Lesson 10, Blog reflects the nations of Asia, and China.

 

According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, specifically regarding the nation of China who accrued the score of 80 percent in regards to the power distance perspective, which fosters the following belief “ At 80 China sits in the higher rankings of PDI – i.e. a society that believes that inequalities amongst people are acceptable” Hofstede(2016).

 

The above statement would explain the inequalities that exist within the communist nation of China evening modern times.

 

However as time passes and especially within the younger generations of the population of china a more democratic form of governance is desired, resisting the age old, time tested methods currently used.

 

According to the information in our readings “collectivistic cultures, such as China, tend to put group needs ahead of individual ones so that the group processes in place already will be very group focused. Adding individualistic types of rewards (such as personal recognition) may be seen as inappropriate and may be resisted “(PSU,2016).

.

The above statement reflects the Chinese stance on their Authoritarian viewpoints as well as their in relation to control over its, citizens who are regarded as subservient, subordinates applied to society essentially to be “workers “ enlisted to the government for use towards the common good of the nation.

 

However, again within younger generations of their society, hints of democratization are noticeable as students protest against the government’s application of authoritarianism controlling its citizens.

 

As protests continue to occur in China towards a more egalitarianism style of civilization, which is relatively far away from occurring, while across continents the nation of India is having far less issues in controlling their citizens due to their varied ideals on how to govern their society.

 

Regarding Hofstede’s cultural information dimensions model as concerned with masculinity, in which the nation of China scored a sixty-six in comparison to the world average of 49.53.

 

According to the following quote from Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model “At 66 China is a Masculine society –success oriented and driven. The need to ensure success can be exemplified by the fact that many Chinese will sacrifice family and leisure priorities to work”(Hofstede, 2016).

This is due to the fact that successful business ventures and or just simply earning enough money to support their families is a matter of utmost importance to the Chinese family as well as their society, and the Chinese culture in general. Following is yet another quote from Hofstede’s stating that” The migrated farmer workers will leave their families behind in faraway places in order to obtain better work and pay in the cities”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

This incredible sacrifice to uphold one’s family has become commonplace in Chinese society. Family members often move away from their family to seek work across the nation where they live in difficult conditions in order to secure a better salary in hopes of obtaining a better quality of life.

 

Again in relationship to Hofstede’s cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance China has earned a score of “ 30 China has a low score on Uncertainty Avoidance. Truth may be relative though in the immediate social circles there is concern for Truth with a capital T and rules (but not necessarily laws) abound”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

Again according to this quote from Hofstede” The Chinese are comfortable with ambiguity; the Chinese language is full of ambiguous meanings that can be difficult for Western people to follow”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

In reference to long-term orientation, and according to information found online in the module in lesson 10 “China’s defining cultural dimension, meaning that they tend to have a very extended view of time, in particular, with regard to future-oriented behaviors, such as saving and adapting to new circumstances”(PSU,2016).

 

With our long-term orientation score of 87, there are records dating back as far back into history as four thousand years ago regarding the Chinese culture, so it is no surprise that adaptation, hard work, perseverance and strategic planning for future endeavors has been solidified into the Chinese society as well as their culture.

 

”This fact isn’t surprising considering how long China has been around (it is one of the earliest human cultures, dating back over 4,000 years) and has had to plan for circumstances that led to that successful existence”(PSU,2016).

 

In regards to Hofstede’s dimensions of indulgence verses restraint, and the low scores that both China (24), and India (26) placed displaying a mindset stemming from the beliefs of unwavering personal sacrifices in efforts to reap benefits in the future.

 

“Remember that countries that have a lot of restraint have a lot of social norms to regulate behavior. In particular, they will be good at controlling immediate gratification and instead will be able to delay rewards and stay focused on task until a project is completed “(PSU,2016). These factors have been previously well engrained into the Chinese culture, which is a win – win situation for the Nation of China.

