Management In Two Cultures: Bridging the Gap between U.S. and Mexican Managers

by Eva S. Kras

In Management in Two Bridging the Gap Between U.S. and Mexican Managers, Eva Kras confronts the problems that arise out of the cultural differences between U.S. and Mexican managers. Since the original publication in 1989, NAFTA has been ratified, and we can see how business relationships and practices are evolving. Mexico's ambitious Maquiladora program - designed to foster the establishment of foreign, especially U.S., manufacturing plants in Mexico along the U.S. border - has been strikingly successful. The result has been a significant increase in the amount of contact between managers from the two cultures and a dramatic rise in the stakes involved in their developing effective working relationships. This highly structured hanDavies-Blackook is based on extensive interviews with and sample letters written by Mexican and U.S. managers. Kras compares critical areas of managerial settings in which the values and behaviors of the two cultures differ, like staffing procedures, loyalty, family, ethics and competition, then offering specific recommendations on how to mediate these conflicts. Kras offers a sharper image of the business climate between the U.S. and Mexico and how to realistically tackle cultural differences in business etiquette and managerial styles.

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in 1995--or 18 years ago, I can definitely say many of these issues still remain strong in both cultures--the American and the Mexican. I loved the way Eva contrasted both cultures in all possible ways so that we can appreciate each side individually.
There is more than just a simple list of items to read and try learn---there is also the subtle ways in which life hits us--Which force us to pay attention to what we are in fact doing and why.

I really enjoyed the two "fictitious" letters the book starts with and the last two version, after both sides learns from each other.

My own take--which is quite personal as I am the opposite, I am a Mexican with deeply engrained US customs in my life--now back living, working and studying in Mexico--Is that Eva is right on with this book and that we the Mexicans and also the Americans still have much to learn from each other.

I think that is why the USA is where it is, because of the mix of not two but many and vastly different cultures.

Strongly recommend this book to anyone that wishes to learn about the business workings on the mix of these two cultures and how to get the most out of it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Ben's business school books. Spelled out the major differences between the way these two cultures do business. She gathers her thoughts and insights from interviews with executives from both countries. I believe she's Mexican. I don't plan on doing executive business in either country, but still good, general information for me to know since living here.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Casi obsoleto.

[Raul Delgado · Rating 1 out of 5]

Out of date. Conclusively it does not apply to this time and does not reflect the actual Mexican way to do business. Probably a good reading back in the 80's.