The Concept of Corporate Strategy in Strategic Management - Research Paper Example

The outcome has been presented in the form of a table so all the cultures can be easily differentiated not only with the American culture but also with each other. The eight main areas of distinction i.e. business cards, meetings, relationships, communications, gifts and meals, friendship, time consciousness,  and business dress code. The main aim here is to gain some awareness and understanding of differences in culture across countries.

Based on the table below, it can be concluded that each culture is very different and it is important to understand the basic etiquettes of each culture to avoid embarrassment or also offending the people.

Culture

American

Indian

Japanese

British

French

Business Cards

Business cards are generally exchanged during introductions. However, in a number of cases, it is also acceptable while leaving.

Indians pay a lot of importance to business cards. It is important to read the business card before keeping it in. Also, it is important to give as well as receive the card in the right hand. The left hand is considered to be offensive for most.

Japanese give a lot of importance to the business cards and the more visiting cards a person has during the trip the better it is. The business cards need to be specially printed on a double side. The card should be presented with the Japanese version facing upwards. While presenting the business cards to Japanese counterparts, it is essential to note that throwing, sliding, flicking, pushing, or lobbing is not acceptable.

Business card exchange is considered polite, however is not essential.

French pay attention to business cards but are not very particular. Translating the business card to French is often appreciated and considered to be attention to detail. Academic qualifications are a must on the business cards. The business cards of the French tend to be a little larger than the other countries.

Meetings

A proper handshake is a must and in a lot of cases tends to give away the firm handshake, and should be standing while handshake. Americans are very particular about being ‘Politically correct’ at all times.

Meetings in India are relatively simple. A major point to be remembered is to keep a respectable distance between men and women. Also, it is not well received by a majority to shake hands, or touch women in India. However with changing times, there are a few improvements, yet, a number of places this is not well received.

It is considered to be rude to grab the hand of the Japanese counterpart and to give a mighty shake. Individuals need to wait to be seated in the meeting as there is a particular hierarchy in which the seating arrangements are normally made. Also, it is important to note that Japanese people are very prolific note-takers and take down each and every point being discussed. Hence while doing business with Japanese it is better to always take detailed notes

Meetings are generally structured and often tend to being and end with social conversations.

Meetings are structured. French greet with handshakes which are not firm as Americans but are softer. French prefer to be addressed by their last name. Saying good morning, good evening in French is expected.

Relationships

Americans are very independent by nature. Most Americans tend to be completely independent by the age of 18. All decision-making is self and professional.

Are very trusting and prefer to know as much as possible about the other person in the first meeting. This is their way of building a relationship with the other individual (be it personal or business). Indians give a lot of importance to family and parents and in a number of cases, decision-making is based on the families and parents.

They tend to be very personal about their lives and do not discuss their personal lives with business partners.

Relationships here between the managers and employees are strong and managers tend to act as coaches for the employees. However, there is a strong need for individual responsibility in terms of implementation and also errors.

French tend to be very private and keep a major gap between friends and acquaintances. They tend to be themselves in front of friends and family only.

Communication

Most Americans prefer to be known by their first name. Clear and concise speech is crucial for any business relation in America.

Communication is a very essential part of every business. People prefer to be known by their first name. Elders need to be respected and preferable to be called by Mr. or Ms. followed by their first name. Indians find it hard to say ‘no’. Indians tend to have little or no importance to privacy. Hence personal questions are not considered to be rude in this culture.

Japanese people are non-confrontational and have a very difficult time saying ‘no’. Japanese tend to be intent listeners and prefer to keep their eyes closed while listening carefully. Also, they are very silent for long periods of time hence, it is important to figure out whether or not they understand everything that has been spoken. Japanese prefer to have written contracts that are not always final and can be renegotiated

Humor is vital for the British, irrespective of whether it is in business meetings or social events. Being clear, precise is appreciated. However social conversations are also crucial in any business deal. British are very personal about their lives hence the conversations need to be more generic.

Communication is crucial to the French. Eye contact is an important part of conversations. French prefer to have intellectual talks and it is common for them to interrupt each other during conversations. French believe the American culture to be more of lecturing than conversing. Although business people tend to speak English, it is considered to be polite to apologize in case French is not known.

Gifts and Meals

Gifts are generally not accepted by Americans and are construed to be bribed. However, an invitation to a meal is well accepted as a modest gift.

