Exports Books

I bought this book because my husband and I were going on a business trip to Taiwan, April 2008. It's an inexpensive little book, a quick read, and was probably useful 10 or 15 years ago. We found the advice outdated - the business people we dealt with were much more casual in dress and manner than the book described. The advice not to wear red, white, or black clothing was ludicrous -- I saw 100's of Taiwanese wearing these colors, alone, or in combination. I don't know if there is a better book out there, but take any advice in this book with a very large grain of salt. We were very over dressed. The young people dress in same variety as Americans -- shorts on older people (like me - 40 something) are common - just not super short. Because of this book, I prepared for a conservative, formal country, and that's not what I found.

I wasn't aware that Taiwan had any sort of etiquette. Until I read this handy book of course.

Troy Parfitt, author

I purchased this book based on reviewers' comments. I'm delighted with the book and will use it, in conjunction with National Geographic Traveler: Taiwan, to map out our itinerary. I would certainly recommend both books -- and a map of Taiwan -- to anyone considering a trip to that country.

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This book was quite a handy reference manual while I was attending Ming Chuan Univeristy...quite a different culture than Austrailia!

This book has easy to understand & have up to date case. The Harley Davidson case is one of the cases that showing us how's struggling US to face Japanese company offensive. This is the good case to picturing the dawn to earth marketing strategy compare to arrogant & not efficient strategy willing by US Company.

the service is very good and efficient

Warren Keegan wrote the first international marketing textbook shortly after completing his Harvard PhD in the 1960s. He is a legend in the field and is widely credited as the father of the global marketing concept.

The 7th edition of his leading text does not disappoint the demanding reader and carries on the tradition of earlier editions. He walks the talk, writing for and speaking to a global audience. It is clear that he is one who has "been there" and knows international markets.

The book presents a very sound basis for learning and is a leading text for full courses in global marketing in many leading MBA programs. It also enjoys a large readership by business execs around the world.

"Global Marketing" opens with a very sound introduction to global marketing analysis and strategy. The international trading environment is well described and the text simplies the complexity of international trading blocs, the WTO, and other influences on marketing strategy today.

Keegan's global marketing texts have always been strong on introducing readers to technical terms used in international trade and exporting and explaining the flow of paperwork (i.e., letters of credit, etc.) one encounters in international trade. This current edition does not disappoint in this regard.

There is a good introduction to factors that motivate consumers and customers to choose and use products that is applicable in consumer, business, services, and high technology markets. The book finishes with a very sound coverage of the marketing mix (i.e., product, price, promotion, and distribution) strategies.

A number of case studies are well integrated into the text to illustrate typical business decisions global marketers must make. I have prescribed this text for more than a decade and it always has been rated as the best or among the best textbooks prescribed for our marketing courses.

Marketing concepts are explained within global marketing frame in an understandable manner using the jargon everybody can understand. The principles that each company must take into account both at home and abroad are revealed. Especially, I liked "18 Guiding Principles of the Marketing Company". Articles from the scholars at prestigious business schools are related to global marketing concepts in most understandable way. This makes the book richer. Another thing making the book richer is Global Income and Population estimates, that is both put inside the text and at the end of the book as appendix. These estimates give clear grasp to the reader about world demographics and economic structure, and helps reader understand the subject at hand and, in general, world dynamics better. Interesting and information & expertise-loaded cases differentiates the book from other boring textbooks. The future of global marketing section of the book gives the reader an invaluable horizon. I suggest that you read it carefully, you will get too many things from it.

Valuable, current information presented in a rather dull, uninteresting format according to MBA students. Very comprehensive.

This is mostly about common sense, but it does provide some clever insight into today's multinationals and it's worth for anyone interested in how our different cultures can work together in one organization, and perform at their best. The authors start from an interesting premise, that is "you can never completely understand a culture that is not yours / or that you haven't been living in".

