Intercultural Relations Issues - Research Paper Example

Intercultural Relations Contents Contents 2 Introduction 3 Part A– Table of Comparisons 3 Part B –Analysis 8 Language 8 Time Keeping 9 Hofstedes’ 5 Cultural Dimensions 9 Power Distance 9 Individualistic 9 Masculinity 9 Uncertainty Avoidance 10 Long Term Orientation 10 Diversity 10 Dining Etiquette 11 Conclusion 11 References 12 Introduction Culture and cultural diversity in different countries have become critical aspects for consideration by multinational businesses. The success or failure of transnational business activities, partnerships and expansions are often decided by the cultural diversity and cultural acceptance of the two countries to which the businesses belong. The dimensions of culture and diversity have started playing a significant role in international business activities. This has been more profound after the advent of globalization. With more number of multinational companies opening up their business in countries apart from their home countries, cultural integration and sharing of cross cultural values have become more important from the perspective of international business. Russia and China are two important economies in the world in terms of international business. However, the cultures prevailing in the two countries are similar and different in various dimensions. The cultural evaluation of the two countries can be done with the use of the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory. Part A– Table of Comparisons Dimensions Russia China Correct form of address in business meetings Russians greet in formal styles in business meetings. Handshakes are considered appropriate as forms of greeting or leaving in the business meetings. It is a common practice to exchange business cards in the beginning of a corporate meeting. Formal addressing is considered appropriate in China. Exchange of business cards at the beginning of a business meeting is indispensible (Bouwen, 2001, pp.361-369). The business meetings are conducted in formal and result oriented environment. Religion and Language Russia is characterised by religiosity. Most of the Russians follow the religion Christianity. However there are some percentages of people who follow Islam. Few European minorities are western Christians and roman Catholics. Russian language is the official language. However, the people are fluent in English language. Georgian language is also used in some parts of the country (Hendrickson, 1998, p.141). China is a multi religion country. A number of diverse religions are practiced including Buddhism, Taoism and to an extent Islam. Buddhism and Taoism are the most commonly followed religions in the country. Mandarin and standard Chinese are most commonly spoken language. Meeting and Greeting Punctuality is important for Russian people. Handshake in formal meetings is expected. Demonstrating gestures are commonly shown by the Russian people. A firm handshake with a suitable greeting according to the time of the day is considered appropriate (Jandt, 2013, p.377). The Chinese strive to make first impression on the minds of business counterparts. Bowing at the waist is the most common greeting procedure/. Handshake is also gaining popularity in business meetings. Exchanging gifts Small gifts and souvenirs are appreciated by the Russian people. The value of the gift should be corresponding to the status of the business person to whom it is being gifted. The gifts given to the Russian people should preferably not be something that is easily available in the country. The Russian tradition follows bringing gift for the hostess of any occasion or invitation in a Russian home. Also, there is a tradition of giving gift to the child of the home as etiquette. Forms of address There are two main forms of address in Russia depending on the level of relation with the other person and the position and age of the other person. One form of address is the polite form which is mainly used in formal meetings and business dealings. Another form is the informal address which is done with the family and friends (Hofstede and Minkov, 2010, pp.483-504). China has many forms of addressing as appropriate in different situations. The Chinese people have different ways of addressing people of different social positions. Informal and respectful forms of address are acceptable in business relationships. A traditional and formal behaviour is expected from the business counterparts. Etiquette and general Behaviour The behaviour in meetings is expected to be formal, well-mannered and conservative (Fontaine, 2005, pp.123-143). The people in business meetings are expected to be well dressed and follow the formal behavioural manners in Russia. The Russians people are greet hosts and declining dining the offers of drink or food is considered rude to Russian hospitality. Personal relationships are important in Russian businesses. The Russian people are proud of their culture and traditions and like to talk about these. Patience, modesty, politeness and respect for elders as well as Chinese traditions and customs are highly valued in China. Politeness and humbleness are also seen as the attributes of a well-mannered and well cultured society. The Chinese people are warm and helpful. Initially they may come up as tough business people but they are likely to be the friendliest and warm people. Written communication Oral communication is much more significant in Russia as compared to written communications. The Russian people are much indulgent in small talks like talks about weather, sports, politics etc. and it is often seen that these communications play a more impactful role in the business activities rather than the written documents and communications (Brockner, 2000, p.140). Written business communications are critical in China and are more valued than oral communications and personal negotiations. Time keeping Russians are extensively punctual and prefer punctuality from other people as well. It is important to maintain time in business meetings as well as in informal meetings. Punctuality is crucial in China. Ideally, business counterparts of Chinese