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The Culture In A Country Is Not Compatible With The Results Of The Project
Oct 03,2007 00:00
by
admin
The Culture In A Country Is Not Compatible With The Results Of The Project
A project produces results that should benefit the business
in each location. However, the culture of the country may be such that the
results are counterculture. A simple example occurred when a fast food firm
rolled out a new product worldwide. Too bad that the firm did not realize that
the religious sensitivities of the citizens of the country were offended. There
were street demonstrations and several stores were destroyed by arson. The firm
had to retrench. It took over three years to recover to the sales level before
the disaster product was launched.
Impact
The example points to
the problems when projects are carried out without sufficient thought and
sensitivity. The result extends to more than failure of the project.
Prevention
All of the aspects of a project need to be explained to
local management prior to the start of the project. Managers should be
encouraged to voice any concerns. This must be done long before the project is
started. If it is done too close to the project start, then there is too much
momentum to make changes.
Action
If a project is started without the analysis, then the
project should be reviewed as soon as possible in each location. The firm must
be willing to halt the project in specific countries.
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