In today's interconnected world, where globalization is the norm, understanding and dealing with cultural differences has become essential for successful collaboration and communication. In her book The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business Erin Meyer offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to succeed in a multicultural environment. This book review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Meyer's work, highlighting key strengths while offering personal reflections and anecdotes. Erin Meyer begins the book by explaining the importance of understanding cultural differences and the impact they have on our daily interactions. She introduces her framework, the „culture map”, which consists of eight scales that represent different cultural dimensions. Meyer looks at the spectrum of communication styles in different cultures, delving into the intricacies of direct and indirect communication. She gives examples of different approaches and offers practical suggestions on how to adapt to different styles. Meyer highlights the contrasting leadership styles prevalent in different cultures and emphasizes egalitarianism over hierarchy. Using real-life stories to illustrate how understanding these differences can lead to successful collaboration and avoid potential conflict, the author delves into the concept of confrontation and discusses cultures that value direct confrontation versus those that avoid it. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these different approaches to interpersonal conflict resolution. Erin Meyer's The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to grapple with the complexities of cultural differences.

Szabolcs Veres is a researcher at the Eurasia Center