people should arrive a little earlier or at proper time scheduled for a business meeting (Heine, 2003, p.660). Punctuality and disciple are highly appreciated in the country. Part B –Analysis Language Russia is the official language. However there are 27 other officially recognized languages. There are almost 100 minority languages in the country. English is one of the official languages which are gaining importance in the business domains. Hanyu or simplified Chinese is the official language in China. English language is much less popular among the Chinese people which may act as a stark difference between the two countries. Time Keeping Russians are extremely punctual in business meetings. They like to start meetings in pre decided time and wrap up within the specific time. The Chinese people are also punctual in both the formal and informal purposes which make the cultures being similar in this respect (Thomas and Ely, 1996, p.904). Hofstedes’ 5 Cultural Dimensions Power Distance Power distance is high in Russian society. There is wide gap between the powerful people and the less powerful people in the country. Status roles as devised by power decide the behaviours of people towards each other. The approach towards business is top down with hierarchy being crucial (Axelrod, 2000, p.40). Power distance is high in China as well. The relationships between high power and low powerful sections of society are wide with power polarised in specific sectors of the society. Individualistic The Russian society is collectivistic in nature. People encompass relations and relationships impact the society and businesses. China is also a highly collectivistic country which has high interest in the achievement of the society as a whole. Relations are important in business in both Russia and China (Barnett and Kincaid, 2003, p.90). Masculinity Russia is a feminine society while China is a more masculine society. The dominating values in Russia are caring for others and improving the overall quality of life. Dominance is accepted from superiors but not from work colleagues (Dorfman, 2007, p.240). China is more result oriented and driven by success. They often sacrifice leisure and family priorities to their work. Uncertainty Avoidance Russians are more prone to uncertainty avoidance than the Chinese people. Russians are threatened by complex and ambiguous situations. Detailed briefing and planning is common to avoid uncertainty. China is more flexible in terms of adherence to rules. They are adaptable and tend to enter into ambiguous situations easily (Kirkman and Steel, 2010, pp.405-439). Long Term Orientation Russian is characterised by short term orientation while long term orientation is common in China (Hofstede, 2001, p.160). In Russia, business is perceived as an opportunity to earn profits and involves taking quick decisions. Credits and investments and long term planning in businesses and personal dealings are much less observed in the Russian society (Minkov, 2007, p.123). China is highly long term oriented with much emphasis given on planning and preparing in advance for business purposes and decisions. China shows the ability to adapt easily but the society tends to plan itself and engage in a procedural system. Diversity Russia is a highly diverse society with more than 160 ethnic groups living in the country. The diversity is unevenly spread with most Russians living in the urban areas. Russia is one of the most diverse countries with respect to cultural and ethnic diversity. People from various backgrounds and cultures create a multicultural society. China is one for the most diverse societies in Asia. There are many ethnic groups and cultures. The workplaces appoint people from diverse backgrounds as well. Dining Etiquette The dining etiquettes in Russia are formal. Punctuality and manners are critical. Their hospitality is well recognized. They are very good hosts and like to spend time in socializing over dinner. An invitation for dining at a Russian home is considered to be something of great honour. Dining is an important way of socializing in China. They follow traditions in dining invitations as well as in business dinners. The dining process is formal and traditional. Conclusion There are a number of differences as well as similarities observed between Russia and China as identified but the Hofstedes cultural dimension theory. The Russian culture is multicultural and traditional with more diversity and concern for relationships. The Chinese culture is less diverse with more concern for results and success rather than relationships. Both Russia and China are collectivistic in nature. However, the cultural differences are much wider than the cultural similarities in the two countries. References Axelrod, R. 2000. The dissemination of culture: A model with local convergence and global polarization. Journal of Conflict Resolution. Vol. 41(1), p.40. Barnett, A. & Kincaid, D. 2003. Intercultural Communication Theory: Current Perspectives. Beverly Hills. CA: Sage. Bouwen, R. 2001. 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Culture’s Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviours, Institutions, and Organizations across Nations (2nd edition). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. Hofstede, G. 2012. Geert Hofstede. [Online]. Available at http://geert-hofstede.com/russia.html. [Accessed on 29 May 2014]. Hofstede, G., & Minkov, M. 2010. Long- versus short-term orientation: New perspectives. Asia Pacific Business Review. Vol.16 (1), pp.493–504. Jandt, F. E. 2013. An introduction to intercultural communication: Identities in a Global Community. 7th Edition. Sage Publications, California. Kirkman, B. & Steel, P. 2010. Examining the impact of culture’s consequences: A three decade, multilevel, Meta analytic review of Hofstede’s cultural value dimensions. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol. 90(1): 405-439. Minkov, M. 2007. What makes us different and similar: a new interpretation of the World Values Survey and other cross-cultural data? Sofia: Klasika i St. Thomas, D., and Ely, R. 1996. 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