Hofstedes cultural analysis framework and explores

Hofstedes cultural analysis framework and explores Executive Summary This report briefly explains the main concepts of Hofstedes cultural analysis framework and explores the ways in which it helps to understand different cultures. Using a simple analytical style it applies the main concepts of Hofstedes theory to the two different countries of Saudi Arabia and UK. From this analysis it attempts a comparison between the two cultures and tries to suggest some modest advice for a UK based manager who is going to work for a local organization in Saudi Arabia. This report is not a very detailed research and uses some limited secondary research from the internet and the books to attempt this analysis. The resulting conclusions and recommendations are therefore in the nature of broad generalisations and not a detailed training module on cultural adaptation which could require much more detailed and rigorous research. Introduction This paper attempts to apply Hofstedes analytical framework to the two countries of Saudi Arabia and the UK to determine the main differences and similarities between them. Cultural differences make a significant impact upon business styles and processes in any country and therefore studying these allows a business to enter and function successfully in a new country. Therefore, a model of the type evolved by Hofstede is extremely useful to help in understanding and implementing any businesss strategy in a new country. This paper is organized into 4 main sections. Section 1 is the discussion of the theoretical contents of Hofstedes model. It describes the main features of the model, explains their application and also critically analyses them. The section further suggests the utility as well as the limitations of the model. Section 2 of the paper describes and evaluates the culture of Saudi Arabia using the model framework as a basis. Each element of Hofstedes model is applied to the Saudi Arabian work place. Using the analysis derived from the model application an overall picture of the Saudi Arabian economy is drawn within this section. Section 3 of the paper describes and evaluates the culture of the UK using the same model framework of Hofstede. Analyzing the main characteristics of the UK culture the section once again attempts a summation of the work culture within the country. Section 4 of the paper is the conclusion section that attempts to summarize the main cultural similarities and differences between UK and Saudi Arabia and the implications of the same for business. Section 5 of the paper is the recommendations section which attempts to build a small toolkit that could be relevant for the young British Manager called James who is going to work for a local organization in Saudi Arabia. Using the main conclusions from previous section this part of the paper tries to develop a blue-print to help this new manager survive in the new culture and society. Discussion of the model Geert Hofstede (1967- 1973) worked extensively in the field of cultural studies across different countries across the globe. Studying different cultures and their work related characteristics, this researcher developed a four dimensional model of intra country culture. Towards his later years he developed a fifth element within this model but the importance of the main elements remains undiminished to date. According to Hofstede country cultures can be broadly ranked along the following five main dimensions. Power Distance Index This focuses on the degree of power/wealth/influence inequality among the people within any country. Countries that rank high on this index have hidden caste systems that effectively differentiate between rich and poor and privileged and under-privileged. The poor are unable to better themselves easily in this society as they are blocked at various levels by the rich and influential. The culture within the work place favours the rich and many subtle laws, rules and regulations hinder the easy upward mobility of the poor. On the other hand countries that rank low on this index have societies that are more equal and where power wealth and influence does not determine access to many services and facilities. Individualism Individualism is the one side versus its opposite, collectivism, that is the degree to which individuals are integrated into groups. On the individualist side we find societies in which the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after him/herself. On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts and grandparents) which continue protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. For example, Germany can be considered as individualistic with a high score (89) on the scale of Hofstede compared to a country like Guatemala where they have strong collectivism (6 on the scale). Masculinity This dimension focuses on how extent to which a society stress achievement or nurture. Masculinity is seen to be the trait which emphasizes ambition, acquisition of wealth, and differentiated gender roles. Countries differ in terms of the importance given to the male ideal of work related achievement and ambition. In countries with high masculinity scores the male is often given a much higher status in the work place than the female. On the other hand gender based discrimination is very low in the countries where masculinity