Global Business Cultural Analysis: Singapore - Research Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages The history of Singapore is very remarkable, the nation gained independence on 9th August 1965, following its succession from Malaysia. Soon after withdrawing from Malaysia, the fledging nation of Singapore had to face tremendous economic problems. The Buddhist country fought years in order to eliminate mass employment and to achieve economic stability. To make matters worse, the newly independent country had to face ingrained problems such as scarcity of houses, land and natural resources such as petroleum. The establishment of World Trade Organization has ensured economic globalization. To cope and stay abreast in this era of globalization, Singapore has drawn up an extensive legal framework for its economic policies.
Major Cultural Elements and Dimensions in Singapore:
September 11th events changed the world and since then Singapore has face terrorists threats posed by the Southeast Asian militant Islamic organization known as Jemaah Islamiyah, mostly abbreviated as JI. Singapore is a Southeast Asian island country, consisting of 63 islands accounting for a total land area of 712.4 sq.km. On the north of Singapore is the Straits of Johor which separates it from Malaysia and the island country is separated on the southern side from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait. Singapore is a highly urbanized country, which faces serious problems posed by land scarcity. According to June 2010 census, Singapore has an approximate population of over 5.077 million, including both permanent residents and foreign workers residing in the country. Singapore has an annual population growth rate of 1.8% accounting for both permanent residents and foreign workers. While the annual population growth rate of only permanent Singaporean residents and citizens is 1%. The increase in population is the major reason for posing problems such as unemployment and land scarcity to house more people. The country has a lowland terrain and has a tropical climate. Singapore has always promoted national identity among its immigrants since the earliest days of its independence. In accordance with this promotion of national identity concept, Singapore has adopted four national languages: English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin. The major cultural dimensions in Singapore are namely: communication, ethics, religion, values and attitudes, manners, customs, social structures, organizations and education. (Lamont, D. F.1991). History and Development of Singapore: From 1959 to 1990, Lee Kuan Yew’s served his term as a prime minister and during this period he efficiently tackled many problems. His famous large scale public housing programme effectively lowered the problem of housing shortages. In addition, his administration raised the level of living standard by curbing the problem of unemployment. (Peebles et al 1996). Moreover, Singapore’s economic infrastructure showed a dramatic development, tensions between racial groups were reduced and a national defense system was established. (Dent, H. S. (1993). Towards the end of the 20th century, Singapore transformed from a developing nation into a strong country and gained a first world status. During the tenure of Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Singapore meticulously tackled various problems including, SARS outbreak of 2003 and terrorist threats posed by ...Download file to see next pagesRead More