Case Study: How Pfleiderer Makes It Work

Subtle differences in office etiquette can loom larger when cultures are thrown together.

At Pfleiderer Group, a European wood panel manufacturer, Germans and Poles, supported by cultural coaches, are learning to adjust to each other’s ways.

This follows a reverse takeover in 2016, in which Pfleiderer was acquired by its Polish subsidiary and moved its headquarters from Germany to Poland. Michael Wolff, Pfleiderer’s chief executive, highlights decision-making as an example of where Germans and Poles are sometimes at odds.

Whereas a German will implement a decision as soon as an agreement is reached, he says, a Pole will want to reflect on it and then talk some more. Now, when a decision is made, Mr Wolff, who is German, says that he automatically schedules a follow-on review so that the Polish desire for reflection and the German emphasis on agreeing a plan and sticking to it are both met.

“Once you understand the different decision-making styles, the work becomes much easier,” he says.

Vocabulary:

Subtle – small, delicate, or slight in a way that is not immediately obvious or easy to notice, “There is a subtle difference in flavor between the two types of green apples.”

etiquette – the formal rules for polite and correct behavior in a group, society, or workplace, “Learning proper office etiquette means knowing not to eat a coworker’s lunch.”

loom larger – (idiom) to become or seem much more important, noticeable, or worrisome than before, “As the final exam date got closer, my worries began to loom larger.”

thrown together – (idiom) brought into a group or situation unexpectedly or by chance, “The two students became best friends after being thrown together as lab partners.”

adjust to – to change your behavior, habits, or thinking so that you can fit into a new situation, “It took me a few weeks to adjust to waking up early for my new job.”

reverse takeover – a business event where a smaller or less powerful company buys and takes control of a larger company, “The small tech startup shocked the industry by completing a reverse takeover of the massive electronics firm.”

acquired – bought, gained, or took ownership and control of something, “Our company acquired a smaller rival factory to increase our production numbers.”

subsidiary – a smaller business or company that is completely owned and controlled by a larger parent company, “The famous cartoon studio is actually a subsidiary of a giant entertainment corporation.”

headquarters – the main, central office or building from which a business or organization is managed, “The tech giant is building its new international headquarters in London.”

highlights – draws special attention to a particular fact, point, or problem so that people notice it, “The manager’s report highlights the absolute need for better safety rules.”

at odds – (idiom) in disagreement, conflict, or opposition with someone else, “The two team leaders were at odds over how to spend the project budget.”

implement – to start using or putting a plan, decision, or system into action officially, “The school decided to implement a new uniform policy starting next term.”

reflect on – to think very carefully, deeply, and quietly about something for a period of time, “Take some time to reflect on your mistakes so you can do better next time.”

automatically – happening by itself using a machine or software without needing human effort or extra thought, “The smart lights turn on automatically as soon as it gets dark outside.”

emphasis – special importance, value, or extra attention given to a specific thing, “Our school places a very strong emphasis on science and mathematics.”

sticking to it – (idiom) continuing to follow a plan, path, rule, or promise without quitting or changing your mind, “Learning to play the violin is very difficult, but sticking to it will bring great results.”