Analyze Country Based On 5 Cultural Attributes I Presented

Analyze Country Based On 5 Cultural Attributes I Presente

Casey Ammaranalyze Country Based On 5 Cultural Attributes I Presente

Casey & Ammar Analyze country based on 5 cultural attributes I presented during the lecture on Cultural Diversity. 1. Power Distance- The Power distance Index measures the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. So it is basically saying that all individuals in society are not equal. A country with High Power Distance is one that views an unequal distribution of power as relatively acceptable.

On the Hofstede Index Spain received a 57, this is a high score. Meaning Spain practice a hierarchical society; people are accepting that everybody in society has their place. 2. Individualism/Collectivism- On Hofstede’s index Spain got a rating of 51 for individualism. In comparison with other countries Spain would be a collectivist country.

This makes Spain very easy to relate with for other countries. Teamwork in Spain is seen as very normal and employees work very hard with not a lot of motivation from management. 3. Uncertainty Avoidance A.) High Uncertainty Avoidance- Spaniards prefer predictable situations. They also like to stick to what works and not consider new ways that may benefit the company. Spaniards are not tempted by rewards that come with high risk. B.) Hofstede Scale- Spain placed an 86 on uncertainty avoidance which is the second highest score. 0. Direct Versus Indirect A.) Indirect Communication Style- Spaniards dislike confrontation. If they do disagree they say what they have to say indirectly and leave it to the interpretation of the listener. Challenging a higher up in public is not accepted in Spain because it is seen as challenging ones dignity. 0. Task Versus Relationship A.) Relationship Style- Spaniards prefer to do business with people they are comfortable with. During the introduction process Spaniards most likely will not talk business at all, instead, they will try to make personal connections and leave the business for later. Stephanie Identify and describe the origins or bases of 3 of the cultural attributes based on the country’s history, government, language, religion, geography, societal norms, and business environment.

1. Power Distance a. History and Government - because of Spain’s long history of monarchical style of government, it has led to a higher power distance between leaders and its subjects a. Societal Norms - higher levels of power distance are shown between the elders and the young. Formal use of language was once frequent but uncommon. a. Business Environment - in this environment, lower power power distance is displayed between a boss and its employee. A boss would want to get to know an employee before discussing any business related matters. 1. Individualism-Collectivism b. History and Government - high levels of collectivism was shown during the rule of Gen. Francisco Franco taking away the “organic democracy”, and implementing representation of Spanish societies, ie. families, municipalities, etc. b. Business Environment - Spaniards are thorough decision makers and leaders in an organization would usually have people from 3 or 4 levels down from the CEO to weigh in on the decision making, resulting to have a collectivist mindset. 1. Uncertainty Avoidance c. Language - c. Societal Norms c. Government Main, Kerrie. "The Business Experience." A to Z World Business. World Trade Press. Web. 03 Apr. 2016. Shubert, Adrian. “Government and Society.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Web. 12 Apr. 2016 Amina Research and describe 3 aspects of business protocol that a US person would need to know in order to successfully conduct business in your chosen culture. 1. Greeting titles a. It is easiest to follow the lead of others the first time you meet a contact. a. Older traditional people use titles like Don or Doña. ii. These are becoming more rare, so don’t open a new contact like that. 1. More common are honorific titles: Doctor, Señor, or Señora followed by his or her surname. 1. You use the title until the contact says to use his or her name. i. Physical greeting/departure 1. Another thing you may want to follow the lead in first time greetings. 1. Standard in workplace is a handshake 1. As you get to know the person he or she may hug you, which is also very common 1. Females that are friends kiss on both cheeks iv. Important that you start with the right cheek iv. Only touch cheeks and kiss the air, no physical kiss on cheek occurs. i. Business 1. Business world in Spain is formal i. If you are not fluent in Spanish, always hire an interpreter 1. Present all material in both formal Spanish and English 1. Business cards are given in introductions iii. If you are a visitor you must have Spanish printed on one side and hand it to the other person with the Spanish side up iii. When receiving a card comment on it and examine it before putting away 2. It is seen as rude if you do not do this and may result in a bad relationship 1. Be prepared for closer physical contact iv. People stand closer together and are very big on physical contact 1. As seen in greetings Main, Kerrie. "The Business Experience." A to Z World Business. World Trade Press. Web. 03 Apr. 2016. Steve Alsh ( Here is My Part) Discuss the most important mistake that a US businessperson would likely make when conducting business in your chosen culture, explain why this mistake is significant and indicate how it could be avoided. for today I need outline as other did one page and half. References: MGMT - Organizational Behavior Team Project: 1. Cross-Cultural Analysis Presentation In a team of 4-5 students, you will examine how employee management practices differ in a country other than the US, and how these differences are attributable to differences in national culture. For your team paper, which should be about 10 pages in length, and presentation, you will: 1. Select a (non-US) Spain country/culture, and 1. Analyze your country based on the five cultural attributes I presented during the lecture on Cultural Diversity. These attributes include individualism-collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, direct and indirect communication, and task focus versus relationship focus. To conduct your analysis you should use the PPT slides I presented in class which are posted on Webcampus. You can also get additional information from our textbook and from Brook Peterson’s book titled Cultural intelligence. 1. Identify and describe the origins or bases of 3 of the cultural attributes based on the country’s history, government, language, religion, geography, societal norms and business environment. Note: You need not have an example of history or government for the origin of each of the three attributes, but you should identify more than one factor for each cultural attribute. 2. For example, you may describe how Russia’s long history of totalitarian government has led to a management style that is more top-down and autocratic than what one would typically see in the US (high power distance). 1. Some of these country attributes will be more important than others, only focus on the 3 that are MOST relevant to your analysis (you may leave the rest out entirely) 1. Research and describe three aspects of business protocol/etiquette that a US businessperson would need to know in order to successfully conduct business in your chosen culture. 3. For example, you may explain how, in China, the respect for seniority in seating arrangements, order of introduction, and speaking order exhibited during meetings is more important than it is in the US, and was likely influenced by the importance of Confucianism in Chinese culture. 1. Prepare and deliver a creative and interesting 15-20 minute PPT presentation to the rest of the class about the results of your research. The presentation must contain at least one creative or interactive element. 1. Provide me a list of the team’s point allocation for the paper and PPT with the signed agreement of all team members must also be submitted. 1. Cross Cultural Analysis Paper For your team paper, which should be about 10 pages in length, you will: 1. Analyze your country based on the five cultural attributes I presented during the lecture on Cultural Diversity. Note: Your analysis should be consistent with the material you presented in your PPT presentation but you should offer greater depth and detail. 1. Identify and describe the origins or bases of 3 of the cultural attributes based on the country’s history, government, language, religion, geography, societal norms and business environment.

