Go to any part of the world and you will see much that you recognize. People are just people. But the longer you stay, the more you will realize there are profound differences that may have been invisible on the surface.

There is no such thing as a global citizen, business or society. For example, even the most internationally recognizable firms have values systems, cultures and processes that are firmly embedded in their place of origin.

The idea of cultural differences is far from new, but even in a fast globalizing world we still understand very little about the why behind these differences. As Bains demonstrates in Cultural DNA, countless challenges can be traced directly back to this lack of understanding. Cultural DNA provides a framework for understanding and working with each of the world’s significant cultures.

Through an analysis of over 1,700 in-depth reports from executives in every region of the world, interdisciplinary research and case studies, Bains identifies the core DNA themes for each culture. Latest psychological, biological and neurobiological research demonstrates that beliefs and orientation to life are, both figuratively and literally, in our DNA. For example, new research shows that the frequency of genes related to independent mindedness and rebelliousness may vary as much as 75% by geographical region. Huge variations are also apparent in other psychological genes. Why? In Cultural DNA, Bains examines the history and psychology of eight important regions of the globe to show that we may be influenced much more by our ancient ancestors than we think.

Executives and leaders at today’s businesses need to become psychologists and historians if they hope to make sound long-term strategic decisions. Cultural DNA will give readers the scientific and practical insights they need to take both differences and similarities into account. Ignoring culture can be disastrous for international firms, but approaching culture through the lens of unfounded stereotypes and incomplete knowledge is just as dangerous. From this remarkably powerful and clear summary of what’s known about the world’s cultures and their origins, readers will gain the ability to proceed confidently and intelligently in the global marketplace.