International Business Cultures of Italy in Albania - Coursework Example

Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………2 Part A: Table of Comparisons……………………………………………………………………..2 Part B: Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………..3 Language……………………………………………………………………………………………..4 Time Keeping………………………………………………………………………………………...4 Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions…………………………………………………………………….4 Power Distance ………………………………………………………………………………………5 Individualism ………………………………………………………………………………………...6 Masculinity …………………………………………………………………………………………..6 Uncertainty Avoidance ………………………………………………………………………………7 Long Term Orientation……………………………………………………………………………….7 Diversity……………………………………………………………………………………………...8 Dining Etiquette ……………………………………………………………………………………...8 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………8 Reference List ………………………………………………………………………………………9 Introduction Every society has different cultures, history, religion and traditions that often are known as cross-cultural diversity. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the cultural diversity of two countries: Italy and Albania. Cultures of both countries are reviewed and compared from different prospects, including but not limiting to: language, time management, etiquette, Hofstedes’ 5 cultural dimensions, etc. Part A – Table of Comparisons Aspect Student A – Country Italy Student B – Country Albania Correct form of address in business meetings Mr, Mrs, or Miss Also is possible to use of Signor (Mr.) and Signora (Ms,), with last names (Culturecrossing.net, n.d.) Use of professional titles, along with Zoteri (Mr.), Zonjushe (Miss), Zonja (Mrs.) with first/last names (World Trade Press, 2010) Religion and language Predominantly Roman Catholic country (90%), the second largest religion – Islam (World Trade Press, 2010) Language -Albanian Predominantly Muslim country (67%) (23% Orthodox Christians); However, widespread atheistic views (World Trade Press, 2010) Language - Italian Meeting and Greeting Greeting with a handshake; On the business meeting, women extend their hands first to the make associate; Eye contact is important (World Trade Press, 2010) Greeting with a handshake; Hugs with friends; Light kisses on alternate cheeks for women; Eye contact is used a lot (World Trade Press, 2010) Exchanging gifts Italians pay important attention to the art of gift giving. However, in relation to business environment, Italians do not normally exchange gifts at the initial business meetings; exchange gifts - at the end of the negotiations; gifts should be wrapped and of high quality; usually appropriate gifts: decorative office items, liquor, music, books; Do not gift: cheap-looking gifts, chrysanthemums; avoid red roses and yellow flowers (World Trade Press 2010) Gifts are more appropriate for private situations Possible gifts for an initial business meeting: some small souvenir or related to the country (for example, postcard); Nicely wrap gifts (Culturecrossing.net, n.d.) Etiquette and general Behavior Courtesy, good manners, and being considerable; close contact is welcomed (Marcoccia, n.d.) The haggling process for the price for both parties is acceptable and welcomed; confusing aspect between ‘yes and no (Smither, n.d.) Written communication Formal presentations and letters are less popular, written requests are usually accompanied with discussions (Worldbusinessculture.com, n.d.) Common in business environment Time Keeping The Italian concepts of time is different to others; but in business environment, foreigners should arrive on time; possible late arrivals, especially in northern Italy; Deadlines are usually met in business settings (World Trade Press 2010) Not always punctual; however in business environment it is increasingly practiced; Deadlines may not be met in business settings (World Trade Press 2010) Part B – Analysis Language The first communication difficulty that would be faced between Italian and Albanian representatives would be language barrier. The Albanians speak Albanian language – similar to most other Indo-European languages (Everyculture.com, n.d.). It might be challenging for Albanians to communicate with Italians as the majority of Albanian speakers in Albania do not know Italian language, however, they tend to understand Italian due to a strong influence of the Italian television (Everyculture.com, n.d.). Time Keeping The Albanian society doesn’t keep strictly timing and are not always punctual, however there is observed the shift towards increased punctuality (World Trade Press 2010). Either there is a meeting with one person or a group it is highly recommended to arrive on time for business meetings (World Trade Press 2010, 20). Italians as a society are more relaxed in terms of time concept. In business, foreigner are expected to come on time, however, Italians may come late (World Trade Press 2010). In the North of the country, it is common that top managers come later than appointed for up to 45 minutes (World Trade Press 2010). Punctuality is not critical for social events. Hofstedes 5 Cultural Dimensions Below (Figure 1), displays a comparison of the rating given to Italy and Albania culture according to Geert Hofstede (n.d.) Figure 1: Italy and Albania culture (Hofstede n.d.) Power Distance As displayed, Italy and Albania have very big difference in terms of Power Distance dimension. Individuals in the Italian society and the Albanian society have different scores. Thus, for example, in case of Albania the score exceeds 90 and suggests that this country has a very strong hierarchy in the society. The structure of obedience and respect depends on the hierarchical order. Centralization of power, subordination and autocratic leadership style are common in business environment and is a part of the corporate culture (Hofstede n.d.). Italy has a much lower score of Power Distance – 50, and therefore the preference is given to decentralized decision making and power distribution. Equality is common in the Northern Italy, however, formal supervision and control among the younger generation who prefer open-minded thinking and team work is not perceived positively in the business