Some of the challenges of managing global teams are obvious. For example, team members will probably speak different languages and come from different cultures. So how do you function in the Tower of Babel? Authors Michael J. Marquardt and Lisa Horvath recommend designating a common language, usually English for American companies. On the other hand, some of the challenges global team managers confront are not so obvious. For instance, what reward system do you use when everyone values different things? Can you just give everyone a pat on the back and a bonus, or must you individualize feedback mechanisms? What etiquette do you follow if everyone has a different sense of what is polite? If these issues haven't occurred to you already, you need this book. If they have, well, We still suggests this rundown on the very basics. As you may have guessed, all the issues you have already confronted with international employees get magnified with global teams.

Some of the challenges of managing global teams are obvious. For example, team members will probably speak different languages and come from different cultures. So how do you function in the Tower of Babel? Authors Michael J. Marquardt and Lisa Horvath recommend designating a common language, usually English for American companies. On the other hand, some of the challenges global team managers confront are not so obvious. For instance, what reward system do you use when everyone values different things? Can you just give everyone a pat on the back and a bonus, or must you individualize feedback mechanisms? What etiquette do you follow if everyone has a different sense of what is polite? If these issues haven't occurred to you already, you need this book. If they have, well, We still suggests this rundown on the very basics. As you may have guessed, all the issues you have already confronted with international employees get magnified with global teams.

Presents the key challenges facing global teams with specific recommendations and case studies on how to overcome those challenges.

Marquardt and Horvath have done a very competent job bringing together good practices for people and organizations working in different places and cultures. Examples from Pfizer and other global corporations make the clear, simply written prose real to the reader, whether a newcomer to this interesting and pertinent field or someone who, like me, has seen a lot of the literature and done a lot of this work already. For my taste, I would have preferred to see more about technology, but the coverage was good and comprehensive enough to whet the appetite or confirm in business language what the practitioner would need to say to a business leader or a manager who was having trouble or starting out. The layout of the book is pleasant. What did worry me about the work, which I still rate highly, is suspicion that the research and scholarship were not up to a high standard, e.g., the consistently incorrect citation of the 1994 classic in the field "Globalwork" by Mary O'Hara-Devereaux and Robert Johansen, from which many of the authors' points are drawn, and an index that was generally wrong in its pagination.

Globaphobia is a great little text on the benefits of free trade. If only some of those protesting about the evils of capitalism actually took the time to educate themselves. They might then see that everyone benefits from free trade; developing countries have more jobs and developed countries higher real wages; consumers everywhere get greater choice.

There will always be losers - as the book makes clear. But that's a fact of life whichever economic creed you follow. There are significantly fewer losers in Asia now that forty years of economic liberalisation have raised income levels from paddy field to first world standards. This book explains why - in crisp simple terms.

An effective presentation of the positive and sometimes negative effects that open world trade has on the U. S. economy. It suggests thought-provoking ideas on how the United States and other national economies can ease the negative effects of globalization on their less-educated or poorly-prepared working populations. Our consulting staff recommends this publication as "semi-relaxed" reading when you are ready to let your mind roam and consider new ideas. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute

The ease of reading is exceptional. If you are worried about your limited understanding in economics and especially international trade, this is the book for you. In addition to the book being written and edited to be understood by nearly any modestly educated person it is further advantaged by authors that clearly understand the subject in great depth. As is so often the case the extremely well informed can write with such clarity for the lay reader.

As nearly all economists understand net trade flows always equal net investment flows. Shockingly large numbers of media and congressmen do not understand this utterly simple formula. In a nut shell, with all the foreign money pouring into the USA treasuries market, stock market and direct business investments over the last several decades, it follows that the USA would run trade deficits equal to the net investment inflow over the same period. If you do not understand this or you want an ultra easy review of these simple facts, this book was made for you. In a grand gesture of national service these authors wrote the book that was needed for general understanding of what positive and negative points globalization means to the USA. It is not designed for academic kudos.

If every modestly educated voter would read this book, the future of the USA and the world would be significantly brightened. While this is a pipe dream, at least read this book before you say one more word about globalization otherwise you may embarrass your self in the presence of informed people. If you are informed on economics please forgive my heavy handedness. It is not meant for you. This is a critical issue for underdeveloped nations and the mature nations, there is so much to be gained by informed voters on this subject.