 

Nation containing societies that possess these abilities are key to focus upon as a nation such a china has been doing which is essentially creating a massive manufacturing infrastructure attempting to create a strategic plan incorporating long term goals to enhance their economic position. This has been working quite well for China, although while the nation has had incredible success in this venture, the nation has several hurdles that it needs to conquer within their boarders.

 

One being the fact that the dream of home ownerships is quite out of reach for the average Chinese family, even those who have university backgrounds and have secured well paying jobs. Even the monthly fee for rents for a small one-bedroom apartment in any of the major cities in China has risen to an alarming height. This situation presents a real problem for the Chinese society.

 

Regarding the limitations within the current Chinese culture is such that their people are brought up by society to believe in a self limiting behavior, which is in general one should not look to achieve positions beyond the level of their birthrights.

 

 

This limiting thought process is unfortunately perpetrated within the Chinese culture; according to the information presented in the lesson ten module “People should not have aspirations beyond their rank “(PSU, 2016).

 

However, in gathering thoughts based upon the information that I have read in our textbook as well as the information found within this module, it is my belief that the nations of India and China will do quite well in business ventures in the future.

The following quote from our readings in module ten addresses the issue quite well “Remember that countries that have a lot of restraint have a lot of social norms to regulate behavior. In particular, they will be good at controlling immediate gratification and instead will be able to delay rewards and stay focused on task until a project is completed “(PSU,2016).

 

Especially China with their exceptionally low score of twenty four in regard to indulgence versus restraint, a score such as this displays that they are quite used to refusing the temptations of immediate satisfaction, while holding firm to their beliefs that hard work, perseverance, and good planning will bring about a future overflowing with the fruits of their labor.

 

The following quote supports the above statement in that “The similarities of the scores indicate that on this cultural dimension an overall Asian strategy is likely to be successful “(PSU,2016).

 

With all due respect to the authors of our textbook, as positive of a picture as is painted by managing cultural differences, as well as the information in the modules in relationship to the citizens of China , and their authoritarian government who in their extraordinary entrepreneurial mannerisms, all is not as pristine and rosy as one is led to believe.

 

Although, it is my belief that overall China is well placed to achieve success in their future endeavors.

 

 

References:

 

Moran, R. T.,Abramson, N.R., & Moran, S.V.(2014). Managing cultural differences: New York: Routledge.

 

PSU, Olead course, lesson 10, Asia focus on China, India , 2016.

 

Retrieved from: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1802572/modules/items/21179122

 

Hofstedes, 6D model of cultural dimensions, China, 2016.

 

Retrieved from: https:/geert-hofstede.com/china.html

 

Lesson 9 Central America and Mexico Blog

 

I have chosen the nation of Panama, according to Hofstede’s dimension score as it relates the nation of Panama, which has power distance score of 91.

 

A score such as this displays the idea of free thinking or thinking outside of the box does not occur very often in the their society, or if at all , is well hidden from “the powers that be”.

 

“Hierarchy in an organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do and the ideal boss is a benevolent autocrat”(Hofstede,2016).

The above quote points to a massive amount of inequality within Panama, and the very worst part of that fact is that the majority of the Panama’s population has been trained, some may say brainwashed to think that it is an acceptable method of governance. Essentially Panamanians have been brought up believing that their versions of governmental created inequalities are meant to be just as they are.

 

What I would do as a leader would be to commit to efforts that would balance the scales a bit, by simply giving more power to a larger percentage of the people, than commonly exists.

 

I would incorporate a portion of the task appropriate views that stem from the population representing the existing diversity. Essentially have a broader spectrum of people who would be involved in formatting the rules, and regulations of a new version of government that would represent the views of the majority rather than of a few.

Although I would have to say that my views would quite possibly be a hard sell in their society, since Panamanians are used to being told what to do by the people in power, which is how they were raised in their culture.

 

As individualism is rated in Panama, at the score of 11, this nation “is considered a collectivistic society. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member ‘group’, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships”(Hofstede, 2016).

In a society such as Panama, moral behavior in a group setting is very important. As far as business and management is concerned supervisors and, or managers often act as if parental units would be expected to act.

