Riding the Waves of Culture, Fourth Edition: Understanding Diversity in Global Business

The bestselling guide to leading effectively in a global business environment--now updated to address radical changes in politics, society, economics and tech

There's so much more to the role of culture in business than etiquette and local customs. Recognizing its importance--and providing a clear-eyed look at how it works in real-life scenarios--is why Riding the Waves of Culture became essential reading when it was first published in 1997.

While knowledge of customs and etiquette can help you avoid gaffes in other locales, it doesn't explain why pay-for-performance works some places but not in others. Or how organizational methods that don't "fit" locally will slowly and silently break down--even if there was no pushback from the local managers or employees.

Riding the Waves of Culture, Fourth Edition retains its in-depth exploration of the underlying cultural frameworks that affect leadership, effectiveness and innovation across cultures. With new information and evidence-based insights on critical business matters, it offers insight on the effects of immigration, generational differences to the development of multi-cultural societies, and more. Also new in this edition: access links to more information and online tools--including country culture scores for research purposes.

The most thoroughly researched and highly respected resource of its kind, Riding the Waves of Culture does more than help you stay afloat in today's diverse work environment; it provides the knowledge you need to seize the advantage and compete for the long run.

Fons Trompenaars has been helping Fortune 500 leaders manage and solve their business and cultural dilemmas to increase global effectiveness and performance for 25 years. An expert in globalization, mergers and acquisition, HR, and leadership development, he studied Economics at the Free University of Amsterdam and earned a Ph.D. from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.