On June 12, 2024, Liebherr-Werk Telfs hosted an intercultural training session offered by MCI China Center. This one-day training aimed to equip participants with a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and business practices essential for navigating and succeeding in the Chinese market.

The morning session commenced with an interactive introduction and Q&A segment, facilitating participant engagement and setting the stage for informed discussions. A rigorous China Briefing followed, incorporating a detailed PEST (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) analysis to explore the multifaceted factors influencing business environments in China. This part provided participants with strategic insights into navigating regulatory landscapes and market dynamics.

A practical aspect of the morning session included a case study of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)’s successful market entry strategies in China, offering practical insights into adaptation strategies and consumer behavior dynamics. Additionally, a China Update session provided timely information on recent developments shaping global business strategies, ensuring participants were informed of current trends and their implications.

After the lunch break, the afternoon session focused on enhancing participants' intercultural competence. Discussions on effective communication strategies and relationship-building in Chinese business contexts were complemented by practical language instruction covering basic Mandarin phrases and cultural protocols such as business etiquette and ceremonial practices like dinners and gift-giving. Following this section was incorporating a second case study on Chinese business dinner culture to reinforce cultural sensitivity and awareness.

The training concluded with a comprehensive final session and Q&A gathering allowed participants to reflect on their learnings and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the training program.

The intellectual training successfully prepared participants to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market with cultural sensitivity and strategic acumen. The structured content and interactive format ensured that participants gained practical skills and strategic insights necessary for effective business engagements in China. This training session fostered cross-cultural understanding and equipped participants with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in global business environments, particularly concerning the dynamic and influential Chinese market landscape.

Excerpts from the feedback of participants:

„For me, an enrichment for future collaboration with my Chinese colleagues.”

„Very exciting and varied training, ideally tailored to the needs of the project team. Great added value for the cooperation between LWT and LMD.”

„Training was target-orientated and suitable for practical use; not too easy & not too difficult; interactive; speakers authentic”