Increasing Awareness

Moran et al. (2014) shared in Exhibit 10.6 a case study of a Muslim MBA business student. In short the student was look forward to their first course in Microeconomics which focused on the how we individually make decisions to maximize out utility (Moran et al., 2014). It was disheartening to read in the case study how the person lost all their motivation to carryon as a business woman because of how the theories conflicted with their religion (Moran et al., 2014). Right away I was left with many questions such as- how many Muslim men and women drop out of business majors in America due to conflicting theories? As I continued with the readings I reflected on how Americans are perceived when traveling- arrogant, entitled, and obsessed with work come to mind. When I analyze the questions I am left with and the reflections I have, I realize how negatively they impact synergy and I am left with the biggest question of all- how do we change to help us promote more synergy among those who have varying religious beliefs and where does it start?

Before we can create synergy among groups of people who share differing religious beliefs and social normed, we need to become educated on the differences between as well as the differences within. Moran et al. (2014) highlighted the differences among those countries in the Middle East. More notably, the concept of “brotherhood” versus “self-interest” which could impact the topic surrounding leaders’ decision making. Someone from the Western culture may not think twice about investing into a casino where as someone from the Middle East may view this as Haram business where dealings in gambling are prohibited (Moran et al., 2014). Or going back to the case study where the business case student stopped pursuing their business endeavors because of the conflicting self-interest theory with their religious beliefs.

Another important aspect of business and understanding the differences between and the differences within, is religion. Normally in the Western culture there is a separation between church and state. Prior to the readings this week I had little understanding of how much religion drives business conduct in the Middle East. It was even more interesting to read and learn about how the different religions (i.e. Muslim and Judaism) drive decisions and business conduct within the Middle East. As well as what may be simple business conduct, not referring to someone by their first and using Mr. or Miss or how to nonverbally great someone a firm handshake verses a “dead fish” handshake or even when it is appropriate to hug and kiss on the cheek (Moran et al., 2014).

Through the understandings of what may seem like basic knowledge, American leaders can have more improved relations with their international business groups or diverse remote team. In a more globalize economy cultural differences impact all industries therefore it may be beneficial to make it an academic requirement to take a course on managing cultural differences (similar to this course). Understanding that not everyone goes to college I believe similar courses in high school would also be beneficial. By providing this knowledge to people it will impact their awareness to other cultures when traveling and/or conducting business, ultimately helping promote more synergy groups and overtime reducing the negative stigmatizing of American arrogance and entitlement.

 

References:

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.