scores are low. Uncertainty avoidance This dimension focuses on how cultures adapt to changes and cope with uncertainty. Emphasis is on extent to which a culture feels threatened or is anxious about ambiguity. Uncertainty tolerance and risk taking ability differ within different societies. In countries where this index is high, entrepreneurial activity tends to be widespread across society. On the other hand in countries where this index is low, people tend to move away from risk bearing and governments also tend to over legislate and restrict entrepreneurial activity. Long Term Orientation Long-Term Orientation is the fifth dimension of Hofstede which was added after the original four to try to distinguish the difference in thinking between the East and West. Long-Term Orientation (LTO) focuses on the degree the society embraces, or does not embrace, long-term devotion to traditional, forward thinking values. High Long-Term Orientation ranking indicates the country prescribes to the values of long-term commitments and respect for tradition. Low Long-Term Orientation ranking indicates the country does not reinforce the concept of long-term, traditional orientation. In this culture, change can occur more rapidly as long-term traditions and commitments do not become impediments to change. Applying Hofstedes model to Saudi Arabia The Geert Hofstede analysis for Saudi Arabia is almost identical to other Arab countries their Muslim faith plays a large role in the peoples lives. The Large Power Distance (PDI) (80) and Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI) (68) are predominant Hofstede Dimension characteristics for the countries in this region. These societies are more likely to follow a caste system that does not allow significant upward mobility of its citizens. They are also highly rule-oriented with laws, rules, regulations, and controls in order to reduce the amount of uncertainty, while inequalities of power and wealth have been allowed to grow within the society. The high Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) ranking of 68, indicates the societys low level of tolerance for uncertainty. There is both a rigid and subtle hierarchy within society with very little scope for people to avoid their designated role or status in life. People also fully accept this role in life as a part of their cultural heritage. The masculinity scores within Saudi Arabia are not very higher than average across the world. According to Michael Wolfe (1998), the author of The Hadj : An Americans pilgrimage to Mecca this suggests that the inferior role of women in Saudi society can be traced to religious roots rather than cultural roles. There are extensive rules of etiquette while in business meetings and other social interactions both between men as well as between men and women. This tends to often be more onerous for women than for men. Still one could argue that women are often protected from male over exploitation by religious injunctions that forbid various acts. Silence is often considered to be a symbol of understanding wisdom and power. The most powerful people at business meetings a re often the silent observers and as underlined by the most active communicators could be the least influential. The individualism scores for Saudi Arabia are clearly among the lowest nations of the world suggesting that the society is very communistic with a great preference for long term tribal and familial loyalties. There is much evidence that Saudi Arabia is a long term orientated culture. Applying Hofstedes model to UK The UK represents a radically different society when analyzed using Hofstedes framework when compared to Saudi Arabia. The UK has very low uncertainty avoidance, power distance and long term orientation scores highlighting the fact that the country is modern and progressive in its outlook with few rules and regulation. The low power distance scores illustrate the long tradition of UK as a nation where people expect to be ruled by consent and prefer leaders who consult extensively and allow participation by the staff. . In this sense the UK is very different from Saudi Arabia. The UK scores 89 for Individualism. This is high and therefore points to that fact that British culture values and promotes individuality. On a macro level we see that the nuclear family is the more predominant form of basic social structure. On a micro level, in the business environment the individual may be more concerned with themselves rather than the team. There is great emphasis placed on individualism wit h almost every part of society rewarding individual achievement .There are very few familial links that continue through the life of the individual and people do not in general belong to clans or tribes which reward loyalty like in Saudi Arabia.. The UK scores 66 which indicates that it is somewhere in the middle. This may reflect the fact that British society and culture aims for equality between the sexes, yet a certain amount of gender bias still exists underneath the surface. The moderately strong masculinity scores reflect a male oriented society but still not as male dominated as Saudi Arabia. The low uncertainty avoidance scores of the UK reflect the general comfort of the population in the work place as well as in the social arena. The existence of a religious police in the latter country is a clear example of the