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NEXUS - Assignment 2
NEXUS - Assignment 2
ASSIGNMENT 2
Hofstede Theory
Members:
One challenge that confronts humanity over many decades, is the degree to
which small children are socialized. This dimension is defined as the extent to which
people try to control their desires and impulses. In other words, “indulgence” versus
“restraint” indicates how freely people can satisfy their basic needs and desires, how
strict social norms are followed and gratification suppressed and regulated.
*US vs China
On the other hand, the US scores as an Indulgent at 68, being reflected by the
following contradictory attitudes and behavior. Americans always want to reward
themselves for the hard work they do which reflects the popular phrase “work hard,
play hard”. It can be seen that American employees strive for the reward and benefit
for the hard work they have accomplished. In contrast, restrained countries put less
emphasis on leisure and have a more clear separation between work and family.
*US vs India - TA
The United States scores as an Indulgent (68) society on the sixth dimension.
This, in combination with a normative score, is reflected by the following
contradictory attitudes and behavior: Work hard and play hard. The States has waged a
war against drugs and is still very busy in doing so, yet drug addiction in the States is
higher than in many other wealthy countries. It is a prudish society yet even some
well-known televangelists appear to be immoral.
The US scores below average, with a low score of 46, on the Uncertainty
Avoidance dimension. As a consequence, the perceived context in which Americans
find themselves will impact their behavior more than if the culture would have either
scored higher or lower. Thus, this cultural pattern reflects itself as follows:
There is a fair degree of acceptance for new ideas, innovative products and a
willingness to try something new or different, whether it pertains to technology,
business practices or food. Americans tend to be more tolerant of ideas or opinions
from anyone and allow freedom of expression. At the same time, Americans do not
require a lot of rules and are less emotionally expressive than higher-scoring cultures.
At the same time, 9/11 has created a lot of fear in the American society culminating in
the efforts of government to monitor everybody through the NSA and other security
organizations
2. How do you prepare for those differences if you plan to visit these
countries in the near future?
Differences in culture and rules are one of the common reasons for
misunderstandings between people and tourists. Tourists may experience a bit of a
culture shock when they first arrive in another country. Even, in some cases, people in
that country might think you're insulting them. So getting ready for a little bit of
knowledge of the culture of the country you're about to come to is a completely
necessary experience of traveling abroad.
Here are some cultural features to prepare for when visiting these countries
(India, China, US, Brazil) in the near future:
Informal : In American culture, comfort has always been valued. They dress,
entertain, and communicate with each other comfortably, even when there is a
difference in age and social status. Students and teachers can call each other by name
when communicating (which may surprise most international students when they
come here, but this is part of American culture). Greetings in the US are also
expressed in many intimate gestures: greeting, handshaking, hugging, kissing, so don’t
be so surprised. However, when communicating, you should also avoid topics such as
age, income and marital status - three very sensitive factors in US communication.
Time: For American culture, time is the most important thing. Americans like to
set their lives on a timetable, they're always on time at every appointment or at work.
To other nations, Americans seem to be in a hurry, but the value of time helps them to
achieve high results in work as well as in life.It's considered unprofessional and
disrespectful to constantly be late or keep others waiting. Not only is timeliness
appreciated, it also helps ensure smooth coordination, avoid delays and meet deadlines
effectively.
Culture: China has a long and rich history and culture. It is important to bebe
open-minded, respectful of local customs and traditions and embrace the differences .
For example, it is considered rude to point or talk loudly in public. When visiting
temples or other religious sites, be sure to dress modestly.Study Chinese etiquette and
customs, such as proper gift-giving habits, dining etiquette, and the importance of
saving face in interactions. This can help them avoid misunderstandings and make a
positive impression.
Diet and cuisine: Chinese cuisine is known for its variety and flavor. There are
many different regional specialties to try. Be sure to sample some of the local dishes
when you visit China. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to
stick to familiar foods or bring some stomach medicine with you.
*India: India is a country with a long history. The world sees India as one of
the most brilliant cultures of human civilization. So, tourists need to respect their
culture.
