Business Differences in Culture - Essay Example

Differences in Culture

Introduction

Every community presents with it a different culture which has diverse effects. In the business setup, there is a need for understanding different people and knowing how to deal with them. There are always similarities and perceived differences with regards to the personalities of different people. The differences and similarities are accelerated by diverse places where the person may have been raised from. The eventual effect is thus with the way some things are done and looked at. However, the current generation and the world, in general, has adopted and embraced globalization to a large extent. With globalization, people from diverse nationalities can, therefore, work together effectively and carry out different things mutually. Acceptance is essential in dealing with the cases of different cultures presented in a given place. It follows then that the presented differences in the cultural establishment and the effect to businesses, measures need to be considered to ensure that the differences are worked out.

Definition and factors that affect culture

Before embarking on the cultural differences, it is ethical and wise to put forth the meaning of culture and various factors associated with it. Despite the multitude of meanings presented for culture, the basic and underlying connotation of culture poses that it is a total of the behavioral traits that are learned and shared with different sets of people (Browne, 2006). The traits define given people thus denote what is to be considered legal and ethically accepted with the different people. Culture is also determined by the norms and values that are set and highly esteemed within a given society.

There are several cultural symbols that relate to different aspects of culture presented with numerous people. Among the basic considerations with regards to culture, therefore, include language, religious rituals as well as parts that are shared with people, which are unique to a particular society (Browne, 2006). The factors that are represented in the course of different cultures have a tremendous effect on the flow of business in a given place. Additionally, the diverse elements that are manifested vary from one part of the society to another. Materialization of the different elements is therefore in the following aspects of culture. Language, both verbal and non-verbal, exhibits the cultural preferences in a given place. Religion, values, and attitudes also affect the society in a great way (Browne, 2006). Manners and customs, material elements, education and social institutions are also perceived factors that are seen to affect the society to a large extent.

Common examples of Cultural Differences

Some stereotypes are well known and different in the world. As in, cultures are always attributed to characters and habits and therefore it has shaped the entire of the thinking and actions (Gestelamd. 2002). For instance, the policemen are always associated with the English culture. Being identified as a policeman in German community is weird. For the Germans, mechanics are their way of life and known culture. They can easily be trusted with mechanics. On the other hand, it is perceived that French cannot make good mechanics, but can manage efficiently being cooks. For innkeepers, the Swiss are regarded as very natural in that unlike the Italians, who are always associated with love and love affairs. Such are the cases where culture defines the different occupations that people are engaged in.

Similarly, different cultures present with them perceptions and actions. There are always problems in the way different people interpret the activities that are related to diverse cultures which may be in a way funny but frustrating in some cases (Gestelamd. 2002). For instance, in the United States, a firm and short handshake denotes both self-confidence and masculinity. Also, a limp handshake from the male counterparts is best interpreted as relating to homosexuality or wispiness.

However, with most of the African nations, limp shakes are the considered as the correct things and the best actions with regards to greetings (Gestelamd. 2002). Additionally, it is expected with such that a handshake should last several minutes. Such is considered familiarity and possible sexual attraction in the United States. Another case concerns the way different genders are treated. For instance, men do not look at women on streets in the United Kingdom. However, in French, the action is very permissible. Such has raised some issues like the French people terming the British men as gay and homosexuals since it is perceived that they do not have an interest in women.

Common Standings with Culture

Differences in the establishment of people in the community appear to be pronounced than the differences exhibited in the orientation of groups of people. The differences are essentially facilitated by some aspects of the community which have a tremendous effect on the behavior and culture of different people. Such factors include education, social standings, personality, belief structure, religion, affection evident in the home as well as past experiences that different people have been through. For instance, some approaches are considered to be appropriate behavior for people in both off and on duties. In most cultures, saying “yes,” for instance, may imply agreeableness whereas it may simply being heard and in harmony with what is being said.

Despite the general differences as with the cultural tendencies of people, there are some key and underlining aspects that need to be considered as they are standards, and any given business culture will ultimately appreciate it (Leung, et al., 2005). For instance, being properly dressed in the event of an occasion as well as proper time management is very essential as with regards to different cultural enterprises. The two aspects are very obvious ingredients with regards to the success and prosperity in the international business line and culture (Leung, et al., 2005). Regardless of the culture or the nationality presented, it will always be appreciated when dealing with someone who is very impressive and timely. The above cases present willingness and commitment to a given job.

Differences in Culture and Business

There are a multitude effects that differences in culture are seen to cause. Most of the effects are concerned with the interaction that is developed with different people. Business is one of the vital enterprises that are affected adversely by cultural differences. In business, communication is the main aspect that witnesses utmost effect (Moran, et al., 2014). As with communication, it is notable that there are numerous ways in which people correspond to one another from one country to another. Some cultures have loud perspectives in communication, where people appear to be blunt or direct, as they tend to communicate with one another. In such cases, interruption is very eminent and profound. In other cases, people tend to be soft-spoken, where such people tend to use flowery and in other cases indirect language. Such people in the culture wait patiently for others to finish what they were saying before coming in with their suggestions on the subject matter.

The above cases can be evidently seen during business meetings. As for such, there is, therefore, the need for one to adjust positively to the manner in which their business partners are communicating. The partners may include the heads or bosses of a given person as well as their colleagues (Moran, et al., 2014). Adjusting to how the different business partners therefore communicate is very essential for any given firm and the person at hand. Additionally, it is always presumed that hierarchies have significantly influenced the communication style in a given place and consequently the style that comes with it. The utmost concern should, therefore, be deployed for the above case. The influence comes to play since it is always regarded that the most senior partners are the ones that are entailed with making business decisions for a given firm thus the need to consider that in the event of making communications with the different people (Moran, et al., 2014). Acknowledgment of their status as well as greeting them with due respect is therefore deemed fit to ensure the continual relationship between the people.

