SAP's Plan to Globalize Hits Cultural Barriers.

The article examines the difficulties encountered by the German software company SAP during its attempt to internationalize its operations that began in 2002. The corporation's hiring of programmers in the U.S. and India and its decision to hold all meetings in the English language are described. Dissatisfaction among both German and U.S. employees is presented. The resignation of SAP's leading U.S. executive, Shai Agassi, is cited. The lack of appreciable gains to SAP is noted.