Background
AkzoNobel is expanding the production capacity of Bermocoll by building a new plant in Ningbo, China. The personnel at the Chinese production site will be trained in Örnsköldvik to get the basic knowledge about the production process. In order to minimize the risk for unnecessary misunderstandings due to cultural differences, AkzoNobel contacted us for support. Together with DC Consulting AB, we designed a cross-cultural training program for AkzoNobel.
What we did for AkzoNobel
1. As preparation before the arrival of Chinese guests, October 2011
- Cross-cultural training focusing on Chinese culture, for Swedish management group (1 day + follow up)
- Short introduction on cross-cultural issues to all Swedish employees working in Örnsköldsvik's factory (2 hours + follow up)
2. When the first Chinese group arrives, November-December 2011
- Cross-cultural training focusing on Swedish culture, for Chinese management group (1 day + follow up)
- Practical information for "living in Örnsköldsvik" (4 hours + city tour)
- Suggestions on activities
3. When the second Chinese group arrives, April-June 2012
- Cross-cultural training focusing on Swedish culture, for Chinese employees (1 day + follow up)
- Practical information for "living in Örnsköldsvik" (4 hours + city tour)
- English training for Chinese employees (2 hours * 10 times)
- Arranging outdoor activities in the weekend
- Working as contact person and supporting the Chinese team on practical living questions
Good results
Based on better understanding of each other, Swedish and Chinese sides kept very good relations through out the project. As results, AkzoNobel compared the project progressing with similar project carried out by sister company which didn't receive cross-cultural training; the progressing of this project is three months faster than the other.