Learn why compliance is NOT a one size fits all proposition, and how culture can impact your compliance program's efficacy. This material is confidential and proprietary to IntegTree LLC and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without the express authorization of IntegTree LLC. IntegTree LLC is not a law firm and is not engaged in providing legal or other similar professional advice or services. In providing our services, IntegTree LLC attempts to provide its clients with “effective practices” in light of then-current laws and/or regulations. IntegTree’s services should not replace advice from your in-house or outside counsel or their opinions concerning company practices.

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(2014)
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Cultural Localization:
Why Compliance is NOT a One-Size Fits all
Proposition
Dr. Nitish Singh & Thomas J. Bussen (J.D., MBA)
E-mail: ncsingh@integtree.com

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(2014)
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Korean Air
• Throughout the 1970's and 80's Korean Air had one
of the world's worst safety records.
The Problem?
– Cultural blindness

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(2014)
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Culture: An Overview
• Culture impacts how we perceive, process, and interpret
information.
• People cannot act or interact in any meaningful way
except through the medium of culture.
• Culture may affect:
– Power distance;
– Uncertainty avoidance;
– Masculinity vs. femininity
– Long term orientation versus short-term
– Individualism v. Collectivism

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Where Culture Meets Compliance
• Companies with worldwide operations often attempt to implement
one single compliance program throughout all of their operations.
• For successful implementation of worldwide compliance programs
and policies, companies need a unique blend of cultural expertise
and compliance knowledge to systematically manage and
implement compliance programs in a culturally customized way.
• This includes:
– Customized translation of your Code of Conduct and policies and
procedures.
– Customized training;

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(2014)
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Steps for Localizing
Ethics & Compliance Programs
• Cultural sensitivity – have a cultural adviser
review your compliance program and analyze the
cultural perspectives of your workforce.
• Cultural awareness – enhance awareness around
key ethics and compliance goals.
• Assessing ethical judgments – evaluate how
employees will handle ethical dilemmas
• Leverage insights from previous there stages to
implement your cultural customized training
program

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(2014)
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About the Authors
• Integtree President Dr. Nitish Singh Associate Professor at
Saint Louis University’s John Cook School of Business, has
been at the forefront of ethics and compliance management
and developed a University Certification program used by
business executives and lawyers worldwide.
• IntegTree Vice President Thomas J. Bussen holds a J.D., MBA,
and Ethics and Compliance Certification from Saint Louis
University’s John Cook School of Business, where he is adjunct
faculty. A former litigator at an AV rated law firm, Thomas
knows first hand the unforeseen problems that arise with
inadequate risk management.

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(2014)
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Additional Resources
• Join The Ethics & Compliance Professors
complementary subscribers list by visiting
ethicsresources.org.
• IntegTree specializes in the worldwide localization of
ethics and compliance programs, regulatory and
ethical training, and psychometric testing to provide
deep insights to improve existing compliance
programs.

8. Copyright © IntegTree
(2014)
www.IntegTree.com
Disclaimer:
• This material is confidential and proprietary to IntegTree LLC and may not be
reproduced, published or disclosed to others without the express authorization of
IntegTree LLC. IntegTree LLC is not a law firm and is not engaged in providing legal
or other similar professional advice or services. In providing our services,
IntegTree LLC attempts to provide its clients with “effective practices” in light of
then-current laws and/or regulations. IntegTree’s services should not replace
advice from your in-house or outside counsel or their opinions concerning
company practices.