 

Being loyal to your family is just as important as being loyal to your company or office. To quote from Hofstede’s website “Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations” (Hofstede, 2016).

As a member of management while living in Panama, I would be apt to treat my subordinates much like family members, since that is what their society, and cultural expectations have become accustomed to.

 

As the power dimension of masculinity comes into play for the nation of Panama, according to Hofstede’s website it has a score of

“ 44 on this dimension and is thus considered a relatively Feminine society”(Hofstede, 2016).

Managing Corporation or even a small business in a manner such as Panama’s score relates to Hofstede’s scale would promote realistic problems in comparison to how the majority of the industrialized world would wish to manage their businesses.

 

“A low score (Feminine) on the dimension means that the dominant values in society are caring for others and quality of life. A Feminine society is one where quality of life is the sign of success and standing out from the crowd is not admirable”(Hofstede,2016).

 

Panama scores 86 on this dimension, and thus has a high preference for avoiding uncertainty. According to Hofstedes website “

 

Countries exhibiting high Uncertainty Avoidance maintain rigid codes of belief and behaviour and are intolerant of unorthodox behaviour and ideas. In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules”(Hofstede,2016).

 

The above statements leave very little room for thinking outside the box, and allowing for ideas outside of the realm of normally observed thinking patterns to enter into Panamanian society.

 

Unfortunately reducing the ability of free thinking individuals to voice their opinions would, also lesson the chances of creating more efficient methods of conducting business for the nation of Panama.
  As far as the terms, Pragmatism, and Indulgence were concerned, these terms were not measured in relationship to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions for the nation of Panama.

 

References:

Central Intelligence Agency, The World Fact book, 2016. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pm.html

 

Hofstede, G.(2016).Hofstede’s cultural dimensional model.

Retrieved from :https://geert-hofstede.com/panama.html

Lesson 11 Asia: Focus on Japan

I have chosen to focus upon an article from article from the Shima, in relationship to island employment. Below you will find a section that I have quoted from an article within that source mentioning limited opportunities for such Islanders.

“In island communities issues of employment and migration are often acutely foregrounded. As many commentators have pointed out islands are characterised by ‘truncated’ labour markets which offer limited opportunities to islanders, resulting in often high levels of outmigration to mainland communities for better employment and career prospects (Connell and King, 1999; King, 2009; Royle, 2010)” (Shima, 2016).

 

However, in regard to the nation of Japan the above quote would not describe what I have learned about the nation of Japan regarding their existing corporations including, but not limited to automobiles, electronics, and quality alcoholic beverages depicts a relatively high degree of success. I attribute the successes of Japanese corporations due to their specific, refined manufacturing, and management practices.

 

The following quote from our textbook confirms this viewpoint “this culture highly rewards new ideas and technologies, swallowing them up until they are Japanized (internalized) after careful, detailed examination. The success of Japanese communications and automotive industries confirm this value” (Moran, 2014).

 

Any leader involved in the globalizing a particular product or Corporation would be well served to mimic the intrinsic Japanese values of “peace and harmony and economic progress” (Moran, 2014).

 

Additionally according to our text the Japanese culture” in context of social relations, Japanese tend to be clean, polite, and disciplined sociology and soft control disguise a highly emotional quality of the Japanese character and relationships. While the Japanese are sensitive to what others think or expect of them, and have a sharp sense of right and wrong”(Moran, 2014).

 

The above values have led to prosperity for the nation of Japan, and the leader with global ambitions would benefit from many aspects of the Japanese society, and culture.

 

The long list of Islands that are economically suppressed such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, and other Caribbean islands to name just a few republics that are in dire need of a goal orientated direction.

 

Island republics such as the above listed would benefit by leading toward a more successful economy ensuring social well being by mimicking the resourcefulness, business savvy, and entrepreneurial tendencies of the Japanese that have served their society well.