Diet and cuisine: If the Asians used sticks to chew food, the Western Europeans
used knives and spoons, the Indians used their hands. Especially, never use your left
hand when you eat and never use the left hand to give things to someone else. Indians
are famous for their style of cooking with a lot of spices. Muslims eat pork while
Hindus don't eat beef. Therefore, chicken, goat, sheep and seafood are the most
common. Paying attention to these sensitivities, especially in eating experiences, will
contribute to positive interactions.
The Indians are very hospitable, especially to foreign tourists. India uses English
as its official language, so this is very beneficial for tourists to communicate, visit and
learn about Indian culture. But apart from that, Hindu is also constitutionally
recognized and there are thousands of other languages. Indeed, Indians are very
diverse in personality and thus create cultural diversity.
Religion: Religion has a major influence on the way people live, their beliefs,
values and attitudes, their working habits, and how they behave in society towards
each other and other societies. So it's important to study and respect their religion to
avoid misunderstanding and show respect for these beliefs.
Festivals: The advent of various festivals has also promoted the spiritual
development of the people of India. That's why even in this country, you can always
witness vibrant, unique and exciting festivals.
Brazil is famous for its collective culture, emphasizing social connections and
strong family ties. Be willing to value and respect relationships and consider group
needs rather than personal interests. In addition, it is important to understand that the
family occupies a central place in Brazilian culture. Expect strong family bonds and
the involvement of family members to extend to different aspects of life, including
business issues.
While all of Hofstede's six Cultural Dimensions are important, some can be
more impactful depending on the specific business context. And Indulgence together
with Individualism vs. Collectivism appears to be one of the most significant
differences among countries. These cultural dimensions have a profound impact on
various aspects of society, including social interactions, work dynamics, and business
practices. Collaboration and communication across cultural boundaries can only be
successful when these differences are recognized and navigated. Here are two broad
yet important pointers to bear in mind while wishing to conduct business with nations
that differ greatly in terms of Individualism vs. Collectivism and Indulgence:
*The US
The US is a diverse country, and communication styles can vary by region and
industry. However, keeping these two dimensions of Hofstede's framework in mind
can help you navigate business interactions in the US more effectively:
1
Indulgent cultures like the US value leisure time, enjoyment, and a healthy
work-life balance. Focus on how your product or service can enhance people's lives
and free up time for these Indulgent aspects. Frame the benefits in a way that
resonates with this cultural value. For instance, if you're promoting productivity
software, emphasize how it can save users time and allow them to focus on the things
they enjoy outside of work.
What’s more, highlight personal achievements and how they contribute to the
organization's success. American business culture values assertiveness and
self-promotion. While teamwork is valued, individual performance is often a key
factor in career advancement. So, in negotiations, be prepared to discuss potential
rewards or recognition for those involved in the deal. Additionally, tailor your
communication style to be clear, concise, and engaging. Americans generally
appreciate a direct approach, but avoid being overly aggressive.
Both China and India score low on the Indulgent – Restrained dimension,
which describes how much Chinese and Indian people try to control their desires and
impulses. Restrained societies like these 2 countries, do not put much emphasis on
leisure time.
In corporate culture, efficiency and practicality are highly valued. Play down
any leisure or fun features that your product or service may provide. Rather,
concentrate on the tangible advantages it offers for the bottom line, efficiency, or
productivity of the business. Emphasize how it will enable them to fulfill their
long-term objectives.
While China leans slightly more collectivistic, there's still a focus on individual
achievement and results. The key is to find a balance. Don't solely focus on individual
accomplishments. Frame your proposals around the benefits for both companies and
the potential for a successful partnership.
*Brazil
Brazil scores low on individualism, meaning group harmony and loyalty are
more important. Businesses prioritize building strong, long-term relationships with
partners. Schedule initial meetings with ample time for casual conversation and
getting to know each other. Discuss your company culture, your personal background,
and ask questions about theirs. This builds trust and a sense of working together as a
team.
The line between personal and professional relations is rather hazy. Brazilian
business relations are more about individuals than companies, which highlights the
importance of small talk (football, family, music), face to face conversations, and
constantly staying in touch with business associates. Close proximity and physical
contact are used during casual or business conversations, although business etiquette
and culture becomes less relaxed the further south one goes in the country.
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