Why understanding cross cultural differences in Marketing is important?

Because as a marketer, by understanding these differences you have to convert the needs of the people into their wants. if you don't know these differences then you cannot EFFECTIVELY communicate your message

I support your thinking it is prudent to further our understanding; I suggest reading books about Anthropology the study of humankind in all its aspects, especially human culture or human development.

A professional does not need to understand cross cultural difference, because it is almost understood in majority of cases.

A professional does not need to understand cross cultural difference, because it is almost understood in majority of cases.

Suppose: Value of handicrafts is different in Asia than Europe and similarly a very few people in Syria know about Loy Kiali "A Syrian Artist" but his painting worth million pounds in Europe.

This is quite simple, You can not sell an Asian made weapon to US. This is the simplest example of cross cultural difference. Practical approach counts way to more effective than theory.

Why understanding cross cultural differences in Marketing is important?

This is a very pertinent question in today’s globalizing, rapidly changing highly competitive business world. Organizational Culture, Here is my answer in the form of a following compilation of information! I hope you will find it relevant and informative!

CULTURE  the mysterious word that characterizes a work environment and business environment  in a given locale around the world, requires  flexibility  and adaptability on the part of organizations and ability of the leadership of organizations  and the managing teams to define organizational culture  have a bearing on their very survival and continued existence  of business organizations!

Fundamental transformation of business is underway. Forged by digitization, ubiquitous connectivity, and globalization, this transformation has radically altered the very nature of the firm and how it conducts its day to day business. No industry is immune to this trend. Coming to terms with the implications of this change is critical for survival and growth of employees and organizations. Globalization is the new buzzword used to describe the establishment and maintenance of various cross border economic, political and socio-cultural relations happening in the world today. With the world beginning to work as a unit and the boundaries disappearing, we seem to be en route to what called the global village.

As rapid changes are taking place in the global economy, managements of various companies around the world are responding as never before as these companies no longer remain mere national firms, but have subsidiaries in many countries  and are becoming Multi-national Enterprises. This implies that firms from any country now compete with firms operating not only from their domestic market but also the international market. The companies are becoming less tied to specific locations and their operations and allies are spread around the world, as they source resources and coordinate activities all around the world. For these multinational enterprises, the world seems a playground with their processes spread all across the globe.

To be able to succeed in such a rapidly expanding global economy with its ever increasing chaos and unpredictability, ever changing business environment and other dynamic parameters , managements  and individuals especially Marketers are required to develop knowledge , skills and experience in the national and international arena . Understanding the local culture is key to establishing businesses.

Culture has a strong bearing on business among the different aspects of national environment . Culture influences people’s behaviour in critical ways. This is so because culture plays a fundamental role in forming values, which interact with the needs, attitudes and norms of the individuals and groups and result in different behaviours.

Since marketing is the art of reaching out to the targeted market and consists of the measures to reach out to and persuade prospects that you are the company for them. It's the message that prepares the prospect for the sales. It consists of advertising, public relations, brand marketing, viral marketing, and direct mail. Without the clear understanding the importance of culture in a given business environment it would be difficult to market.

A thorough  understanding of the cultural differences enables not only effective management by ensuring that people behave in ways appropriate for the organisation but also correctly interpret the behavioural differences and thereby interact effectively to avoid misunderstanding and be accepted by others.