This book is carefully grounded in the proven principals of economics. While a reviewer or two gives an impression to the contrary, decades of reading in economics provides me the confidence to assure you that this book is profoundly well grounded. At each point where scholars may differ the authors and editors have carefully laid out its discussion. This is not a book written with a liberal or conservative bent. Modern economics encompasses a significant degree of science and mathematical logic. To view this book as otherwise, is to be illogical or unwilling to accept the most basic proven equations. Again you will not find an easier more meaningful book to read on economics.

The USA economy for a variety of reasons has sharply declining need for workers without a high school education and places a continuing rising premium on post college education. Increasingly, those that can graduate from the elite institutions lead nearly a charmed life in the USA. Immigrants that are able to enter the USA with limited education are having increasing difficulty as the decades roll by. It is not clear that globalization is a meaningful factor in placing the such great educational needs on the American worker. This book helps frame the questions that might be asked about the rising importance of education in the USA. The book being about globalization does not dwell on this issue, but it does strongly suggest that the potential understanding of this issue of the exponentially rising need for superior knowledge is much broader than the globalization trend.

The most provocative theme in the latter chapters of the book is the impact of globalization on those American workers that are poorly educated. The adverse impacts on this group comes from rapid technology changes, defective educational system, ineffective governmental assistance and to a very small degree open trade. The authors documentation about how little negative impact foreign trade has on a very limited number of workers is shocking. A source of another worthy book would be to provide a more exhaustive review of this aspect. The authors conclude that the popular obsession on this point should treated with a reorganized aggressive worker assistance program. Almost any reasonable assistance program would be a modest cost relative to the diverse and powerful benefits that all the rest of Americans get from open trade according to the authors.

The authors are very negative on the effectiveness of government sponsored retraining. The book is highly critical of the governments ability to define injured parties in open trade without it being a political football. The authors suggest an assistance program that is indiscriminate as to the cause of worker misfortune and focuses on programs that show imperial evidence of effectiveness. The focal point is intermediate assistance for any lower income workers need to find new employment. While the left and the right quarrel about where to draw the line, the authors contend that so few people are in need relative to the benefits of open trade that just focusing on a well designed assistance program would make all the difference in giving support and comfort to the aggrieved relative to the huge benefits of open trade.

An effective presentation of the positive and sometimes negative effects that open world trade has on the U. S. economy. It suggests thought-provoking ideas on how the United States and other national economies can ease the negative effects of globalization on their less-educated or poorly-prepared working populations. Our consulting staff recommends this publication as "semi-relaxed" reading when you are ready to let your mind roam and consider new ideas. John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute

Globaphobia is an important book for anyone trying to get a handle on the free trade arguments. The book is well written and addressed to a lay audience. One should be careful about some of the assumptions in the book, especially if one has no background in economics. I was required to get the book as a supplementary reading for an International Trade Theory course. I found it to be very helpful in getting a big picture understanding of current International Trade Theory. Buy the book; it is worth the relatively inexpensive price!

I am a student at Oklahoma State University and I read this book in order to complete an assignment for my Comp II class. Although dreading the assignment, I found reading this book an easy task. Ann Marie Sabath wrote this book in such an organized structure that it makes the information more appealing to the reader. Becuase the book does not cover the in-depth details of each coutnry's etiquette, I would only recommend this book as a quick reference guide. It's great for either international businesspeople that are new to a region or anyone visiting one of the Latin American countries that Sabath covers in this book. Bottom line is if you are spending an extensive amount of time in a certain area of Latin America, I would recommend a book that focuses mainly on that induvidual country.

You will learn much about business etiquette, but not so much about business. For brief business encounters this book is sufficient, but if you want more pragmatic business-oriented information, including etiquette and culture, try "Doing Business in the New Latin America" by Thomas Becker.

