Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is cross-cultural training and consulting?

Cross-cultural training is much more than a list of do’s and don’ts. The main purpose of cross-cultural work is to help you meet your business objectives and foster a truly collaborative organization. First we examine your most common challenges across cultures, the ones that create a barrier between you and your team, or keep you up at night. For example, you might be concerned about deadlines not being met, your employees from another culture never saying “no,” how to build a relationship with a virtual team, or how to offshore without the pain. Perhaps you seek to build cross-cultural competency or global awareness within your sales force. Next we design an initiative which take varied forms from training to executive coaching to relocation preparation. We stay in touch to make sure that even one year later you are meeting your goals.

2. Why should my organization spend money on a “soft skill” like cross-cultural competency?

The answer is simple: Global diversity is here to stay and will have an impact on your business. What kind of impact do you want to have? Here are some studies that provide the specifics:

2007 study by Deloitte and Touche: “Major cultural differences” was listed as one of the top three challenges in working with Indian providers.
Study by Let’s Bridge IT, a technology consulting firm, the failed communication and lags in productivity caused by cultural differences can account for up to 27% additional costs if not addressed.
Study cited in CIO magazine concluded that in the beginning of a cross-border project, productivity can drop up to 20% due to cultural differences if unaddressed.
Relationship management was found to be one of the key success factors in cross-border projects, but a study by Let’s Bridge IT concluded that only about 20% of companies actively engage in that process.
Accenture study: Adopting cross-cultural communication training programs can increase productivity by 26 percent, on average.
Data collected in The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity survey has proved that "the better the diversity management in the four areas measured - human capital, CEO commitment, corporate communications and supplier diversity - the higher its rate of unbiased employee retention among all groups."
A study by Vantage Partners found that cultural differences can prevent both parties from achieving the full value of their deal: 64% of respondents say that the impact of cultural differences is greater than 10% of annual contract value, and 35% say the impact is more than 20%.

Successful decision makers also recognize the importance of maximizing potential from all of their employees. They take the time to learn what motivates people of varied cultures and how to develop their talent. This reduces attrition and makes the organization sustainable.

3. How do you begin working with a client?

First, we ask a lot of questions to identify your goals. This takes place through a free Global Readiness Assessment for qualified decision makers.

If we decide that we are a good match, we would solidify the goals and outcomes you want to see, as well as how we will measure that success.

Highroad Global Services then designs strategies, trainings, plans or whatever is needed to meet those goals. We build a relationship with you and partner to help you soar.

The design process is as simple or complex as you need it to be. Contact us for an initial appointment.

4. Do you teach cultural etiquette and protocols?

Yes. Though we believe there is much more to culture than etiquette and protocols, we recognize the importance of demonstrating goodwill through this knowledge. We offer workshops that give you the whole picture of your destination country including a brief history, country background, cultural values, communication styles, and protocols and customs. We give you the tools you need to succeed abroad, including telephone briefings for last minute trips overseas.

5. Do you teach people of other cultures how to work with North Americans or Europeans?

Yes. With every client, no matter what the need, we consider the points of view and values of all cultures involved, including Westerners if they are present. We also, however, offer consultation and workshops on North American or European cultures focused on living, working or both. We conduct these workshops with groups, individuals or families.

6. What sets Highroad Global Services apart from similar organizations?

Highroad Global Services has a motto among our team. We like to work an inch wide and a mile deep with our clients. Rather than offer cultural trainings for any country in the world, we prefer to specialize in certain regions, namely parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Our niche is easing the pain of offshore transitions to India and Latin America. We also serve expats moving in and out of the United States, offering them coaching rather than training, and following up with them even years after their move. We stay invested in our clients and provide them with concrete, practical solutions to cultural challenges.

Do you have more questions? Call us at 770.936.9209 and ask for Vicki Flier Hudson. Do you want to learn more about our services? Click here.