uncertainty avoidance scores of the country. In the UK people in general social life are not expected to express emotions and stay rather phlegmatic. Different religious beliefs and cultural values are expected to stay in tolerant harmony side by side without any conflict unlike in Saudi Arabia. Conclusions and Recommendations Clearly the above discussion illustrates how even a simple application of Hofstedes framework to the cultures of Saudi Arabia and UK result in considerable wealth of information about the relative aspects of the cultures of the two countries. It is quite clear that for a manager from the UK working within the culture of Saudi Arabia will be a great challenge. The entire cultural experience would be very different given the constraints within that country. The power distance would imply that the manager would need to keep his distance from the subordinates and ensure that at all times he is in line with the cultural etiquette. Similarly he would also need to ensure that given the large number of social rules and regulations he does not offend any of his hosts. The decorum must always be maintained and he must never go against the social customs of the place both in the office and society interactions. He should also keep in mind the collective nature of the society and the fact that he should never offend the tribal loyalties and be aware of the various cultural attachments of his subordinates as well as his peers. Once again either talking too much or talking too little would not be optimal particularly in conferences and meetings. There is also the need to appear masculine and in control to an even greater extent than in the UK. He must ensure that nobody in the work place in particular views him to be less than in complete control partly because of the need to appear to be in control and partly due to the masculinity aspect. The fact that there is much greater need for uncertainty avoidance within Saudi Arabia implies that the manager should ensure that he is always taking decisions and directing his employees and subordinates to a much greater extent than he was used to in UK. The employees in Saudi Arabia will not respect a boss who delegates his decision making to the extent that is quite common in the UK. Also there needs to be greater clarity about who does what unlike in the UK where employees can be expected to take decisions as well as add value in decision making of their own accord. In all these issues the manager also needs to be alive to the peculiar and unique cultures within the specific organisation that he intends to work in within Saudi Arabia. Overall it is clear that the manager from England will have to learn a great deal apart from the local language. He will need to master the local cultural etiquette, social idiom as well as the various rules and regulations. At all times he will have to display a modesty and cultural adaptability in order to meet the approval of his seniors as well as his peers.

How to become a successful business person Essay

1. Have knowledge about business Choose a business school Master business fundamentals Accumulate knowledge through real business activities 2. Develop our interpersonal skills Explanation: Interpersonal skills help us to interact well with people. Furthermore, we need these skills to manage our employees and negotiate deals or contracts effectively. As a result, we will become a successful manager. 3. Have passion on doing business Explanation: It is an essential element with all of people who do business because it motivates us to achieve the success. 4. Seek guidance of a mentor Explain: Build relationship with a successful businessperson who has the same career because he or she can give us useful advices about business. Especially, if the person is a member of our family, he or she can give us business strategies. Therefore, you will have more opportunities to become a successful businessperson. Conclusion: It is hard to become a successful businessperson. However, we should try our best to achieve what we want. Paragraph To become a successful businessperson is not easy, but there are some of basic methods to help us to achieve it. Firstly, we have to have knowledge about business through enrolling in a business school. Furthermore, we must master the business fundamentals from the school and accumulate knowledge through real business activities. Secondly, one of the most important methods is to develop interpersonal skills. As we know, Interpersonal skills help us to interact well with people. Moreover, we need these skills to manage our employees and negotiate deals or contracts effectively. As a result, we will become a successful manager. Third method is to have passion  on doing business. It is an essential element with all people who do business because it motivates us to achieve the success. Generally, without passion, nothing can be achieved. Finally, we should seek guidance of a mentor. We can build relationship with a successful businessperson who has the same career because he or she can give us useful advices about business. Especially, if the person is a member of our family, he or she can give us business strategies. Therefore, you will have more opportunities to become a successful businessperson. To summarize, it is hard to become a successful businessperson. However, we should try our best to achieve what we want.

