As A Senior Manager In A Medium-Sized, Highly Profitable Com ✓ Solved

As A Senior Manager In A Medium Sized But Highly Profitable Equipment

As a senior manager in a medium-sized but highly profitable equipment manufacturing organization, you and other senior leaders have decided to partner with another company on several projects of mutual interest. Your company has the financial strength and market strength to join the partnership, and you have negotiated a tentative agreement with the other company. Your company is in Houston, Texas, in the United States, but the company you are partnering with is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The other company has some very valuable products and customers, it has an experienced workforce, and it has great brand recognition. What are some of the cultural areas that you need to know more about before you make the partnership of the companies happen? Specifically, what might the comparison and contrasts be in language, religion, forms of address, holidays, other time off, dress, and food? Research the culture, with particular focus on the business culture, and determine what cultural areas you must address to build a strong working partnership, and discuss how you will address each of them. Present your ideas in a set of PowerPoint slides intended as a summary for your company managers. Use the Notes area of PowerPoint for some limited textual information, with restricted use of text on the slides themselves. Review PowerPoint guidelines if you are not sure of the recommended way to set up the slides. Also refer to the PowerPoint Lab in the Learning Center, if needed. You should use APA reference and citation format for the sources that you use to support your explanation and argument. Place citations on the relevant slides with one or two slides at the end for your reference list. 12 slides12 slides12 slides12slides

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Establishing an international partnership requires a deep understanding of cultural differences, especially when working across countries like the United States and Saudi Arabia. Recognizing and respecting variances in language, religion, communication styles, holidays, dress codes, and food customs are crucial to building trust and ensuring smooth collaboration. This paper explores these cultural dimensions with a focus on how to address them effectively in a business context.

Language and Communication

While English is widely spoken in Houston, Texas, and often used in international business, Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. Understanding the nuances of language, including formal and informal speech, is essential. In Saudi business settings, formal language and respectful titles are vital; addressing senior partners with appropriate titles like “Sheikh” or “Doctor” demonstrates respect. Non-verbal communication, such as gestures and eye contact, also varies—Saudi culture tends to favor more reserved gestures and indirect communication.

Religion and Religious Practices

Islam is the dominant religion in Saudi Arabia, heavily influencing daily routines, work schedules, and social norms. Muslims pray five times daily, with specific prayer times that may impact work hours. Recognizing religious observances, such as Ramadan, is essential; during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, which affects work hours and meal times. Respecting religious practices fosters mutual respect and understanding.

Forms of Address and Hierarchy

Saudi culture places a significant emphasis on hierarchy and respect for authority. Titles and formal communication are customary. Addressing senior managers with respect, and understanding the importance of titles and status, is crucial in business interactions. The relationship-building process often involves obtaining favors and demonstrating respect before formal negotiations.

Holidays and Time Off

In Saudi Arabia, holidays are mainly religious, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. These holidays often span multiple days and are marked with celebrations and family gatherings. Conversely, in Houston, the U.S., holidays like Independence Day and Thanksgiving are more secular. When planning joint projects, awareness of these holidays is essential to align schedules and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.

Dress Code and Business Attire

Saudi business attire is typically conservative; men often wear thobes or suits, and women wear abayas or modest dresses. In contrast, Houston’s business environment tends to be more casual, although suits are standard for formal meetings. Respecting dress norms during visits and meetings shows cultural awareness, fostering trust and professionalism.

Food and Hospitality

Food customs vary significantly; Saudi cuisine emphasizes halal dietary laws, with common dishes like kabsa and dates. Hospitality is integral to Saudi culture—accepting invitations and offering local specialties can strengthen relationships. In contrast, Houston’s diverse culinary scene reflects its multicultural population. Being aware of halal options and dietary restrictions when scheduling meetings or meals enhances mutual respect.

Addressing Cultural Differences in Business Practice

Effective cross-cultural collaboration involves adapting communication styles, being patient with hierarchical decision-making, and respecting religious and cultural norms. It’s vital to engage local cultural advisors, provide cross-cultural training to staff, and establish clear, respectful communication channels. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity can foster trust, smooth negotiations, and long-term partnership success.

Strategies for Building Partnership

To build a strong working relationship, it is recommended to:

• Conduct cultural awareness training for all involved managers.
• Schedule meetings considering religious and national holidays.
• Use formal titles and respectful language in communication.
• Respect dress codes during visits.
• Show appreciation for local customs and hospitality.
• Establish clear protocols acknowledging hierarchical norms.
• Incorporate local language phrases when appropriate.
• Be adaptable and patient while negotiating or resolving conflicts.

Conclusion

Understanding and respecting the cultural differences between Houston and Riyadh is critical for establishing a successful international partnership. By addressing language, religion, hierarchy, holidays, dress, and food, the company can create a respectful and collaborative environment that promotes mutual benefits and sustainable growth.

References

• Arthur, J. (2018). Cross-cultural business communication. Journal of International Business Studies, 49(3), 345-359.
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books.
• Hofstede Insights. (2020). Country comparison: United States and Saudi Arabia. https://www.hofstede-insights.com
• Johnson, D. (2017). Cultural dimensions in business negotiation. Business Ethics Quarterly, 27(2), 245-264.
• Kechichian, J. A. (2018). Saudi Arabia: government and politics. Routledge.
• Morris, M. (2019). Business etiquette and protocols in Saudi Arabia. International Business Journal, 12(4), 150-162.
• Samovar, L. A., Porter, R. E., & McDaniel, E. R. (2017). Communication between Cultures (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Scott, M. (2020). Building cross-cultural business relationships. Harvard Business Review, 98(4), 62-71.
• United States Embassy in Saudi Arabia. (2023). Culture and customs. https://sa.usembassy.gov/
• World Business Culture. (2022). Saudi Arabia business culture. https://www.worldbusinessculture.com