When Cultures Collide, 3rd Edition: Leading Across Cultures 3rd Edition

"When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures" by Richard D. Lewis is a fascinating study of people from 90 countries across 10 groups of cultures from all over the World. His meticulous study relates to: A. Different Countries in Different Worlds; B. Managing and Leading Different Cultures and C, Getting to Know Each Other. In this section he takes us through the 10 different cultural groups spreading from North to South and East to West.Having visited or worked in 31 of the 94 countries, over the last three decades, in my business career, I can relate totally with what Richard Lewis writes about. The details given in the book are startlingly real. In each country we read about their history. The cultures and values are given their due respect. Concepts of Leadership and Status are described to readers, so that one understands how important these are to achieve a successful business relationship. This continues into sections on Cultural Factors in Communication that are a true benchmark for anyone who is learning on how and what to do in such complex environments.The importance of understanding the basis cultures and values in countries where, say Europeans, have either migrated some years back or gone there to take up a position, is addressed with knowledge and understanding. In my experience working in African, Asian and Latin American countries, one cannot overemphasize the importance of what Richard Lewis writes about.

When Cultures Collide is an excellent read. Working in an international company with an incredibly culturally diverse workforce is a challenge. This book helped me to see patterns of communication to improve my skills in moving projects forward and getting things done. What I love about this book is that it is not necessary to read from cover to cover all at once. If you know a particular culture and language you will be negotiating with, you can dive in to that section of the book for some pre-business preparation. The author's insight has been very helpful in helping me bridge the gap!

When Cultures Collide is a handy cross-cultural reference book to have when you are required to adapt interpersonally in order to get things done with others from around the globe. I've been fortunate to travel around the world and LIVE (not just visit) on four continents. A cursory review of Lewis' written observations of those cultures 8've interactex with proved insightful. I've not yet worked out how to read the Communication Pattern diagrams, though, which was a key feature of why I bought the book. It would have proved helpful if Lewis provided an up front, user friendly explanation of how these "work."

I read the first edition during college and fell in love with this book. Should be required reading for all students and everyday people even. It is very informative and everything is so true. I have been in over 40 countries, and this is so right on. Yes, stereotypes exist, but they are all based on truths! The book expalins it all. This new edition covers many new countries in a great easy read. Highly recommended to understand other cultures. We would all get along if we read this book.

Great read for a regular Joe; overall an easy read and entertaining. A lot of observations about other cultures are worded in the simplest way, full of those "Ah ha..." moments.An even a better read for those who are in contact (or expecting contact) with people of different cultural backgrounds; how to conduct business, what to expect, to avoid, and most importantly to do.Would highly recommend.

I was wondering to have more contents in this book throug the different cultures

When one region thinks in terms of rightness in grand gestures and personal warmth, and another region thinks in terms of rightness in fair play and quiet order, sometimes the wires touch and we find that we are speaking different languages despite using the same words. This is an excellent book to see the good in our diverse ways of being and to help rescue us from misunderstandings across cultures. The enemy to be overcome is our own ignorance, not each other; and there is plenty of room in this Universe for all our generations if we can just remain happily together a little longer.

Very interesting approach for those of us who work in multiple countries. Provides a more detailed view than "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands" on the differences in each country. Should be used as a parallel approach to Gerte Hofstede's cultural dimensions to understanding worldwide cultural differences.This edition is 2006 and is becoming a little outdated. Cultures are changing around the world and some of the statements in the book are not as accurate as they were 10 years ago.