Intercultural competences for enhanced business relations with Lithuanian companies. A Franco-German study

This article builds on our previous research, which shows that intercultural competences are necessary to develop and maintain long-term international relationships. Using the data from semi-structured interviews, we demonstrate and analyse the intercultural management competences shown by both French and German managers doing business with small and medium businesses in Lithuania. The interpersonal competences which emerged strongly from these interviews are presented and categorized using Byram’s intercultural communicative competence model (ICC) which combines attitudes, knowledge, skills and critical cultural awareness. These findings are then further analysed in terms of intercultural management competences using the cultural dimensions which are well established in the literature and Demorgon’s multiperspectivist theory. This three-tiered analysis will both provide a framework for future work in the field and recommendations for enhanced business relations with Lithuanian companies