Purchasing worldwide: What can we learn from other countries
During my 25-year career in international purchasing, I have been able to learn about the relevant customs and practices of many different countries in detail. And to this day, I find that sometimes major differences exist between continents and countries, communication and negotiation, the general way of working along with the underlying mentality. And one essential common feature:
Every successful purchasing strategy is based on the knowledge of the most important international procurement and distribution markets. An understanding of local conditions is the key to international growth potential. This is a piece of wisdom that applies equally to medium-sized companies, large corporations, and governments.
My journey through the purchasing departments of the automotive industry has taken me around the globe within a year. China, Mexico, Poland, the USA, Germany, Austria, Romania — foreign countries, different customs? In my new book, Der Einkauf im Wandel [Purchasing in Transition], I show among other things how purchasing practices differ from country to country. And amidst all of these differences, a common constant emerges. It shows a structural change expected on the horizon based on the awareness that price squeezing is on its way out as the general solution.
Within this framework, I arrive at the root of exciting questions. What can we learn from whom? What should you look for when researching new buying options? What are the risks? What are the consequences of the German Supply Chain Sourcing Obligations Act, which took effect on January 1, 2023? How do modified procurement strategies offset dependence on global markets?
Factory sourcing in Poland: a strong team spirit and work ethic separate from private lives
One day, I was off to Poland. It was a swift shuttle bus ride from Dresden Airport across the Polish border. The roads were adventurous, the houses gray. The smell of brown coal lay in the air. Then we arrived at the magnificent Pakoszów Palace hotel and in the most beautiful seminar room I have ever held a training session.
That day, my participants came from the classic factory purchasing department and worked in a confined space setting under strict management. The focus of the training was on intercultural cooperation — especially with supplier companies — and structural improvements in work processes.
There seemed to be a lot of female power in Polish purchasing. I was surrounded by inquisitive, well educated, and tough female buyers who spoke perfect English and, generally, very good German. Whereas a very strong work ethic was combined with an incredible team spirit and cohesion within the group, two things were evidently kept separate – work and private lives. People worked hard from nine to five, but after that the focus was on family life no matter what.
The basis of Polish purchasing consists of solidarity, work ethic, and work-life balance. It became evident that international purchasing offers great opportunities to learn from each other.
Did I arouse your interest in international purchasing? Are you impressed by a particular country’s purchasing practices? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences that you’re welcome to send me on LinkedIn. You will find many more details on this subject in my new book on Purchasing in Transition. And of course, I always have an open ear for you in an appointment free of charge.
For more on this and other aspects of sustainable purchasing strategies, listen to my podcast.