Canadian Business Structures

It is difficult to give a clear indication of any type of Canadian norm in terms of business structures as many Canadian companies have abandoned traditional hierarchical approaches in favour of leaner, flatter structures. This business re-engineering process has been proceeding for some time but different companies and different sectors are at different stages of the cycle. Thus, although it is possible to encounter companies which have maintained a very structured, hierarchical approach, a business visitor is just as likely to encounter a very flat, open system.

It is, therefore, important to do as much homework as possible on any potential clients or suppliers before initial contacts are made. As a general rule, the more remote from major centres of population, the more likely a company is to be traditionally hierarchical.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Canada only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.