The Country of Asia - Research Paper Example

? The Country of Asia Introduction Cross-cultural management is a crucial component for business organizations in the modern day business context. Inorder to conduct extensive business dealings between organizations based in two different cultures, it is imperative for the companies to comprehend the business customs, as well as culture of the other nation. The paper intends to recognize the intricacies that need to be considered by companies aiming at operating extensive business dealings in a cross-cultural business setting. India, one of the rising economies in Asia, as well as in the world, has been selected in this paper. The cross-cultural scenario would be conducting of extensive business dealings between India and the United States. Discussion In terms of trade relations, it is observed that in recent times, there has been an enhancement in the level of partnerships between two of biggest democracies in the world i.e. the US and India. The US and the Indian government have decided in the past decade to formulate and abide by a strategic partnership which is dependent on a number of shared values, common interests and most importantly augmented trade as well as economic relations. India is recognized by a number of US based organizations as a beneficial market along with a prospect for extensive foreign investment. Thus, this viewpoint has facilitated to develop the existing trade relations between the nations. The US has emerged as a primary trading partner of India. India’s export activities conducted with the US has also enhanced by a considerable extent (Martin, 2007). Thus, from this notion it can be interpreted that there has continued progress in business dealings between India and the US and in future it is expected to be augmented by a significant extent. Contextually, from a business management perspective, keeping in consideration the scenario of extensive business dealings between India and the US, it can be said that cross-cultural management-based dimensions are crucial to be comprehended by the companies based in both nations. The business culture of India is different from that of the United States, as well as other Western cultural backgrounds. There are certain aspects that play a pivotal role in the transaction of business where language is one of the crucial aspects. In India, as majority of the states possess different culture of people speaking different languages, dealings in business often becomes difficult. However, most of the business transactions in the global circuit are carried out in English language. One of the major differences of business culture between the two countries is the process of operation in business dealings while finalizing all the aspects of business. The business culture of America revolves around monetary transactions and solving problems along with finalizing dealings (Fox, 2011). The transaction of business carried out between two countries can be demarcated on the basis of greetings and introductions. From the Indian point of view, it can be stated that greetings are conducted among officials for transaction in business or in meetings, by saying ‘Namaste’. On the other hand, Western countries particularly in the US, men and women use handshakes as a mode of greeting along with using generally the first name of a particular individual irrespective of the position he/she possesses in the organizational hierarchy (Jhunjhunwala, 2012). In the context of taking food items during the period of business meetings, teas are generally offered for drinking purposes in India. While both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are offered while conducting business meetings in the US. It is also been observed that there are no arrangements in terms of seating for informal meals, but for formal meals it can be signified as a custom in India (Martin & Chaney, 2008). The nature of meetings conducted in the two nations is not similar due to individualism and collectivism dimensions present in US and India respectively. Give and take policy in business is given much preference than discussing in organizations on an open basis in the US. On the other hand, in India, meetings for business purposes are held for avoiding conflict situations among employees in the organizations and for providing every one equal chance to show their talents in the productivity of business. However, major discussions usually occur through communication process on a one-to-one basis (Martin & Chaney, 2008). In the context of attire and appearances, it can be stated that both nations are generally identical in their approaches, i.e. men wear a suit and tie combination, while women are dressed in pantsuit, especially during business meetings. The issue of gender differences is quite distinctive among the two countries. The illiteracy rate is higher in India as compared to the US, especially amid the female gender. Even in case of employment, segregation among men and women can be identified in India as compared to the US. In relation to gestures and postures, it is observed to be very different amid people of both the countries. People in the US usually prefer to conceive direct eye contact while communicating during business dealings. While in India, people generally evade straight eye contact as they consider it to be a sign of disregard. It is also viewed that US people are more punctual as compared to Indians while attending meetings, completing certain assigned tasks in business as well as meeting deadlines (Martin & Chaney, 2008). Conclusion From the above description, it can be comprehended that business culture of both nations are in certain instances distinct in the context of business perspectives. It is been viewed that more essence is given to time by the US while conducting business dealings than India. Moreover, in India certain traditions and customs are strictly adhered while conducting business transactions. References Fox, S. (2011). Business etiquette for dummies. United States: John Wiley & Sons. Jhunjhunwala, S. (2012). Review of Indian work culture and challenges faced by Indians in the era of globalisation. Interscience Management Review (IMR) 2(2), pp. 67-70. Martin, J.S. & Chaney, L.H. (2008). Passport to success: The essential guide to business culture and customs in America's largest trading partners: the essential guide to business culture and customs in America's largest trading partners. California: ABC-CLIO. Martin, M. F. (2007). India-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations. CRS Report for Congress, pp. 1-59. Read More