Linguistic and cultural barriers can play a significant role in the success or failure (performance) of international franchising. Therefore, understanding a target market’s cultural and linguistic issues is necessary when drafting an international master franchise agreement to set up your brand for success.
An excellent international master franchise agreement should be drafted by an attorney who understands the people’s ways in foreign countries to avoid linguistic and cultural barriers. Besides, a local attorney will help you understand applicable laws, marketing & sales strategies, and more. So, what’s the best way to avoid linguistic and cultural barriers in master franchising?
How to avoid Linguistic and Cultural Barriers in Master Franchising/
The following tips can help businesses avoid linguistic and cultural barriers when expanding internationally:
U.S.-based franchisors willing to expand internationally are lucky because English is used in most countries. Prioritizing English-speaking countries/markets can help US-based franchisors seeking to expand internationally avoid this barrier.
In non-English speaking countries, transactions between U.S.-based franchisors and foreign franchisees can be simplified by allowing trades to be executed in English. Also, such contracts should consider English to be the operative language of transactions in the event of disputes.
Sometimes a particular business can only thrive in a specific market, which could be a non-English speaking country. Does it mean that communication problems should limit you in such cases? Not necessarily; you can find a solution to that problem by hiring a translator.
Commercial contracts, including franchise and master franchise contracts, are drafted and executed in vernacular in some countries. The services of a professional translator can come in handy to help the transacting parties achieve a common goal.
One word can have different meanings in different countries or markets, and that’s why involving a reputable translation firm in the target country can help you avoid cultural barriers. Translation services are relevant to document preparation and intellectual property, such as trademarks and other features that distinguish the franchisor’s brand.
Although machines simplify tasks in the workplace, they require human input to function. Therefore, human capital is arguably the most valuable asset in business. Clear and proper communication is necessary to avoid misunderstandings and thereby promote efficiency.
Appealing to and attracting international stakeholders can be challenging if a brand can’t communicate its strategy, values, missions, and goals. Hiring bi-lingual workers can help communicate your concept effectively in a foreign country/market and attract clients for your products & services and prospective franchise buyers.
Cultural and linguistic barriers can negatively impact the prospects of an international brand, and that’s why you should prior preparation for such challenges is required. Also, the advice of a legal professional can be helpful at such times.
