An examination of a cross-cultural training program at an American company doing business in China: A case study

Jianping Song, Purdue University

Abstract

This research is a case study of a cross-cultural training program developed by and administered at Fairfield Manufacturing Company (FMC), located in Lafayette, Indiana. The training program took place in Spring 2012 and involved five American and five Chinese employees who were scheduled to be trained on new machines and operations. These ten employees were the participant pool for this study. I was responsible for coordinating and managing the training program at FMC. The training program took place over a three week period in which the American and Chinese supervisors were introduced to new technology at the FMC site. A Chinese interpreter accompanied the Chinese supervisors and assisted with translations. And as a person who is fluent in both Chinese and English and familiar with both cultures, I participated in the training program, often stepping in to assist the interpreter in explaining some of the more technical and unfamiliar aspects of the new technology protocols to the Chinese. I also observed the interactions of the participants during the program and was responsible for addressing the accommodations and needs of the Chinese supervisors during their stay in the United States. Data triangulation was used to enhance validity and credibility of the research findings. Data triangulation involved interviews, document analysis of the training program itself, and participant observation by the researcher. Data were transcribed, translated and then put through a number of iterations of coding analysis to identify these emerging themes: • meals, • gift etiquette, • delays due to missing parts or documentation, • language barriers, • union restrictions, • speaking up, • speaking one's mind, • asking for something, • showing displeasure, • security and safety concerns, • establishing trust, and • building relationships. Recommendations were made to improve future training programs and discussions included implications for future research in cross cultural training programs.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Naimi, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Cultural anthropology|Cultural Resources Management

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