Ann Marie Sabath, the Amy Vanderbilt of international etiquette, provides a concise, up-beat and authoritative guide to Latin American social and business etiquette. Her manual covers dos and don'ts, and includes basic data about each country, including history, air travel, telephone, currency, holidays, language, religion, time zones and weather. In a compact 221 pages, she presents an informative outline that will help you act appropriately at work and play in 14 Latin American countries. We [...] recommend this book to those who work with people from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, and to those who travel to these countries on business. Have a good, safe trip, or as they say in Latin America, Vaya Con Dios.

Ms. Sabath did a wonderful job on the business etiquette as it pertains to the various countries; however, she should have omitted political opinions (and historical facts) as she commonly suggests business travelers to do.

The first section of each chapter provides a very brief look at the history, economy and politics of a given county, which is an integral part of understanding the people that one deals with. It is an injustice to the uninformed reader to only cover this in a short page or two, as most countries in Latin America have over 500 years of history and deeply rooted politics.

Additionally, Sabath frequently distorts historical facts and injects political viewpoints. An example of this is shown by the statement on how the Chilean Marxist President, Salvador Allende, "imposed his rule on the county," which led to instability and a poor economy. Allende was the first, if not only, democraticly elected president from the Communist party not only in the hemisphere, but in the world. I would suggest that business travelers who want historical and political information to seek it out from more informed and comprehensive sources.

Given this minor shortcoming and impossible task of summarizing 500 years of history and politics into a few paragraphs, Sabath does a commendable job of informing the public of all the little things one needs to know when doing business in Latin America--hence the four stars.

I first read Ms. Sabath's book on business etiquette in Asia and the Pacific Rim, and decided to read this one as well. I like this one better based on the material about countries where I have done business in Latin America. In fact, it filled in some information that had puzzled me -- why some business women had continually been grabbing my arm during discussions. This apparently is quite common in some Latin American countries. My wife had found this habit more than a little distressing to her. I'm sure she will be more comfortable on future business trips knowing that this is normal.

I have often wished that there was an outstanding source on business etiquette in various countries, and have searched in vain for one. I was quite interested to read this one to see if it would fulfill my needs. Obviously, I could not evaluate the advice for countries where I have not done business so I checked out the countries where I had done business. The results left me pretty pleased.

Issues that came up were addressed and in ways that seemed accurate based on my experiences. For example, if you go to Ecuador, your wardrobe will have to either accommodate the damp chill of Quito or the tropical humidity of Guayaquil.

On the other hand, the proper way to work with Chileans is still a mystery to me, even after reading this book. Well, one book cannot do everything.

The book is solid as far as it goes, and it attempts to cover the waterfront (14 countries and 24 subjects per country). That's probably the reason why the book is pretty basic in approach. You will get good help here on important subjects like how many hours of time difference (so you don't call at the wrong time, although this isn't often a big problem with Latin America), how dates are written down so you can decipher the messages you get, when holidays are so you won't offend someone by suggesting a meeting on an important religious or national holiday, and gift-giving etiquette (an area where Americans often err).

I do suggest that you acquire this book to have these basics available near to your computer and telephone at work. Also, the bibliography seems to provide a list of longer books on each geographic area. Those books may give you more details. There's probably no substitute for speaking with a business person from the country before you go, and getting advice from the concierge at a good hotel once you're there. Naturally, if you are fortunate enough to have colleagues in your company who work there already, they can fill you in. So this book is primarily aimed at those without a local operation.

Some of the better sections included information about what are appropriate conversational topics, rude gestures and actions to avoid, punctuality, seating etiquette, the special issues for women in business, and the weather conditions you can expect.

A book like this is a good reminder of how much we are conditioned by our culture. If nothing else, it can help you understand the sources of stalled thinking that can harm our business relationships in other countries because of our typical American approaches.

I liked what was in the book. I graded it down one star for what was not -- information about how to handle situations where communications and negotiations are not going well.

This is a good overview of topics that should be included in a contract. For those of us with out legal training that need to write and review contracts... this is a good start!

"A Short Course in International Contracts" showed itself a very good help to beginning understand the 'Lex Mercatoria', in the following aspects: a- negociation e role of attorney; b- Incoterms and other trade terms and c- importance of knowing cultural differences around the world. As a law student, I've found the Mrs.Shippey's book a valious tool for my essay, which is necessary to graduation title.