Indians love receiving gifts and these are considered to be a sign of respect. Invitations to meals are a common part of any business deal. Indians tend to eat with their hands. However, eating with a spoon is acceptable.

Japanese invitation to meals is common. Eating with chopsticks is appreciated, however, if not possible it is acceptable to eat with a fork.

Business gifts are not acceptable in the UK. However, business meals are a common occurrence.

Gifts are generally based on the discretion of the giver. Often books and music are well received as gifts as these show intellectual interest. Business meals are common, however, in most cases, these are preferred to be lunches. Also, drinking or smoking between meals is not well received as French give importance to the food, and believe that these tend to compromise the taste of the food.

Friendships

Good friends briefly embrace. The friendship in major cities is mostly very formal.

People, business partners tend to be friendly and social with each other and also share personal views and opinions. The level of trust is high.

It is important to keep the temper in control and never to raise your voice during a negotiation as it is considered to be offensive to the Japanese. Calm, composed and serious behavior at all times can make a person a long way while doing business with the Japanese.

British are very friendly, and it is acceptable to go out for a beer with business partners. However, this is strictly professional and not in any way an invitation to their personal space.

French are very personal and prefer to have their space. It is considered to be rude to drop in without prior notice and also to walk into a room without knocking and waiting to be called inside. French tend to require friends to keep in touch on a frequent basis if not daily.

Time Consciousness

Americans are very time conscious. Being on time is appreciated and so is hard work and honesty.

Indians are mostly late. The time consciousness among Indians is relatively low. While scheduling meetings with Indians, it is always beneficial to keep ­+ one hour.

Japanese businessmen are very punctual and time conscious. It is always better to be early to the meetings and in case of any possible delay, it is considered important to call the host and let them know at least an hour in advance. Also, it is essential to understand that as punctual as the Japanese are for starting the meetings, similarly, they finish also as per the scheduled time

British are very time conscious and being on time for meetings is very important. Also, if unable to be on time, it is important to let someone know about this beforehand. Appointments are generally fixed way ahead of time and cancellations should also be communicated at the earliest.

Punctuality is very casual in French. Not too much importance is given to the timeliness.

Business Dress Code

Americans focus on suits and tie for men and suits or dress for women. Tie and full sleeve shirts are a must irrespective of how hot or humid the weather may be.

Indians are very conservative. Men in formals or suits are the perfect dress code for business meetings. Women need to wear clothes that are less revealing. However formal shirts and trousers are completely acceptable. Half sleeve shirts with ties are also well accepted here.

Japanese are very formal and particular. Dark navy or black suits with white shirts and simple and neutral colors for a tie are essential. Also, during summers the acceptable dress code is short sleeve shirts but not tees or polo shirts.  Also, well-groomed and clean-shaven is the best option to be followed in Japan. Also, for women, it is important to wear conservative attire and if the person has long hair, it would be best to tie it back. Also using branded clothing and items is always advantageous.

Formal clothes, suits for men and formal suits, skirts or trousers for women are usually acceptable. Simple with minimal jewelry is acceptable.  Well-groomed and clean-shaven is important, tattoos and piercings are not well received.

People tend to be fashion-conscious here. However simple colors are crucial. Bright colors are not well accepted. Suits for men and formal dresses for women are the dress code. All clothing is important to be well-tailored and well-groomed at all times. French do not remove their suits or loosen their ties even while in the office.

CITRIX Executive Summary

CITRIX Systems is an MNC that provides customers with desktop virtualization, servers, Software as a Service (SaaS), and also networking (CITRIX, 2010). The company was started in 1989 as a simple operation of a single person. This has now grown to become a world-leading company and is well accepted across the world. The company presently uses the strategy of working with the competition rather than against the competition. There is a major focus on developing strong relationships with competitors (AME Info., 2007). Currently, the company is among the top five companies in the industry and is well recognized for its quality and excellence in products.

Major challenges being faced by the company include areas of lacking product line and also reducing the focus on the technology. CITRIX currently requires working on their relationships with their competitors as well as business partners (Johnson, Scholes, & Whittington, 2006). There is a need to focus on expanding their product line and also working towards brand expansions (Andrew, 1980). Together these will prove to be very beneficial for the company and will also help CITRIX gain a strong position in the market. The focus here is to try and ensure bettered results for the company.