Сultural differences in business
Understanding cultural differences is essential for companies involved in international business. Countries vary across several dimensions, affecting workplace values.
When it comes to international business, understanding cultural differences and promoting cultural sensitivity will help ensure that communication across borders is effective and that business transactions are successful.
Each country has its own cultural standards of being, thinking, and acting, and these cultural differences strongly influence workplace values and business communication. What may be considered perfectly acceptable and natural in the workplace of one country, can be considered confusing or even offensive in the workplace of other country.
Power Distance
In some countries, such as the Arab nations and many Latin American countries, people recognize and respect differences in power. In these high power distance cultures, bypassing a supervisor or any other superior would be considered insubordination. In low power distance countries, such as America, the lines between superiors and subordinates are often blurred. It is perfectly acceptable in America, for example, that supervisors can mingle with subordinates as equals within a social setting.
Monochromic Versus Polychromic
Monochromic cultures prefer to focus on one task at a time. They emphasize order and do not favor interruptions. For these people, time is a precious commodity. Schedules and timetables are greatly valued and are meant to be strictly followed.
Polychromic cultures, on the other hand, like to multi-task and are generally less stringent when it comes to establishing or following an agenda. In this setting, the concept of time is more fluid, and the pace of life is more relaxed.
Individualism Versus Collectivism
In individualist cultures, such as America, individuality, independence, and self-determination are valued. In collectivist cultures, such as Japan, people are expected to identify with and work well in groups. In exchange for their loyalty and compliance, people receive a sense of security, protection, and shared responsibility.
Masculinity Versus Femininity
The cultures that are more masculine, such as Japan, value competitiveness, assertiveness, ambition, and the accumulation of wealth. On the other hand, feminine cultures, such as Sweden, place more emphasis on relationships, compassion, and the general quality of life.
Uncertainty Avoidance
This dimension concerns the level of uncertainty and ambiguity that members of a culture are comfortable with. Cultures that are high in uncertainty avoidance prefer rules and structured circumstances. Within their structured environment, these people tend to be more emotional and expressive. Cultures that are comfortable with uncertainty avoid rules and in general are less emotionally expressive and pragmatic.
Every culture possesses a unique mixture of attitudes, values, and social expectations. When conducting business across countries, it is vital that business representatives are provided with an understanding of the cultural differences and are able to be sensitive to them.