In my opinion, the book written by Morrisson and Conaway does a better job of giving business executives tips on surviving their first business trip to Germany. I am of this opinion because, having just two pages more written text, it gives a lot more detailed information about Germany, its business customs and German way of behaving, for example the difference in language studying in east and west Germany. This distinction is very useful as east and west Germany are still very different regarding many aspects including their mentality. It is therefore better not to simplify too much and pay attention to the differences within a country, no matter how small it is. Moreover, the book is written way more interesting and sometimes it seems like it was written by a German himself. It does not simply state generalizations without context, but tries to explain everything. While reading the chapter, it seems like the focus lies on the similarities and not on the things that make Germany different from other countries. This is so because the authors try to see Germany from how it is seen by Germans themselves within the country.
I also regard the historical background provided in the book as important as it explains how the country became what it is now. Up-to-date information about politics and culture is also given, like for example the information about Angela Merkel or about the turkish immigrants. This is especially useful while making small talk because this way you know what topics to be aware of. Also, Morrison and Conaway’s pieces of advice are more practical, like paying attention to car accidents or not getting a cold. But also dress code, gift-giving, business practices and entertaining are addressed. How Germans process information, negotiate, make decisions, separate business and private life and the times when offices are typically closed are bits of information that are of utmost importance for business executives.
What is also remarkable is that German words and phrases are mentioned. This is very good for building relationships and showing your German business partners respect and interest in their language and country. This makes everything better to naturally understand and emotionally relate to. Also a section with tips on doing business and a website is offered for even more current information. As a non-German it would, rather than Lewis’ book, give you the chance to empathize and identify with Germans. It is, therefore, better suitable to the “soft skill”-approach of intercultural communication. It also offers cultural notes and interesting quizzes to become aware of what you already know about Germany. Information that is regarded as important is repeated several times. It is therefore especially good for longer business trips or the ones you plan to repeat in the future. Moreover, for important business negotiations, it is important to also know something about the hobbies and interests of the people to be able to build relationships.
There are only few things I have to criticize. In some cases I felt like the information was too detailed or irrelevant, like the fact that Germans print in Roman fonts. This is information you do not need on your first business trip. Also, the information sometimes seemed a bit random. What is also important to say is that the title “Fräulein” proposed in the book is outdated and no one uses it anymore in a realistic business context.
Lewis’ book is better suitable for shorter trips which you don’t plan to repeat in the future or in which you don’t need to establish deep business relationships. It has all the relevant information for this case and concentrates on the most important general facts, but otherwise you could say that it is rather superficial, impersonal and unemotional. It includes the basic characteristics about German business culture, their values, concepts, and respect of possessions and property. Moreover, cultural factors in communication are included, like listening habits and behaviour in meetings and negotiations. These are followed by manners and taboos, the German perception of space and time and a section on how to empathize with Germans. Often, Germany was compared to other countries, like America, Japan or France. This is useful because if you already have been to one of these countries, you can envision and compare everything better. At the end of the chapter, a summary is given, where motivating factors and things one should avoid are mentioned.
The major part of the chapter is concerned with how Germans are seen by other cultures. Sadly, rather than clearing up the stereotypes which exist about Germany, they were just founded with reasons. So the picture that arised of Germany was very stereotypical und not diversified. The cultural values were not written in a text, but were just stated as adjectives without context. This makes it harder to imagine what they mean and what they stand for. Often, there was an emphasis on differences from other countries and not on the similarities. This became obvious with the constant use of the personal pronoun “they” or phrases like “than in your country” and is generally not advisable for trying to understand and emotionally relate to a culture. I would go so far as to say that the phrase “They like receiving apologies, it makes them feel better” actually was a bit insulting for me. Like in Morrisson and Conaway’s book, Lewis often repeats what he has already said. On the one hand, this is positive as the reader is then able to remember the most important facts. On the other hand, the information given therefore seemed stereotyped and even less because of the book’s general approach.
If I think about which important characteristics are missing in both books, I would include that Germans do not need any appraisal systems, but are expected to perform well without the need to be acknowledged. Also, I would add that it is sometimes better to say nothing than to show that you don’t have enough knowledge about a relevant topic. Additionally, information about the current influx of refugees would be helpful.