Cultural dynamics of German business co-operation with Indonesia and Singapore

Abstract

German-Indonesian and German-Singaporean business co-operations face difficulties on both sides, which are linked to cultural differences. Based on field research carried out in the years 2000-2002, this article shows that the nature of the problems occurring in Indonesia and Singapore is different, but that there is also a disjunction in the perception of which problems matter most. Not only contrasting business environments play a role, but also cultural and educational backgrounds of the co-operation partners. With a culturally sensitive approach (like personal relationships based on trust and soft forms of control), however, potential differences can be prevented.