Reference no: EM132212398
Now we delve into a bit of anthropology as it pertains to what a business manager needs to know about foreign cultures, their values & mores, and respective business environments. You'll examine social structures, the individual, the group, the family, social stratification and class (in India caste) distinctions
You'll discover World Religions, their respective diets, foods, table manners and their impact on business. Yes, never to do business in Middle East on Friday (businesses closed - the day of Sabbath in Islam). Asians wear white at funerals, not our black. McDonald's learned that India practices Islam in the far north and the balance Hinduism where the cow is sacred. So, no Big Mac; but McMutton. Tough to sell life insurance in Saudi Arabia where fatalism is prevalent in their culture and religion and comes across in business decisions. Why should we plan our business? Events will happen only "If Allah wills it". Buddism - Southeast Asia, Confucianism - China, and Shintoism - Japan.
Spoken & Unspoken (body language) language. The OK sign we use in the US is insulting in Brazil. Be careful, I knew someone who lost a big business deal because of this.
Key element in this chapter is Hofstede's studies of world values in the workplace.
Power Distance: How authority is viewed. We see this in how foreign companies form their organizational management charts. Up & Down or Flat.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: Is the individual more important than the group; or visa versa. In Japan, the group is EVERYTHING."The nail that sticks out; shall be hammered down"
Uncertainty Avoidance: Approach toward risk taking. Aggressive or Conservative?
Masculinity vs. Femininity: More than what you think. Would you prefer as raise or more time-off? We would take the money; the French would take the time off.
Ethnocentrism: i.e. The way we do business in the US in the best way and the only way. Polycentrism: i.e. As a US company we must totally immerse ourselves in the foreign culture where we are doing business.
OK, let me hear your thoughts, comments, or even experiences regarding overseas business culture(s).