Paper For Above instruction

People conducting international business must understand the profound influence culture exerts on management practices, communication, and etiquette. Spain, a country with a rich history marked by monarchical rule, religious influence, and a complex societal structure, presents a distinctive cultural landscape that influences business interactions significantly. The analysis of Spain’s cultural attributes—power distance, individualism-collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, communication style, and relationship versus task orientation—illuminates how historical, governmental, linguistic, and societal factors shape business protocols and potential pitfalls for U.S. businesspersons.

Spain’s high power distance, as evidenced by its monarchical past, remains evident in hierarchical organizational structures and respect for authority. Historically, Spain's long-standing monarchy reinforced a societal norm where authority figures occupy prominent positions; this influences current business management styles rooted in respect for hierarchy and deference to seniority. This historical context fosters an environment where deference to authority and formal communication are expected, and challenging authority publicly can be perceived as disrespectful, leading to misunderstandings if a U.S. businessperson assumes a more egalitarian approach.

Regarding individualism versus collectivism, Spain's history under General Francisco Franco’s regime emphasized group cohesion, family ties, and societal interconnectedness. During Franco’s rule, societal norms prioritized collective identity over individual expression, which has persisted into modern business environments. Leaders often consult their teams for decision-making, reflecting a collectivist approach where organizational decisions are communal, and harmony and consensus are valued over individual autonomy. This cultural trait is also reinforced by societal norms favoring personal relationships and trust, which are vital before engaging in business transactions.

Spain’s high uncertainty avoidance, with a Hofstede score of 86, originates from historical instances of political instability, religious dogma, and a cultural preference for predictability and structured routines. Historically, religious institutions and monarchies promoted stability, and any deviation from tradition was viewed with suspicion. In business, this manifests as a preference for formal procedures, comprehensive planning, and reluctance to adopt innovative or risky ventures. Managers prefer clear rules and detailed contracts, reflecting society’s desire for security and predictability, which can impact business negotiations and decision-making processes.

The communication style in Spain is predominantly indirect, stemming from societal norms prioritizing dignity, respect, and harmony. Historically, social structure and religious influences shape this indirectness. Spaniards avoid confrontation to preserve personal dignity and social harmony; disagreements are communicated subtly, often through nuanced language or non-verbal cues. This indirect style can pose challenges for U.S. businesspeople accustomed to direct communication, risking misinterpretation of intentions or reluctance to address critical issues openly.

Relationship versus task orientation in Spain is deeply rooted in societal and historical norms emphasizing personal relationships. Spaniards prefer first establishing trust and rapport before discussing business matters, a practice influenced by cultural emphasis on loyalty and personal connections. Formal social interactions, such as shared meals and social events, are considered essential for building trust, which is a prerequisite for successful business negotiations.

Understanding these cultural traits can help U.S. businesspeople avoid common mistakes when entering the Spanish market. A likely error is assuming a Western, egalitarian management style—failing to recognize the importance of hierarchy and respect for authority—can impede trust and cooperation. To avoid this, U.S. professionals should prepare by learning about hierarchical organizational structures, respecting seniority, and engaging in relationship-building activities prior to formal negotiations.

Furthermore, recognizing the importance of indirect communication helps prevent misunderstandings. U.S. businesspeople should learn to read subtle cues and prioritize building personal rapport through social interactions, rather than rushing into business discussions. Employing interpreters fluent in cultural nuances can facilitate clearer communication and demonstrate respect for local customs, fostering fruitful and enduring business relationships.

References

• Hofstede Insights. (2024). Country Comparison: Spain. https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/spain/
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
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