environment (Hofstede n.d.). Individualism As shown by the very low score of 20 in the individualistic index for Albania, the society of this country is defined as collectivistic. For this society it is common to be committed to the membership in the group, which can be either family or other extended relationships. Albanians, being a collectivist society, fosters “strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group” (Hofstede n.d., n.p.). In the business environment it is common to interpret offence as the shameful and bad reputation (Hofstede n.d.). To the contrast of Albania, Italy has a high score of individualism (76) and this implies that culture is “ego-centric”. Italians are focused on their personal ideas and achieving of their life objectives, as such self-fulfillment approach makes them feel happy. In Southern Italy people have less individualistic behavior, whereas family network is considered to be an important aspect in society. Masculinity Masculinity score in both countries is not much different as the previously discussed dimensions. Albania showing a very high score of 80 in masculinity implies that the society is “masculine” (Hofstede n.d.). Albanians want to succeed and become the winners, who take everything; they focus on win rather than just participation and feel very proud of their achievements (Hofstede n.d.). Italian society is less masculine society comparing to Albania, however, the score of masculinity is still high. Italians as Albanians are driven by result and are oriented on success and achievements. From the early childhood, Italians get used to the thought that they need to compete and become winners in their lives (Hofstede n.d.). This competition is often transmitted to the career building process, and makes Italians to compete fiercely for career promotion (Hofstede n.d.). Uncertainty Avoidance Uncertainty Avoidance in both Albania and Italy are similar, the scores of 70 and 75 respectively. Albanians do not show much of their emotions, they prefer not to take risks and feel quite relaxed (Hofstede n.d.). In larger degree, this society is open to accept new ideas and innovations, and is willing to try doing something in a different or new manner (Hofstede n.d.). Italians have slightly higher score or uncertainty than Albanians. Italians value formality, however, they sometimes don’t comply with the existing complicated norms, regulations and rules. However, it is important to note that low uncertainty avoidance can be very stressful for Italian people (Hofstede n.d.). In the contrast of Albanians, Italians are very emotional and passionate people, who openly show these emotions through their gestures and other body language (Hofstede n.d.). Long Term Orientation The Italian score is referred to the short-term orientation because Italians do not tend to focus on long-term planning (Europpconsulting.blogspot.com, n.d.). Albanians also are more short-term oriented people, as they have strong family traditions and values. Diversity Business in Italy and Albania, although similar in terms of general cultural patterns such as greeting, dining, etc, it is different in terms of emotional expressions. While for Italians, displaying of emotions is welcomed and perceived as important in business communication; Albanians prefer to avoid loud expressions of emotions (Culturecrossing.net, n.d.). Dining Etiquette Dining etiquette in the two cultures is quite similar, as in both countries, the host usually pays for dinner or lunch if he has invited the business guest. Payment arrangements is better to discuss beforehand to avoid confusion (Marcoccia, n.d.; Smither, n.d.). Albanian food has been heavily influenced by the Italian, there are no specific dining rules; eating in the continental style (Safaritheglobe.com, 2013). Conclusion After observing and analyzing each individual culture, a conclusion can be drawn that Italian and Albanian cultures have many similar features, related to general etiquette, values, and norms. They are different in respect of individualism and hierarchy dimensions. The two basic challenges that might be faced by the Italian and Albanian representatives relate to communication, both verbal (language barrier) and non-verbal (emotions and gestures). As Italians like express emotions and view interruption as part of the communication process and negotiation, for Albanians showing excessive emotions is viewed as taboo. References Culturecrossing.net, (n.d.). Culture Crossing. [online] Available at: http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=23&CID=2 [Accessed 31 May. 2014]. Europpconsulting.blogspot.com, (n.d.). Italian Culture: Hofstede. [online] Available at: http://europpconsulting.blogspot.com/p/hofstede.html [Accessed 30 May. 2014]. Everyculture.com, (n.d.). Culture of Albania - history, people, traditions, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social. [online] Available at: http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Albania.html [Accessed 30 May. 2014]. Hofstede,G. (n.d.). Albania - Geert Hofstede. [online] Geert-hofstede.com. Available at: http://geert-hofstede.com/albania.html [Accessed 30 May. 2014]. Hofstede,G. (n.d.). Italy - Geert Hofstede. [online] Geert-hofstede.com. Available at: http://geert-hofstede.com/italy.html [Accessed 30 May. 2014]. Marcoccia, G. (n.d.). Business Etiquette in Italy - Business Etiquette - Crossing Cultures - Travel. [online] Worldguide.eu. Available at: http://www.worldguide.eu/wg/index.php?StoryID=123&ArticleID=23534 [Accessed 31 May. 2014]. Safaritheglobe.com, (2013). Food from Albania: Dining Etiquette, Culinary Influences, Staple Foods, Specialties, & Drinks. [online] Available at: http://www.safaritheglobe.com/food_albania.aspx [Accessed 31 May. 2014]. Smither, J. (n.d.). Negotiation Practices and Etiquette in Albania. [online] Europe.knoji.com. Available at: http://europe.knoji.com/negotiation-practices-and-etiquette-in-albania/ [Accessed 31 May. 2014]. Worldbusinessculture.com, (n.d.). Business Communication Styles in Italy and Successful Communication with Italian Businesses and Colleagues :: World Business Culture. 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