South Africa - Research Paper Example

? South Africa Outline South Africa’s Background 2. Dress and Business Etiquette 3. Hierarchy 4. Recommendations South Africa The republic of South Africa is located at Africa’s southern tip and has a 179 mile of coast strip. South Africa has nine provinces and borders Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique, while enclaving Swaziland. The country is ethnically diverse, with diverse languages and cultures. There are eleven recognized official languages in the country, with Afrikaans and English, affected by South African influence, originating from Europe. 79.5% of South Africa’s population is of African origin while it also has the largest Asian, European and mixed racial ancestry communities in Africa. The premise of this work is to give a detailed account of South Africa’s background, business practices, hierarchy, dress code, and business etiquette, and to recommend South Africa to Kelly Services as an investment destination. Background South Africa has been inhabited by modern humans for approximately 170 000years, with the two historically dominant groups being the Zulu and Xhosa people. The Dutch colonized South Africa in 1652. Slave transport from Madagascar, Indonesia and India by the Dutch colonists led to increased migration into South Africa. The discovery of gold and diamonds led to conflicts between the Boers and the British, with British and Boer settlers claiming land in the East and North of the country (Fox, 2008). This, in turn, caused conflicts with the Zulu, Xhosa and the Afrikaner groups, mainly for territory. The Zulu grew in strength in the early 19th century, under Shaka the Zulu, and expanded their territory, which ultimately led to the crushing of the1820s, and the rise of the Matebele, under Mzilikazi. In 1830, the Boers, also Voortrekkers, migrated to Orange Free State, Natal and Transvaal region, to get away from British rule and founded states in these regions. The mineral revolution of 1867 and 1884 increased immigration and intensified the subjugation by the European settlers of the indigenous people (Fox, 2008). The South African Union was formed by the 1909 South Africa act, following three and a half years of negotiating, becoming a British Empire dominion. The 1913 natives’ land act restricted quite severely indigenous ownership of land. Following a referendum, solely by whites, South Africa gained republic status and the British monarchy was no longer head of state. With legislation for apartheid, most western countries boycotted doing business with South Africa. Nelson Mandela was jailed, and released after 27 years, when he negotiated the end of apartheid. This led, in 1994 to universal elections, won by the ANC (Fox, 2008). South Africa, however, still continues to suffer from chronic unemployment, especially among its indigenous population, and a rising number of poor white citizens. With information and knowledge, it is hoped that Kelly Services will better understand the people of South Africa and the dynamics of their relationships; economically, politically and socially. Dress Code and Business Etiquette In South African banks, companies and other business enterprises, businessmen dress in suits, or if the weather is hot, as it often is, the dress code can sometimes be casual. During summer, men dress in suits, with short-sleeved shirts under their coats, and when they leave the office, they normally discard their stifling coats (Fox, 2008). During meetings business and casual encounters, South Africans shake hands, with firm handshakes being preferable and appreciated. It is also part of the South African culture to acknowledge and address persons of advanced age first. Meetings are also held on appointment, with the South African people valuing punctuality (Fox, 2008). Negotiations are also accepted as a method of doing business in South Africa, although the people prefer to close the deal straight away. It is also necessary to note that they value the generation of realistic figures in these negotiations, with prices and dates fixed in the contracts (Fox, 2008). When payments are done punctually, they offer price deductions. Smoking in public offices and transport systems is prohibited, with most of these facilities sporting no smoking signs. It is, therefore, advisable to ask whether smoking is allowed, if one is unsure of the smoking status. Restaurants and other public facilities offer enclosures, some distance from the population, for smokers (Fox, 2008). Hierarchy There is much respect by South Africans for their colleagues and their senior executives, especially if these people have attained their positions via diligence, hard work and perseverance (Fox, 2008). In African culture, the senior executive in consultation with their juniors usually makes company decisions, even though the ultimate decision making power lies with these executives. Business Practices Titles, in the business setting of South Africa, are not used. There are exceptions, however, for certain people like honorary doctors. It is advisable not to use the title miss when holding business conversations with female colleagues. Where the marital status of the female colleague is unknown, to avoid causing offence, it is advisable leave out these titles. Companies in South Africa hold initial meetings for the creation of mutual trust and personal rapport establishment. Opinions are formed and judgment made, then if the opinions on both sides are satisfactory, negotiations can be conducted further. It is essential for Kelly Services to note that mutual trust and personal rapport in South African culture, especially business culture, are core and vital elements (Fox, 2008). Murata Company should also take note of the fact that South African business negotiations aim to reach a consensus with the parties gaining from the deal. Thus, aggressive battering and confrontations should be avoided (Fox, 2008). Recommendations South Africa, being Africa’s center for industry, has a high population of cheap, unemployed but educated youth. This demographic group, which Kelly Services should be targeting, has two main official languages, Afrikaans and English, with Zulu also being a popular language, especially among the older generation. The culture of the demographic to be targeted is also urban in its leaning and mostly indigenous, so Kelly Services should undertake to understand their dress code and slang. Simmering animosity also exists between them and the privileged whites, so care should be taken to ensure fair and equitable hiring. The recent xenophobic attacks are used as a pointer to the tensions existing in South Africa. However, South Africa is a model country for doing business, with most companies still held together by African values that preach trust, honesty and fairness. The people are also hard working, but expect rewards for their diligence, so Kelly Services should be ready to remunerate the workers fairly. This article, therefore, convinces readers of the once in a lifetime opportunity that South Africa gifts its investors. Reference Fox S. (2008). Business Etiquette For Dummies. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Sales Letter Mr. Mphuzile Mbeki, General Manager Human Resource Manager, Kwoya Kwoya LTD, Freedom Avenue, Kiangwaci, Cape Town 52968 Dear Sir, Re: SALES LETTER Are you in need of a hiring company that understands the dynamics of human resource, striving to give you the very best employees at subsidized hiring prices? Well, that the company is here. We are a globally respected company that has been providing Human Resource solutions since 1962, with glowing recommendations. I wish to beg your indulgence in this matter, to discuss with you the endless possibilities that you stand to benefit from by letting Kelly Services become a part of your treasured team. We are a company that prides itself on market research, vital for the hiring of employees who we guarantee understand the dynamics of your company, as well as your niche in the South African electronics industry. It is with much pleasure to assure you of our dedication to diversity, character evaluation, & performance records of the potential staff we can aid in adding to your already well-respected workforce. We at Kelly Services understand the fundamental emphasis put on diversity, by the business community of South Africa. We have done our homework on the diversity of workers in the South African electronics industry, which we intend to use relatively in our hiring. We believe we have a sound basis to get you competitive and dedicated workers. Our company prides itself in being a market leader in staffing solutions. We provide our clients with diverse services that include recruitment of intended targets, leasing of staff, permanent and casual placement, consultancy, and management of outsourcing. Our staff is subjected to a fair and rigorous screening procedure that entails face-to-face interviews, testing of technical skills, reference & background checks. With hiring services spread across 37 countries, including Nigeria, Mozambique, and Botswana, we believe in the comprehension of our customer’s target markets to keep them ahead of the competition. Please find attached our business card, and contacts, or contact me directly at the HR desk on +65 7623 9865. Our website is also running and offers information on Kelly services and its company placements around the world. We look forward to having a favorable reply from your company. Yours Sincerely, Read More