[TEA-JAN-26] BBB4M I ...

Q1: Give advice for doing business in Mexico.

 

Q2: Give advice for doing business in Brazil.

 

Q3: Give advice for doing business in China.

 

 

Q4: Give advice for doing business in Japan.

 

Q5: Give advice for doing business in India.

 

Q6: Give advice for doing business in Saudi Arabia.

 

Q1: Compare the differences between monochronic and polychronic cultures

Monochronic culture = Cultures that see time as linear and sequential. They focus on schedules and logical progression.

·        Examples: Canada, US, Germany, Britain, Japan

 

Polychronic culture = Cultures that see time as elastic and flexible. They focus on results over schedules.

·        Examples: France, Italy, Greece, Mexico, and some Eastern and African countries

 

Monochronic	Polychronic
Very fact based and likes to get to the bottom line as fast as possible	Like to build small talk and casual conversation
Emphasizes legal contracts	Focuses on establishing trust; dislikes legal contracts
Likes to negotiate with many firms	Only meets with firms that they actually want to do business with
Avoids personal interactions in business	Making a deal requires many visits and personal interactions
Wants a rigid agenda	Doesn’t follow a rigid agenda
Communicates specific details	Communicates broad ideas
Views lateness as disrespectful	Does not view lateness as disrespectful
Does not like to go back and forth with offers and counter-offers in negotiation	Likes to have many offers and counter-offers in negotiation

 

Q2: What are some cultural differences related to spatial perception?

Some cultures want a lot of personal space, while others find it normal to be very physically close to each other while talking.

 

Some cultures see touching as inappropriate in business, while others find it common and normal.

 

Some cultures like to sit face-to-face, while others like to sit side-by-side when talking.

 

Q3: What are some culture differences related to non-verbal communication?

In some cultures (e.g., Japan), meeting participants must be silent, while in other cultures (e.g., Canada), meeting participants can whisper to each other.

 

In some cultures (e.g., North America), it’s respectful to look others in the eye. In other cultures (e.g., Asian countries), it’s disrespectful and inappropriate.

 

Q4: What are some business etiquette considerations related to culture?

·        Whether or not to give a business card

·        What to wear

·        Being late

·        Whether or not to bring a gift

·        How to greet people

·        What conversation topics to avoid

 

Q5: Explain Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions. Give examples.

Power Distance (PDI)

·        High PDI means people see a big power difference between superior people and non-superior people. Superiority may come from social status, gender, race, age, education, wealth, family background, and achievements.

o   Examples: Mexico, Indonesia, India, China

·        Low PDI means people view each other as equal and focus on status being earned rather than ascribed.

o   Examples: Canada, USA, Norway, Sweden

 

Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)

·        High UAI means these cultures avoid uncertainty. They prefer formal rules and have strong religious beliefs. They value conformity and don’t tolerate outsiders. 

o   Examples: Russia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea

·        Low UAI means they value risk-taking and are willing to do business with outsiders.

o   Examples: UK, China, Denmark, Sweden

 

Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS)

·        High MAS means the culture values assertiveness, competition, ambition, and accumulating material wealth.

o   Examples: Japan, Austria, Hungary

·        Low MAS means the culture values family relationships, nurturing, and social support

o   Examples: Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Russia

 

Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV)

·        High IDV cultures expect people to make their own choices related to education, job, and life partner.

o   Examples:  Canada, USA, Australia

·        Low IDV value the greater good and expect people to have their futures prescribed by the family, church, or government.

o   Examples: China, Thailand, South Korea, Colombia

 

Orientation (LTO)

·        High LTO cultures value a long-term view, focusing on benefits for future generations.

o   Examples: China, Japan, Russia, South Korea

·        Low LTO cultures have a short-term view. They are results-oriented and look at daily or annual reports. They also have a strong work ethic.

o   Examples: North American countries, Colombia, Norway

 

Indulgence versus Restraint (IND)

·        High IND cultures value leisure time and spend money as they wish. They want to enjoy life and have fun.

o   Examples: North American countries, Sweden, Colombia

·        Low IND cultures value restraint and control. They want to save money for important things and events rather than on leisure activities.

o   Examples: China, India, South Korea