Relationship Between The Child And Parent - 922 Words

In the two-presented books, the main theme outlined in both texts is the theme of relationship between the child and parent. Chinua Achebe in his book, Marriage is a Private Affair developed this theme in the marriage perception outlining the conflict that occurred between a father and his son (Achebe 22). On the other hand, Alice Walker in her book, Everyday Use, developed a story of family who consist of a mother and her two daughters. One of her daughters proved to be rebellious and went against the family norms (Walker 47). This paper will outline some of the similarities and differences in the parent child relationship in these two books. The differences and similarities will be developed from the themes, settings and character traits of the characters of the specific texts. In comparing the relationship between parent and the child as evidenced in the texts, it clear that in both cases the parents and the child tend to know each other perfectly. In many situations this is natu rally and as that is the first person a child interacts with. In focusing on the two texts, we find that as much as Nene tries to convince Nnaemeka to write a letter to his father telling him about their new life, he refuses since he knows his father better than Nene. He knows that it will shock his father and such news should be broken through face to face conversation. The same is also eminent with Dee’s mother; she clearly describes her two daughters, as she knows them. She outlines theirShow MoreRelatedRelationship Between The Child And Parent952 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction In the two presented books, the main theme outlined in both texts is the theme of relationship between the child and parent. Chinua Achebe in his book, Marriage is a Private Affair developed this theme in the marriage perception outlining the conflict which occurred between a father and his son (Achebe 22). On the other hand, Alice Walker in her book, Everyday Use, developed a story of family who consist of a mother and her two daughters. One of her daughters proved to be rebelliousRead MoreRelationship Between The Child And The Parent1219 Words   |  5 Pages(Bowlby, 1969), the relationship between the child and the parent originates from a behavioral system that is noticeable by the infant’s need for safety, security, and support from their caregiver. Parents function as both a secure place for their child to discover their surrounding world and safe place in which they can return to the comfort and safety when they experience fear or discomfort (Ainsworth et al., 1978). If parents are thoughtful and respond to their child’s needs, the child is more proneRead MoreRelationship Between A Parent And Child Relationship1710 Words   |  7 Pagesphotographers alike. Relationships between people vary from the everyday dynamics and the significance in which they value one another and each connection between those relationships makes a different impact on the one of someone else. There are many relationships people form throughout their lives, for instance the primary relationships at the start of their lives, between parent and child, and siblings, which start in the home. A relationship between a parent and child has a special unspokenRead MoreRelationship Between A Parent And Child1653 Words   |  7 Pagesit’s the love between a parent and child, a platonic friend, or a significant other. For many, a romantic relationship is the most important element in their lives. A good relationship can improve all characteristics of your life, such as strengthening health, mind and connections with others. The ability to have a healthy loving relationship is a lot of work, give and take, and comprising of one’s individual wants and needs. W hatever you put in, the more you can get back; relationships are investmentsRead MoreRelationship Between A Parent And Child968 Words   |  4 Pages Relationships are the way in which two or more people are connected. The relationships that we make in life are very easy to forge; however they are not so easy to maintain. A relationship between two people can have very different meanings. In some relationships such as two lovers, they can also be best friends because they share good communication. A relationship between a parent and child has a special bond because they share love, and affection for each other. However, there are times whenRead MoreRelationship Between A Parent And A Child1841 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction When imagining the relationship between a parent and a child, one usually envisions a caring mother or father cradling an infant in their arms, playing games with a toddler, or even teaching a school age child to read. These caring images are one of positivity and optimism. Indeed, familial relationships of this nature are rather typical for the typical supportive family, but what can happen when the family is not of typical form? When the picture takes on a dark undertone, say aRead MoreParent Child Relationship Between Juliet And Juliet Essay1391 Words   |  6 PagesParent-Child Relationship in Romeo