Managers' Forum ~ Book Reviews
 

Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business is an excellent reference for any professional, male or female, who strives to succeed on international assignments - not only in business, but in any occupation.
Women are forewarned (and hence forearmed) about potential pitfalls unique to their sex, and men may gain a better understanding of how American and Canadian women expect to be treated in the workplace.  In addition, families of expatriates receive helpful hints about what to expect from, and how to better adjust to, foreign cultures.

The book's organization is excellent.  Part One covers general topics such as safety issues and hints for packing a suitcase efficiently, as well as a sobering warning to women that discrimination against them at work is,
throughout most of the world, more commonplace than in North America.  Part Two gives country-specific information pertaining to women's position in society and provides useful references at the end of each section.  Part Three is the cheerleading section; several successful women and their paths to success are profiled.  This section is of limited use, since each individual's circumstances are unique and largely outside one's control.  One
realizes that it is very important to be in the right place at the right time.  Nevertheless, this chapter cautions the reader to look for opportunities, even when these may be disguised.  Part Four is the "how to" section that helps expatriates relocate as smoothly as possible.  Most of the dos and don'ts in the book are listed here.  Part Five contains some advice on how to successfully embark on an international career.  Part Six is the most valuable; it lists a wealth of independent resources, from embassies to publications and organizations, that can be contacted for more information, and that can facilitate one's transition to a new culture.

The only disappointment I felt after reading this book was due to its lack of good advice to women in regards to how obstacles may be circumvented or overcome.  If a Saudi businessman confines all female guests to the women's quarters and refuses to include them in pertinent discussions, how can they communicate efficiently with him?  If, after being repeatedly rebuffed, a rude male colleague does not "get the hint" that his advances are unwelcome, how can a woman repel him once and for all without fostering resentment?  How must a woman elicit respect from those around her such that unpleasant incidents are prevented a priori rather than resolved after they have already occurred?  Simply "acting like a professional" is not enough if one exudes insecurity, which others may sense and abuse.  The book does not adequately address these tough issues, but it does refer the reader to consultants who do.

Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business is a good reference, especially for individuals who have never worked abroad.  Its positive and hopeful tone renders a rather depressing subject - discrimination in the workplace - quite interesting.  The treatise inspires one to view a foreign assignment as an exciting adventure, not a burden, in spite of the inevitable hassles and difficulties.  The book is well written and enjoyable to read.
It serves as a good starting point for our class discussions on the topic of how to adjust to foreign, and often exotic, cultures.

Axtell, Roger E., Briggs, Tami & Corcoran, Margaret. Do’s and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business, John Wiley & Sons, 1997, ISBN:0471143642

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