Shippey's books provides a fine summary of issues that one faces when drafting international contracts. However, her contract models are not practical and thorough. If you try to use this book to write your own contracts, you will get screwed.

I've been looking for this book for years. I consult and train on international purchasing, and I really like this book.

First of all, the author shares a lot of my opinions. She understands the cultural influences on contracting, recognizes that a contract isn't going to solve problems if you pick the wrong supplier or customer, and believes in keeping contracts short and simple.

Second, she writes both her sample contracts and the text of the book clearly and persuasively. The style is infinitely better than any predecessor books on the topic.

And finally, she hits the key issues where international contracts differ from domestic...Incoterms, CISG, exchange rates changing, and the importance of face to face contact in negotiation.

Our consulting staff has reviewed this book and feel that it is an outstanding presentation of the complexities involved in writing international sales and marketing contracts. Our staff refers to it often when they are drafting export sales amd marketing agreements for clients. We recommend that exporters read this book BEFORE they discuss an export sales or marketing agreement with an attorney. It could save them a great deal of money! John R. Jagoe, Director, Export Institute.

After ploughing through too many dry, long texts its really refreshing to find a book that is not only useful and informative but really easy to read - when you as busy as most of us are it is of paramount importance to get some real value and memorable tips and tricks QUICKLY!

This book has a lot of good ideas, but it is too vague, too lack of specificity. It keeps repeating. It is not too bad, but it could This book has a lot of good ideas, but it is too vague, too lack of specificity. It keeps repeating. It is not too bad, but it could have been a better book. been a better book.

As a student of marketing at the University of NSW in Sydney where co-author Dr Chris Styles lectures I was fortunate enough to get a first hand insight into the ideas behind this most worthwhile text. I remember asking Dr Styles if his course was one through which I might pass but ultimately take nothing from like so many other "theoretical" subjects. He recommmended I read the book and needless to say, I enrolled after reading the first few chapters. It is always a great challenge to find a book that synthesises well researched argument with those gems of practical advice that make a difference over and over again in 'real life'. Definitely one for the library of perspectives that you will refer to in your head on countless occasions in the future.

As a student of marketing at the University of NSW in Sydney where co-author Dr Chris Styles lectures I was fortunate enough to get a first hand insight into the ideas behind this most worthwhile text. I remember asking Dr Styles if his course was one through which I might pass but ultimately take nothing from like so many other "theoretical" subjects. He recommmended I read the book and needless to say, I enrolled after reading the first few chapters. It is always a great challenge to find a book that synthesises well researched argument with those gems of practical advice that make a difference over and over again in 'real life'. Definitely one for the library of perspectives that you will refer to in your head on countless occasions in the future.

The authors claim that business success comes, in part, from getting the human side right: emotions, relationships etc. When doing business across borders and cultures, whether directly with consumers or with business partners, this becomes all the more important. Those who have lived it (like me), will immediately understand - those who haven't, should read this book before they do.

But the bottom line is that the authors seem to get it. And they explain this with examples, as well as analysis, and also give out some practical tools which should help pretty much anyone involved in international marketing.

The book also has a few novel ways of thinking about issues - whether one precisely agrees with them or not, they are very thought provoking (and in my view) at least generally correct and insightful. The concepts of "social learning" (where the SILK acronym in the title comes from) and of the "impact of biology" on marketing are quite intriguing.

..... leaves you with a new (and better) perspective on international marketing issues.

A great read for a dull flight ! And the people who should really read this book, probably fly a lot.

A number of international trade terms used throughout the industry are not included in this book. So the glossary is somewhat disappointing in this respect.

Hinkelman also did not provide a detailed overview of Documentary Collection payments (used less frequently than L/C, but still worth noting).

However, I would give a thumbs up to the L/C overview.