and Juliet Parent-Child relationships are among one of the most complicated ones but also some of the most rewarding. The structure of the Parent-Child relationship has changed significantly over time. Parents do not treat their children the same way they did during the late 1500s. William Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet illustrates how Parent-Child relationships were during this time and how complicated they could be. An excellent example of a complicatedRead MoreInvestigating The Relationship Between Parents On How They Deal With Child Rearing852 Words   |  4 PagesThe aim of this research paper is to investigate relationship between parents on how they deal with child-rearing as a couple wanting their child to become a well-rounded little person. Parents’ positive and negativism of excessive high standards tend to be negatively linked with indulgent parenting child rearing practices. â€Æ' Child Rearing in Infancy This research essay will focus on some of the thoughts and obstacles a parent might face in child rearing in infancy Parenting styles plays a pivotalRead MoreAttachment Theory : Relationship Between Parent Or Other Caregiver And The Child1408 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to Susan Robbins (2011), attachment theory emphasizes the importance of the interaction between parent or other caregiver and the child. The child participates in the interaction, which results in emotional bonding. She argued that the basic principles of attachment theory state that a relationship exists between experience and being able to later bond with others, hence the importance of bonding. She also states that the behavior of the parent’s is complementary to attachment behaviorRead More The Relationship between a Parent and Their Child in Khaled Hosseini ´s The Kite Runner1094 Words   |  5 Pagesshowing his fatherly affection to Amir which causes bitterness within their father/son relationship. In this novel, we will explore how the relationship between a parent and a child is shown through their yearning o f affection and how it can affect how one would be in the future. Baba is the most important person to Amir because he is Amir’s role model and world. How Baba express his feelings of being a parent is shown through his interactions and speeches with Amir. In Baba’s eyes, he finds it hard

I Too, Sing America By Langston Hughes - 925 Words

Tashi Wangyal Prof. Hendrickson English 102 29 June 2017 Futurist-The Langston Hughes In his poem â€Å"I, too, sing America,† Langston Hughes has positively predict that there will be no racial segregation, inequality, injustice, and discrimination in society for African Americans in the near future. Whereas it is also true that African Americans have suffered a lot during the twentieth century. Hughes is correct in his prediction that he foresees racial equality in society and African Americans are also a valuable part of our country. He says, â€Å"Tomorrow / I’ll be at the table / When company comes† (Hughes 8-10). Today, the black race has the same opportunities and rights as the white race. African Americans can become whatever they wish to†¦show more content†¦He rescued the economy after the recession hit in 2008 and added millions of new jobs. He negotiated a deal to block Iran’s nuclear program, which made our world a safer place. There are many other African Americans who have contributed to the development in various fields of our society, for example, Dr. Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass, B. B King, Ray Charles etc. However, there are the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the fifteenth amendments in the constitution, which say there is equality, no segregation, and no discrimination among all races, ethnicities, or social classes, but people of color still experience inequality in their daily lives. They face inequality not only individually but also institutionally. African Americans are offered less wages than white Americans with the same qualifications and experience. Likewise African Americans face a much harder time getting approved for their home loans than whites and when the loans are approved, blacks tend to pay higher interest rates. Even though the laws say everyone has to be treated equally and has equal rights despite of their skin color, there is still inequality, discrimination, and segregation exists in our country. Still, Hughes is right to claim that African Americans have suffered a lot during the time of slavery and after. He says, â€Å"I am the darker brother / They send me to eat in the kitchen / When the company comes† (Hughes 2-4). ThisShow MoreRelatedRobert Hayden And I, Too, Sing America By Langston Hughes1706 Words   |  7 PagesIn the poems â€Å"Frederick Douglass† by Robert Hayden and â€Å"I, Too, Sing America† by Langston Hughes, both authors engage in the common themes of race, oppression, and freedom, but Hayden contextualizes the theme in a wider mindset instead of narrowing it down to just black oppression, while Langston contextualizes the theme with a direct approach to black oppression and freedom. Not only are the approaches to the topic