Cultural

Differences In

International

BusinessGroup 5:

Algerlines Bello

Shaday Perkins

Destinee Marshall

Sannecie Nicolas

Leon Clarke Jr.

What Is Culture? Culture has been defined in a number of ways.

One’s define culture as the customary ways in whichhumans live. For example; diet, family forms andprocesses, social organizations, and religions

Culture is consisting of learned norms based onattitudes, values and beliefs which are existed inall societies. Culture is transmitted in differentpatterns, from parent to child, from teacher tostudents, from social leader to people etc.

Why Is Culture Important In

International Business? Many people make mistakes when they travel to a foreign country

and are not aware of cultural differences such as attitude, gestures, actions, ethics, and communication. It is difficult for people to become accustomed to a different culture that they are likely to disagree or are not raised the same morals as others, but have to follow basic regulations and life-style in order to show respect of others perspectives in life. People sometimes fail to negotiate in global business since they do not research the other countries and need to learn basic information of importance to their culture.

Doing business on a global basis requires a good understanding of different cultures. What works in your country might not work well in another, and could even be interpreted as an insult! And in your role as an international human resources professional, it’s important to raise the awareness of cultural issues within your organization to ensure effectiveness

There Are Different Types Of

types of a Culture

These Types May Include;

Economic Political Social Cultures

Economic, Political, & Social

types of a Cultures

Economic Culture Can Be Defined As A

Social Science That Contributes To The

Production Of An Economy

Political Culture Is The Culture That Deals

With The Art Or Science Of The Gov’t

Social Culture Is Described As The Science

That Includes The Society & Companion

Relationships

Examples Of Different Cultures

American Culture Chinese Culture

Hofstede’s Five Dimensions Of

type of a I Culture Power distance: This dimension explains that a culture with a low power distance have

more equality in their society. However, people who live in a culture with a high power distance tend to appreciate inequality and hierarchies.

Uncertainty Avoidance: This describes people who have a high degree of uncertainty avoidance who do not like taking risk ; therefore, they try to avoid unpredictable situations. However, people who have a low degree of uncertainty avoidance favor risk taking because they love unpredictable environments.

Masculinity v. Femininity: This dimension describes the roles that are consider to be male and female. For example, men are the ones that earn the money, earn titles, advancement, etc. Where as women take of household chores, raise children, cook, etc.

Individual v. Collectivism: This dimension describes individuals who seek to achieve their own needs and goals. Moreover, in a collective culture the group do activities that will benefit each other. The individuals in the group put aside their own goals and needs for the group can prosper.

Long v. Short-term Orientation: In a long-term orientation the success of a business takes a while, and short-term orientation deals with achieving quick results in a less amount of time.

Examples of Cultural

Differences

Fons Trompenaars’ 7

dimensions of culture Universalism vs. Particularism: What is most

important - rules or relationships? Ex: Americans value in a contract and Chinese valuing relationships in people.

Individualism vs. Collectivism: Do we function in a group or as individuals? Ex: Americans focusing on advancing in their own lives and Chinese people sacrificing their own needs and goals to help out each other.

Neutral vs. Emotional :Do we display our emotions, or do we hide them? Ex: Americans getting upset because they do not agree with the other parties demands and the Chinese staying calm and collective.

Achievement vs. Ascription: Do we have to prove ourselves to receive status, or is status given to us? Ex: A person who just graduated from college and is now an account, and one who inherits money from their rich aunt.

Internal vs. External control :Do we believe that we can control our environment, or do we believe that the environment controls us? Ex: People predicting the weather and a unpredictable earthquake .

Specific vs. Diffuse: Do we handle our relationships in specific and predetermined ways, or do we see our relationships as changing and related to contextual settings? Ex: Americans laying out their demands and the Chinese understanding the other parties cultural styles.

Sequential vs. Synchronic : Do we do things one at a time or several things at once? Ex: A Chinese negotiator getting to know the other team before starting business and Americans who rushes into the deal.

Brief History On America Population of the United States is 300 million people of

mixed races and heritage. It is predominantly of European descent. English is the predominant language, although languages from many foreign countries are spoken within cultures throughout the U.S. The United States consist of 50 states governed on a federal level, as well as state level and when doing business in the United States, one must make sure to meet the requirements mandated by these laws. The country is very litigious so legal resources are available and specialists can be found to assist with any transaction. The culture and geographic location of an area will influence how business is done. Traditionally, the East Coast is more conservative and formal in their dress and manners than the West Coast. The climate and lifestyle are just more relaxed, which is reflected in the pace and informality.

Offer a firm handshake, lasting 3-5 seconds, upon greeting and leaving. Maintain good eye contact during your handshake. If you are meeting several people at once, maintain eye contact with the person you are shaking hands with, until you are moving on the next person.

Handshaking, introductions Good eye contact during business and social conversations shows interest, sincerity and confidence.

Introductions include one's title if appropriate, or Mr., Ms., Mrs. and the full name.

Business cards are generally exchanged during introductions. However, they may be exchanged when one party is leaving.

A smile is a sign of friendliness, and in rural areas you may be greeted with a "hello" rather than a handshake.

Ask permission to smoke before lighting a cigarette or cigar. Due to health concerns, you may or may not be given permission.

BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS

Greetings are in

the form of a bow

in signs of respect.

The eldest are

greeted first as

common courtesy.

People take their

seats according to

rank.

Higher ranked

personnel sit

together while

remainder seats

are for guests.

Greetings In

China

Chinese Cultural

Do’s And Don’tsDo’s

Remove your shoes when entering a Chinese home or temple.

Greet the eldest person in a Chinese family first, as a sign of respect.

Beckon someone by waving them over to you with your palm down.

Present things to people with both hands, to show that what you’re offering is the fullest extent of yourself.

Keep calm when dealing with officials, especially if tense situations arise. Getting angry or raising your voice will create only an ugly, face-losing situation for all.

Eat what your host offers and orders, including alcohol; it’s rude to refuse.

Eat all of the rice in your bowl – some Chinese believe it’s bad luck to leave even a single grain behind.

Don’ts Write anything in red ink unless you’re

correcting an exam. Red ink is used for letters of protest.

Leave your chopsticks upright in your bowl or tap your bowl with them

point the bottom of your shoes/feet at someone

Shake your feet, lest you shake away all of your luck.

Touch someone’s head (it’s sacred)

Give clocks or books as gifts. The phrase ‘to give a clock’ in Mandarin sounds too much like ‘attend a funeral’ and ‘giving a book’ sounds like ‘delivering defeat.’

Give too much attention to an object someone else has; they may feel obligated to give it to you

Use those pretty gold/silver papers for western décor. It’s for spiritual/cultural Chinese rituals.

Don’t point or use your finger (this gesture is used for dogs).

Video on Cultural Differences