The 1989 version of the Basic Guide to Exporting is a good start, but one should look for the 1998 version in order to keep up with our digital global economy. Yes, the 1989 version is old and pre-Berlin Wall, but actually very similar to the 1998 new version in structure. The 1989 version of the Basic Guide of Exporting illustrates the essentials of exporting something to few exporters really appreciate. One of the best aspects of the 1989 version is the beginning sections on developing the exporter's international marketing plan. In the early chapters, one also learns the specific techniques and programs used in international marketing and research - the primers in exporting a good or service abroad. The other benefit of this cost-effective tool is the sample forms that one can use in corresponding with international importers and business contacts. Of course, one should always seek professional advice on all aspects of exporting and the Basic Guide is your source for those helpful contacts. However, the names and contact information in the 1998 version are much more relevant because they are more updated and reference many aspects of Internet resources. Exporting has also changed in the last nine years and the 1989 version is not up to date enough to cover those changes effectively. Although the 1989 version is good, one should seek out the new version so that one is prepared for the new global e-commerce environment. The 1989 Basic Guide of Exporting could be your start, but you must build from there. The price is right, too!

Written by the US Department of Commerce especially for small or medium sized businesses who have never exported before. Covers selecting a country, adapting your product, find a channel of distribution, government regulations, trade barriers, getting paid, terms of sale, and shipping options

This book is the single best summary of the subject that I have reviewed in my nearly fifteen (15) years as a commercial attorney. Ms. Alexandra Woznick, the author, is to be commended for an outstanding job of clarifying a subject that is to even experienced practioners, both mystifying and terrifying, and shows that she's the one to consult about such problems. Far from raging against the machine or leaving us down in a jungleland of complexity and regulation, Ms. Woznick shows that you, too, can understand fundamentals and basics of exporting. The edge that one will gain in the battle of evermore increasing regulation and red tape, both on the main streets and the backstreets of trade, from having this book in his or her corporate, professional or personal library more than justifies the small purchase price. The impressions one has from this work are lasting, and yet may field immediate responses to perplexing questions which come up on the run or in the air while doing deals. On business or in the midst of complex transactions, I can't get it out of my head that in the end, this little volume is a keeper. While one cannot guarantee removing all the kinks, contstraints and complications of export practice, this volume will take you past the long and winding road of complex research and easy misunderstanding to an easy short cut to straightening them out. While I had no expectations when I first picked up this volume, the impact for me will not fade away any time soon, lifting as it did the ball and chain of less clarifying works. If I had my way, this volume would be in every commercial practioner's bookshelf. All around the world, and under African skies where our President even now is encouraging export and trade, this book will help one break on through to an understanding of trade complexities in a complex and dynamic legal and regulatory trading environment. If one is drawn to the rhythym of international trade, one is well advised to keep this little volume in order to keep up with the beat of a changing world market.

I was required to read this book for my International Management class. I thought it would be another boring book, but it was anything but boring. It is actually very interesting. I've read, or seen international blunders on the internet or by email, but this book has a host of blunders that will keep you reading on and on and on. Check it out!

All business students should read this book. It is absolutely amazing to find out what people have already gone through to bring a business international.

Does your CEO have the audacity to believe that he will not make the same mistakes that others made? Is your marketing team prepared for each and every market? This book teaches you to carefully prepare for each and every market and not take ANYTHING for granted. Do your research, or you will be the punchline of an joke or two at some International Marketing conferences somewhere in the future.

Dave Ricks lays out everyone else's blunders in such a way that you wonder if they could have really happened. Although it is sad that these mistakes happened, the message is that without preparation people make big mistakes in international business. These major business mistakes could happen to anybody (who does not know to avoid them.)

If you are looking for anectdotes for a business class or international business curriculum, you can save yourself the trouble of research and find out what Mr. Ricks has painstakingly already researched.

Although there is no way to find out what to avoid in every market... today's business students should buy this book and read it often so they can recognize when they need help avoiding the pitfals in today's increasingly global business world.

As a biingual international manager of an import/export firm I see many of these blunders cropping up everyday. Some companies are better prepared to handle them before they become broadcast over teh whole world. Many Mexican companies I have seen do not know their translation takes on a funny twist in English. But if I told them would they believe me?... I hope reading this book will make me realize I need help myself sometimes too.