different, but they also relate through the messages that they are conveying aboutRead MoreAnalysis and Interpretation of I, Too Sing America by Langston Hughes1148 Words   |  5 PagesPoem I, Too Sing America i s considered to be very characteristic for radical poetry of Langston Hughes. The majority of literary critiques and historians refer to Hughes as one of the first American poets, who set the standards and examples how to challenge the post-World War I ethnic nationalism. His poetry contributed and shaped to some extent the politics of the Harlem Renaissance. In analysis of Black poetry Charles S. Johnson wrote that the new racial poetry of the Negro is the expressionRead MoreI Too Sing America Analysis852 Words   |  4 PagesSinging America Langston Hughes has cited Walt Whitman as one of his greatest influences he has had, and some believe that Hughes wrote I, Too, Sing America in response to Whitmans I Hear America Singing. Hughes builds on to Whitmans poem by writing his poem along the same lines and basics as Whitmans. Both poems talk about the way people work hard, how they sing America, and the way they are so content and never complain. All the characters work all day and they sing America, meaning theyRead MoreThe Difference Between Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing998 Words   |  4 PagesIn this essay I will be talking about the differences between Walt Whitmans poem â€Å" I Hear America Singing† and Langston Hughes poem â€Å" I, Too, Sing America†. I will also be giving my opinion on whether or not Langston Hughes is responding to Walt Whitmans poem. Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and a columnist from Joplin, Missouri. Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and a journalist from West Hills, New York. This is all just background informationRead MoreSimilarities And Similarities Between Langston Hughes And I Hear America Singing835 Words   |  4 Pagesthis paper I will be talking about the similarities and differences in the two different poems. The two poems were written by two incredible poets and were probably one of the best in their lifetimes. The first poem is written by Walt Whitman and is called â€Å" I Hear America Singing†. The other poem is by Langston Hughes and is called â€Å"I, Too, Sing America† .Many people believe that Langston Hughes wrote his poem â€Å"I, Too, Sing America† in response to Walt Whitmans poem â€Å" I Hear America Singing†. SomeRead MoreAnalysis Of Langston Hughes s Poem I, Too978 Words   |  4 Pages Langston Hughes America, the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American. This is what everyone was told, what the Declaration of Independence states. But, Langston Hughes a black American poet in the Harlem Renaissance period saw the truth. Being an African American in the United States during the early 1900’s was difficult. Many lived a life full of hardships; segregation, prejudice and economic hardships, viewed as second-class citizensRead MoreEssay on Langston Hughes is America677 Words   |  3 PagesLangston Hughes is America      Ã‚   The poets life is the focusing glass through which passes the determinants of the shape of his work: the tradition available to him, his understanding of Kinds, the impact of special experiences (travel, love, etc.). (Fielder 1431). Langston Hughes did not have an easy life. Being a young black male during the 1920s, Hughes was constantly being discriminated against by the color of his skin. Because of that harsh reality, most of his work was centeredRead MoreWalt Whitman And Langston Hughes Analysis796 Words   |  4 PagesWalt Whitman and Langston Hughes. Two highly renowed poets. One of Whitmans most known poems, I Hear America Singing, is about living the American life; he explains multiple types of people in his piece of work and how they are all a part of America. Similar to this, Langston Hughes wrote the poem I, Too, Sing America, and in this, he includes African Americans, suggesting that Whitman left some people out. Also saying, that blacks are proud and j ust as big of a part of America as anyone elseRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem I Too 1053 Words   |  5 PagesMarch 2016 I Too-Poetry Essay Langston Hughes wrote his poems from those who influenced him the most, Carl Sandberg and Walt Whitman, (Biography.com Editors). Hughes poetry was written in the cultural times from the 1920s to 1930s, known as the Harlem Renaissance, (History.com Staff). This is where Harlem became famous to the whites because it drew so many African American writers from the south who wanted to flee an oppressive system, and freely express their inner talents. I too allowedRead MoreThe American Dream897 Words   |  4 PagesMany people have come to America for adventure, opportunity, freedom, and the chance to experience the particular qualities of the American landscape. The American Dream is the idea that every United States citizen, including immigrants and residents, should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. America somewhat provides access to the American dream, it is more so the citizen who provides access to the d ream for themselves. Even