Ecl Case Study
ECL Case Study
Written by: Renee Essig
Due Date: 11/28/2012
Contents
Contents 2
Executive Summary 3
Problem Identification 4
Situation Analysis 5
Recommendations 6
References 7
Executive Summary This report provides a problem identification, analysis and recommendations for Electronic Communications Ltd (ECL) as they establish business endeavors in China. It will be analyzing communication skills, team building and conflict. Analysis of the three problems was analyzed using in-class textbooks and additional readings to support findings. Results of problem identification are centered on cultural diversity between Western and Chinese cultures. In conclusion, recommendations are for ECL management to develop communication and conflict management plans to include in their ongoing efforts to establish business in China. Acknowledgement of their culture is also important so providing on-going acknowledgement of stakeholders is shown to benefit the company overall.
Problem Identification
Electronic Communications Ltd (ECL) invested in China by opening up a production facility in Tianjin, China. The Chinese culture is vastly different than American culture which introduced problems with communication skills, team building and conflict across the company. “The Chinese attached greater value to indirect communication than to direct communication, as it was seen as more tactful. This meant that many of them are not used to direct criticism and confrontation” (Ho, 2001, pg. 2). Personal relationships between managers and their employees is another problem identified by Ho as well as humility and obedience is highly respected amongst Chinese staff. The Chinese culture also embraces close interaction and personal relationships to foster professional growth where with modern management this is not an encouraged trait.
Team building is also an issue with the Chinese since they emphasized individual skills for
Written by: Renee Essig
Due Date: 11/28/2012
Contents
Contents 2
Executive Summary 3
Problem Identification 4
Situation Analysis 5
Recommendations 6
References 7
Executive Summary This report provides a problem identification, analysis and recommendations for Electronic Communications Ltd (ECL) as they establish business endeavors in China. It will be analyzing communication skills, team building and conflict. Analysis of the three problems was analyzed using in-class textbooks and additional readings to support findings. Results of problem identification are centered on cultural diversity between Western and Chinese cultures. In conclusion, recommendations are for ECL management to develop communication and conflict management plans to include in their ongoing efforts to establish business in China. Acknowledgement of their culture is also important so providing on-going acknowledgement of stakeholders is shown to benefit the company overall.
Problem Identification
Electronic Communications Ltd (ECL) invested in China by opening up a production facility in Tianjin, China. The Chinese culture is vastly different than American culture which introduced problems with communication skills, team building and conflict across the company. “The Chinese attached greater value to indirect communication than to direct communication, as it was seen as more tactful. This meant that many of them are not used to direct criticism and confrontation” (Ho, 2001, pg. 2). Personal relationships between managers and their employees is another problem identified by Ho as well as humility and obedience is highly respected amongst Chinese staff. The Chinese culture also embraces close interaction and personal relationships to foster professional growth where with modern management this is not an encouraged trait.
Team building is also an issue with the Chinese since they emphasized individual skills for
References: Engleberg, I.N., & Wynn, D. R. (2010). Working in groups. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc. Ho, M. (2001). Establishing an “ECL” culture in china: organizational difference or national difference? Hong Kong: The University of Hong Kong. Project Management Institute (2008). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK Guide). (4th ed.). Newtown Square, PA: PMI Thompson, L. L. The mind and heart of the negotiator. (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Perason Education, Inc Umlas, J.W. (2006). The power of acknowledgement. New York, NY: International Institute for Learning, Inc.