Dave Ricks is a respected faculty member at Thunderbird, one of the world's most innovative International Business Master's Programs.

In just the first half of the book, I found 5 urban legends being presented as fact (e.g., that ancient thing about "bite the wax tadpole", the one about Africans thinking that baby pictures on baby food meant the food was made of babies).

Granted, the latest update was in 1999, but the facts should have been verifiable and verified even then.

Take the anecdotes with a grain of salt.

If this is the book I think it is, first published in the 80's, it is the only business book that has ever made me laugh out loud. Over and over again.

Don't be put off -- it _is_ a serious business book, and it treats the issues in a systematic fashion. But it is well-written, too, and the examples the author uses to make his points will have you chuckling.

There are good elements in the book but, overall, it's a bit unrefinned and probably tries to cover too much in a superficial manner.

For example, the culture triangle is, in principle, a good way to consider the various facets of culture, and to understand where it might impact one's life, but is described using odd parts of grammar: Emotions are matched to thinking. Surely, emotions are to thoughts, or feeling is to thinking.

The analysis of culture is done much better by Craig Storti in "Figuring Foreigners Out", which presents a challenge to your perceptions and provides an opportunity to score yourself, and so assess your match to a particular culture.

The idea that Culture Shock lasts only 5-10 weeks (p7) is far too simplistic. I suspect this reflects a retreat into multi-national/expat community living. True adaption takes much longer - particularily if one is aquiring the native language. If you find yourself in this boat and are struggling to cope, then pick up Culture Shock by Myron Loss. It is an excellent treatment of cultural stress, and leads to a better understanding of the subject: its causes and its cures.

Indonesians aren't punctual, but the Germans believe timeliness is a sign of respect. The French are well educated, but elitist. And, spouses and children don't always find living abroad to be a "grand experience." Those are just some of the things you'll learn from Dr. Elizabeth Marx, who explores why many managers have a horrible time abroad. To help improve your managerial experience overseas, she provides a 100-plus item checklist of what to do before you leave for a foreign country, including information on whether to sell your house or have your children inoculated. Her book tells the ambitious manager Everything You Always Wanted To Know About the International Experience but Were Afraid to Ask. For instance - and this isn't surprising considering her background in psychology - she tells corporations to provide psychological testing for employees before sending them to international posts. We [...] say read this before you plan your bon voyage party.

Despite the praise for this book from a senior partner in Arthur Andersen which graces the first page of the text, this is an excellent management text.

As an ex Englishman near New York, one of the surprising things to learn, and thus the point of this book, is that cultural differences can affect us and our work performances.

It is often said that Britain and America are separated by a common language but this does not really convey the full extent of the differences between the two nations. The situation is made more difficult by the fact that American culture has established a hedgemony around the world and particularly so in the UK.

This book is a must read for anyone accepting a post in a foreign country and anyone relocating abroad. Indeed some of the lessons of this book can be usefully applied to different jobs not just different countries.

I like the structure of the book and in particular the focus on the book as a tool to be used and not just read. The use of case studies is very helpful although I personally do not appreciate the manner in which they are written. I would have liked some of them at least to be expressed in a more formal manner with actual references to be used where possible but this is a minor gripe.

Breaking through Culture Shock is written in a very user friendly manner and in a size that is easily followed.

Elisabeth Marx really has hit the nail on the head with this text which has a broad scope great applicability across the continents. My one concern would be with Chapter 5 where she looks at some country specific cases but which excludes Japan. Given that country's importance to business in the world one would think that it warranted inclusion.

That aside, I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about embarking on a move abroad and those who have already made a move, whether it be temporary or permanent.

Just a thought, but it would be interesting to see an American author tackle this subject in the same way.

A good blend of work experiences by people from all over the world with emphasis on identifying the "best practices" of preparing, working and returning from an overseas work assignment. Especially effective was the analysis of the psychological aspects of life in other countries/cultures, which included comprehensive views from both the worker and their families perspectives. Overall, the book was a fairly effective in helping me to prepare for my recent overseas long-term work assignment.