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Same, Same but Different
Written by: Sue BarrettArticle Overview: I came across some research on sales motivation which seems to shed some further light on why it is important to use programs which are culturally specific to your sales peoples motivations and values. A major study of sales motivation presented at the annual convention of the Society for Marketing Advances has revealed significant cultural differences driving sales success. It has helped explain why some of the better made-in-the-USA sales management practices aren't more effective in other nations. The answers may lie in what really provides motivation for salespeople.
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Same, Same but Different
I came across some research on sales motivation which seems to shed some further light on why it is important to use programs which are culturally specific to your sales peoples motivations and values.
A major study of sales motivation presented at the annual convention of the Society for Marketing Advances has revealed significant cultural differences driving sales success. It has helped explain why some of the better made-in-the-USA sales management practices aren't more effective in other nations. The answers may lie in what really provides motivation for salespeople.
The study (coauthored by Dr. John F. Tanner, III, associate professor of Marketing at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business & George Dudley, Behavioral Sciences Research Press) asked almost 41,000 people across nine nations what they hope to obtain from their sales careers. Motivations assessed included:
- opportunities to use talents
- make money, work creatively
- obtain status
- interact with people
- be self-managed
- progress into management
- freedom from routine
- opportunities to be of service to others.
"Sales motivation in the US is more money-motivated than in other nations, but there are other more complex motivations at work. 33% of US salespeople and 36% of the salespeople in the U.K. say they work primarily to earn substantial incomes. This compares to only 9% in Norway and 11% in New Zealand, where "lifestyle" considerations such as opportunities to use their abilities and freedom from routine are considered more important.
In fact, successful US salespeople often shun advancement into management, because they can usually make much more money in sales. That further distinguishes US salespeople from those of other nations, where sales is frequently viewed as a temporary step on the way to management.
Over 12% of Australian salespeople actually seek a career in management. For the majority of Australian salespeople, opportunities to use their abilities and freedom from routine are more important motivators than making money, a preference shared by salespeople in New Zealand. However, only 17% of the salespeople in Singapore are similarly motivated. Like their US counterparts, Singaporean salespeople sell primarily to make money.
US salespeople are more money-motivated than salespeople in other countries. But, they are also more service oriented. 14% of American salespeople say being of service to others is their primary motivation. Among the countries studied salespeople in only one other country, New Zealand (11.5%), even approach that level."
What do these differences portend?
- Knowing what makes salespeople tick is critical for finding and keeping top producers.
- The implications are serious and far-reaching, especially when it comes to multinational sales management practices.
- American sales management and training and procedures adhere to US presupposed values and perceptions, and may not be optimal, or even suitable, for other countries.
- It is often better to access country and culturally specific training for your sales people.
Article Tags: australia canada, baylor university, behavioral sciences research, cultural differences, george dudley, hankamer school of business, john f tanner, li li, lifestyle considerations, management practices, money work, motivations, preference questionnaire, sales careers, sales management, sales success, salespeople, society for marketing advances, substantial incomes, usa sales
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About the Author: Sue Barrett RSS for Sue's articles - Visit Sue's website  Sue is one of the leading voices commenting on sales today. Sue has a unique way of getting to the heart of the matter - she combines extensive knowledge, research, insight, and practical experience with a deep sense of compassion to bring forth a more enlightened way of thinking and participating in the world. This makes her stand out from the usual crowd of existing business commentators. Her ability to distill complex ideas and relate them to life's everyday challenges and opportunities has audience members and readers leaving with a stronger understanding of "self" and how they can begin to achieve excellence through purposeful action. Presenting and writing on a wide range of topics about the world of 21st Century selling Sue's presentations and articles include sales philosophy and culture, sales leadership and coaching, sales training, selling skills, resilience, neuroscience in selling and more. Sue's articles are some of the most widely read in Australia and she is gaining a following overseas as well. Besides publishing on Barrett Sales Blog site, Sue has been the lead sales writer for www.smartcompany.com.au since 2007, and is also regularly published on other highly regarded publications such as Australian Anthill Magazine, Niche Magazine, Marketing Mag, Business Chicks, and Business Deals. Click here to visit Sue's website   The cost of poor sales selection How Your Procurement Practices Affect Your Sales and Brand Five reasons to Mind Your Emotions Contact vs Connection Noise Reduction part 2 Is too much information making you miserable and losing you sales |
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