Time Concept

Another vital feature with regards to cultural differences regards the entire issue of time. There is noted to be great and increased cultural differences especially with regards to the different concepts of time in the society (Leung, et al, 2005). Valuing time and working to meet different timelines implies different aspects as with some cultures hence the need to understand the different needs as with different people and work to attain the demands and the needs in addition to that. Flexibility is therefore very significant and important and should be the ultimate consideration to ensure that there is acceptability with different cultures and people. For instance, Germans are well known for punctuality. Similarly, as with most of the African and South American nations, there is no strict consideration as with regards to different appointments since they are treated as general guidelines.

To ensure that there is acceptability as with regards to time in different cultural establishments, ensuring that time consciousness is emphasized is crucial. It will be very ethical to ensure that one is punctual for the first times and after that, the person can adjust comfortably as with the cultural tendencies in a given place (Leung, et al., 2005). Similarly, in the view of the business establishment, there is a need to ensure that the time of the business partner is effectively and efficiently considered to ensure that the there are no delays and negative impressions left with the partner about oneself. Learning to adjust to the needs of the business partners as well as the conditions and the preferences set is also a great way to get in touch with the clients and ensure that there is a smooth flow as with the people.

Cultural Analysis

Cultural analysis is one of the considerations that need to be greatly featured with regards to the information for any foreign company. Such information is very vital for it assists in the capacity of a given firm in making decisions as well as decision making (Leung, et al., 2005). The information derived has, therefore, to be analyzed correctly and thereafter interpreted properly since the information derived from such is very essential for the establishment of any given firm. The analysis also significantly manifests through the visible organization with regards to a given enterprise. Artifacts, values, as well as underlying principles, are very essential in ensuring that there is correct interpretation with regards to the culture at hand. Artifacts constitute of the visible products and aspects with regards to a given culture, such as clothing, work practices as well as the manner of addressing individuals (Leung, et al., 2005). In the values of a given culture are embedded such factors as strategies, goals, and philosophies. Such may, therefore, imply attributions and well as avoidance. Underlying assumptions are unconscious dealings that are taken for granted in most of the cases. They include beliefs, perceptions as well as feelings and thoughts.

Business Culture

Some nations have opportunities that greatly favor foreign investments and the establishment of businesses in them. However, due to cultural challenges, it becomes challenging significantly to establish firms and businesses in such nations (Casson, 2003). Cultural influences in a given country are presented with a multitude of aspects that determine the adaptability of different firms. Three factors are therefore regarded to cause an impact and establishment with regards to a given functionality of businesses. The factors include cultural forces, cultural messages as well as the process of consumer decision. Cultural forces include such aspects as a family, education and national identity (Casson, 2003). On the other hand, cultural messages are manifested with aspects such as ethics and morality, behavioral roles and the design thereof. Also, culture tends to be influenced by some other universal needs as well as needs in the society, including trends with different consumers.

The above differences are so evident with different countries and therefore present differences in the culture of different countries. It thus calls for firms that are establishing themselves in foreign nations to consider the changes (Casson, 2003). Analysis and coping up with the cultural differences is very essential. One critical factor that has to be featured in the course of time is reconciliation. The cultural differences need to be synthesized and thereafter integrate different cultural perspectives in the way to seek cultural perspectives and problems that are prone to arising in the course of the business establishment.

Managing Cultural Differences

As with the developed differences in culture, there is a need for a remedy to be considered that will facilitate mingling of the different cultures in the course of the business transactions hence prosperity with regards to the different business. The basic platform in regards to managing responsibilities, therefore, lies with the act of negotiation (Moran, et al., 2014). Negotiations involve bringing together the conflicting parties in the course of interest and continually working towards ensuring that there is the differences are worked out. A common standing with regards to the differences has, therefore, to be reached and struck thus facilitating oneness and understanding. Additionally, the practice is essential to ensuring that the performance of a given company in the new market is improved as well as promoting new businesses in new markets (Moran, et al., 2014). The language of business is thus an essential part that needs to be considered to ensure that there is a success in the business at hand.

There can arise some cultural advantages as for the different values and ways through which the world is seen. Management of the cultural differences, therefore, needs to be efficiently considered to ensure that the competitive advantage arising thereof are attained. Some of the strategies that therefore need to be considered in the course of managing cultural differences include building a strong corporate culture internationally (Moran, et al., 2014). Additionally, there is a need for ensuring that a common technical or professional culture throughout the world is built. Reliance on financial as well as planning systems is equally very essential and vital to consider. Finally, leaving very culture alone is an essential component to ensure that the different cultures are embraced. In the bid of striking negotiations, the involved business enterprise needs to be prepared, and it should be done with a slow pace to ensure that people are not caught by surprise. Trust also needs to be built and maintained in the process (Moran, et al., 2014). Respect should also be granted to each culture as the enterprise at hands seeks to understand the importance of language. Different components of culture additionally need to be incorporated and understood effectively.

Conclusion

All across the world, there are diverse cultural tendencies presented, which have tremendous effects. The differences are posted by values and norms that are so engraved in the cultural perspectives of the people and the society in general. Such are thus seen to affect businesses in a multitude of ways, ranging from the establishment of the business and further functioning of the businesses in hence reduced growth. Appropriate considerations have to be considered as one seeks to ensure the business transpires and grows. Understanding diverse concepts and aspects of the business are essential. Such thus provokes negotiations that work to merge the different concepts presented in the course of business. In the bid to attain globalization, merging the differences is therefore certainly vital.