without undue interference or supervision.
- Tip 8
- Relationships between bosses and subordinates tend to appear somewhat formal.
- Tip 9
- Appraisal systems are difficult to implement. Germans are expected to perform their tasks professionally and correctly. Why should positive feedback be necessary?
- Tip 10
- German companies tend to be hierarchical and departmentalised. Each department seems to guard its power base and information is expected to flow through proper channels.
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