INT 220 Module Two Assignment Template Complete This Templat ✓ Solved

INT 220 Module Two Assignment Template Complete this template

Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information.

Part One: Common Information for Each Country

Information

• United States
• Country Selected for Course Project

Government Type: [Insert text.]

Commonly Spoken Languages: [Insert text.]

Commonly Practiced Religions: [Insert text.]

How to Greet Men and Women: [Insert text.]

General Negotiating Styles: [Insert text.]

Accept Business Attire: [Insert text.]

Identify three tips for doing business in the non-U.S. country you selected for your project: [Insert text here.]

Part Two: Hofstede Model of National Culture

For each of the six cultural dimensions in Hofstede’s model of national culture, list the score for both countries and then draw conclusions based on the differences in scores between the two countries.

To find the scores, use this tool: Hofstede Insights: Compare Countries. When you select both countries, the tool will give you the scores. You should also select the option to read more about your selected countries to learn about the implications of those scores.

Part Three: Conclusions

Draw conclusions on how doing business in the country you selected will differ from doing business in the United States.

Identify any significant differences in scores between the two countries: [Insert text here.]

Draw conclusions on the significance of the large differences in scores: [Insert text here.]

List conclusions on the differences in doing business between your two countries based on cultural dimension scores: [Insert text here.]

Paper For Above Instructions

When conducting business within an international context, it is essential to understand not only the formal economic guidelines but also the cultural nuances that greatly influence success in negotiations and partnerships. This paper will explore the business culture of the United States compared to Germany as a course project example.

Part One: Common Information for Each Country

The United States, a federal constitutional republic, has a diverse and dynamic economy and is known for its cultural and linguistic variety. The government type is a federal republic, and commonly spoken languages include English and Spanish. In Germany, the official language is German, and its government type is a federal parliamentary republic.

Commonly practiced religions in the United States include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, while in Germany, Christianity predominates, particularly in forms such as Protestantism and Catholicism. Greetings in the United States are often informal, with a handshake being common in business. In Germany, greetings frequently involve a firm handshake with direct eye contact, indicating respect and openness.

When negotiating, the United States is characterized by a more informal approach, often valuing relationship-building alongside direct selling methods. Conversely, Germany presents a structured and formal negotiating style, heavily focused on preparation, logic, and facts. Acceptable business attire in the United States can range from business casual to formal suits, while in Germany, formal business attire is the norm, particularly in meeting environments.

Three key tips for conducting business in Germany include: understanding the importance of punctuality, as being late can be perceived as disrespectful; avoiding small talk in the initial meetings until a level of trust and professional rapport is established; and being prepared with a thorough agenda for meetings, as Germans appreciate efficiency and directness.

Part Two: Hofstede Model of National Culture

According to Hofstede’s model of national culture, we can analyze significant cultural dimensions between the United States and Germany. The Power Distance Index (PDI) measures the acceptance of unequal power distribution. The U.S. scores low on this index, indicating a preference for egalitarianism, while Germany scores slightly higher, suggesting a more accepting attitude towards hierarchy in organizational settings. Individualism, particularly strong in the U.S., emphasizes personal achievement, while Germany embodies a mix of individualism and collectivism, valuing community somewhat more than the U.S.

The Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS) dimension suggests that the United States is more competitive and achievement-oriented, while Germany has a balance that reflects both competitive values and a desire for quality of life. The Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) indicates that Germany works to avoid uncertainty through detailed structures and planning, rating higher than the U.S., which is more open to taking risks. Long-term orientation (LTO) is more prominent in Germany, reflecting a focus on future rewards, as opposed to the U.S.’s short-term focus on immediate outcomes. Lastly, the Indulgence versus Restraint (IVR) dimension shows that the U.S. leans towards indulgence, encouraging a life of leisure and enjoyment, while Germany exhibits restraint, emphasizing control over desires.

Part Three: Conclusions

A pivotal difference between doing business in the U.S. and Germany is the approach to punctuality and structure. The high value of punctuality in Germany means that meetings start and end on time, whereas in the U.S., there can be more flexibility. This can lead to frustrations in mixed meetings if American informality clashes with German expectations.

Additionally, the significant cultural difference in attitudes towards hierarchy affects decision-making processes. In the U.S., decision-making is often decentralized, empowering lower-level employees, while in Germany, decisions might be reserved for senior management. This difference can result in a slower response to opportunities in Germany, whereas American companies may move more quickly due to their more decentralized structure.

In summary, both countries value strong economic partnerships but differ significantly in cultural expectations. While directness and individuality are prized in the U.S., Germany's emphasis on detail, respect for hierarchy, and thorough preparation inform significantly different business practices. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for international business success.

References

• Hofstede Insights. (2023). Compare Countries. Retrieved from [Hofstede Insights URL]
• Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
• Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values. Sage Publications.
• Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business. Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
• Gesteland, R. R. (2002). Cross-Cultural Business Behavior: Marketing, Negotiating and Managing Across Cultures. Copenhagen Business School Press.
• Graham, J. L., & Lam, M. (2003). The Chinese negotiation. Harvard Business Review.
• Kuss, A. (2003). Understanding Cultural Differences in Communication: A Review of the Literature. Business Communication Quarterly.
• Smith, P. B. (2006). The influence of culture on organizations: moving towards a predictive framework. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal.
• Brewer, P. (2017). Adapting your negotiation strategy in unique cultural contexts. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing.
• Zahra, S. A., & George, G. (2002). Absorptive capacity: A review, reconceptualization, and extension. Academy of Management Review.