Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business [Paperback]

 

 

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"Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business" is a highly interesting book, and one that is likely to prove useful for women who need to travel abroad for business reasons. Moreover, it is quite engaging, due to the fact that the authors combine practical advice with funny anecdotes about women working in international business.

I recommend you to read the whole book, if you can, because at least some of the tips it gives might help to you. On the other hand, if you are pressed for time, just read the parts that interest you more. The book is neatly divided into chapters according to subjects:

-Part one: Survival "over there" (it includes -> 1: Sex, dating, discrimination and harassment; 2: Know your product, know the culture; 3: Protocol for women; 4: Safety when traveling; 5:Healthy traveling; 6: Luggage and packing; chapters 1 to 6).

-Part two: Advice country by country (it analyzes some countries in particular, but most are grouped and studied by regions; chapters 7 to 22).

-Part three: Women in the world of work (it includes -> 23: Women in international business: past, present and future; 24: How I got my first job in international business; 25: Profiles of three successful women; chapters 23 to 25).

-Part four: The international assignment (it includes -> 26: To go or not to go; 27: Preparing for your life abroad; 28: Family matters; 29: On-the-job challenges; 30: Culture shock; 31: Repatriation and reverse culture shock; 32: Cross-cultural and language training; chapters 26 to 32).

-Part five: Help for the independent businesswoman who wishes to work abroad (it includes -> 33: Tips for the independent career search).

-Part six: Additional resources.

Personally, I found some chapters more practical than others, for instance I took great advantage of the tips on what to pack ("You don't need more clothes, more colors, more combinations. You need fewer things, carefully chosen"), but I guess that depends on what each of us needs more.

On the other hand, bear in mind that even though the advice that the writers give is right on the spot in most occasions, that is not always the case. For example, they point out that punctuality isn't overly important in Latin American countries, but I'm from Argentina and I can say that many think that arriving late is rude, so if you were to arrive late to a business meeting just to "follow local custom", you would be giving a bad impression.

Notwithstanding that, I can tell you that I really liked this book. I specially enjoyed the fact that the authors take into account that "international business tends to be uncomfortable for most North American managers -men as well as women. Many have yet to develop cross-cultural experience, skills, perspective, and confidence". Their recipe for success?. Well, according to them "You can allay your doubts by taking action. To overcome negative attitudes toward women in international business you must assume the initiative and thoroughly prepare yourself".

On the whole, I found this book very useful, and I believe that it can be valuable not only for women in international business but also to those who need to travel abroad with their families due to their spouses' job. "Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business" isn't a perfect book, but it is a very good one, and the kind of book you will want to carry with you around the world.

Belen Alcat

my middle school students have found this book useful because
it not only discusses gender issues in the world of business,
but also offers strategies how U.S. women can be successful in
cultures with even less equitable relations between the genders than our own country.

Great information for preparing for an overseas tour. It includes a wealth of information, country-specific tips, wonderful checklists to help you prepare for the overseas tour, and an extensive reference list to continue your pre-travel research. It will alert you to cultural nuances at your destination so that you can be prepared to present yourself effectively and avoid possible embarrassment. If you plan to work (or even become involved in the native community abroad), I highly recommend this book-- it will ensure you are better prepared and confident, so you'll enjoy your overseas adventure.

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5.0 out of 5 stars "Must read" for businesswomen planning to travel overseas.
Our consulting staff recommends this book to every women planning to be, or already involved in international trade. Read more

Published on Oct 23 1998

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