Case 1; What else can go wrong - Essay Example

What else can go wrong What are the underlying cultural issues contributing to the problems Certain cultural issues such as language barrier are contributing to the problem because when Van West arrived in Mexico, his Spanish was limited which meant it would be hard to address the problems emerging from the Mexican plants. The other cultural issues leading to the problems include societal values, norms, and preferences. In this case, the company is does not value its workers in that its main aim is to make profit.

As a result, workers feel neglected and undervalue. 2. What would Van West have done when he first came to Mexico? He would have tried to familiarize himself with the workers and try to understand the local language. If Van West could have understood Mexican culture, everything would have been easy. This is because culture dictates the way individuals treat each other, outlines that which is acceptable, the manner in which management is viewed and the way in which people approach their daily work. 3. How should Van West deal with Hernandez?

Address the role of the boss in Mexican culture. Address relationship between superior and subordinates Since Hernandez has been helpful to Van West, he needs to inform him when it comes to business it is important to focus on your objectives. Therefore, West should transfer him to another department to avoid daily meeting while at work. In Mexican culture, a boss has the role of influencing a faction or group of people towards the attainment of a goal. Bosses are expected to lead by example, so that others are motivated to follow him and not just any individual with a position of influence.

In addition, He or she is an individual who is in charge of a certain division of a company. In this case, superior people in the firm are undermining the subordinates a situation that has brewed into a cold relationship between the two groups. 4. How can Van West deal with labor issue? How does this relate to attitudes towards change, the relationship between the individual and the group, and hierarchy In order to address these issues, Van West needs to negotiate with the workers and agree on a different pay package.

This will make workers change their mind about striking because they can perceive the move as inclusive and unbiased. In the end, individual relationship will improve since workers will feel safe. They will not have a negative attitude about the hierarchy since it cares about their needs. Work CitedVarner, Iris and Beamer, Linda. Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. .