 

The nation of Japan possesses a culture that has benefited from their dedication, refined management and manufacturing processes. Some of which could be applied to other island nations in seek of successful business enterprises. As stated in our textbook by Moran in reference to the Japanese mindset “In their organizations, the goals are product quality and superiority; teamwork and consensus; corporate growth in social responsibility”(Moran,2014).

 

However the above business model does require some guidance and prudence, since according to our textbook the following problems may arise “ mental health problems are rising in the workplace, and the country’s suicide rate is among the highest in the world. Many Japanese still die each year from “overwork” – a medical condition in Japan”Moran,2014).

 

References:

 

Moran, R. Abramson, N. Moran, S. (2014) Managing Cultural Differences, 9th edition. Routledge Publishing New York, NY.

Alexander: Career Decision Making in Island Communities

Shima, The International Journal of Research into Island Cultures

Volume 9 Number 1 2015

–

CAREER DECISION MAKING IN ISLAND

COMMUNITIES:

Applying the concept of the Aquapelago

to the Shetland and Orkney Islands

Retrieved from http://www.shimajournal.org/issues/v9n1/e.-Alexander-Shima-v9n1-38-52.pdf

 

Lesson four Global communication blog

 

Communication is an essential tool in any business meeting or transaction. In a situation where the difficulty factor multiplies exponentially is when your intended audience is from another nation and raised in another culture.

Depending on the situation at hand, and especially the type of information that one is attempting to convey to another person or audience, it is often best to incorporate many different methods of communication to complete the desired task.

Having a power point presentation with assuring photos, to assist in the narration of your intended theme using pertinent backgrounds, graphs often assists in conveying your message appropriately, professionally, effectively and efficiently.

In our modern society, many people choose to communicate using electronic correspondence, such as text messages and emails, which are both very popular, and convenient since they are accessible at any time of the day, and they can be copied, cut, pasted, saved, printed, forwarded etc. for ease of use.

Although when a person is attempting to convey a large amount of information to another person it is often far more efficient to actually speak to that person directly via the face-to-face method or on the telephone.

As our textbook states, “In face-to-face negotiations, we give and receive nonverbal behavioral cues. Some argue that these cues are the critical messages of a negotiation”(Moran, 2014).

However these methods of communication are not as efficient as the above quote from our textbook states. Of course nonverbal, and or behavioral cues are not transmitted through an email or telephone conversation, which is a fact that the communicator must remain mindful of, and consider that thought while attempting to get their point across to another person or a group of people.

As it relates to matters of intercultural communication, the method of simply speaking toward your directed audience is not always enough.

As our textbook states “While language is an important component, intercultural communication also focuses on social attributes, thought patterns, and cultural contents”(Moran,2014).

While Americans use their native language of English to convey a message to an audience consisting of people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and nationalities, it is best to keep things simple. Following the concepts listed in our textbook “Use simple English. Practice using the most common 3000 words in English; that is, as we learn in the first two years of language study. Avoid uncommon words” (Moran, 2014).

The intricacies concerning the vast array of potential problems related to intercultural communication can be staggering.

Again according to information from our textbook ” there is also the problem of equivalence of concepts between languages. The same word may mean something quite different from language to language”(Moran,2014).

When addressing an audience of ESL ( English as a Second Language) participants , according to Moran in our text, the most common problem that will arise is when an American-born business representative addresses an audience using their native tongue “intercultural communication with ESL people whose command of English may not be as good as a native English speaker this can easily lead to misunderstandings”(Moran,2014). Misunderstanding are counterproductive in any attempt to communicate, and even more disruptive when your audience is from another nation.

 

Efforts to prevent misunderstandings during intercultural communication would be well suited to include any of the following ideas, for example taken from our textbook “oral presentation should be made plainly, clearly, and slowly, using visual aids whenever possible”(Moran,2014).

Additionally for our text “Important face-to-face or telephoned the international business communications should be confirmed by email, fax, or letter, preferably in both languages ”(Moran,2014).

 

A well-prepared speaker would benefit from incorporating methods to reduce the possibilities of miscommunications that may occur throughout the duration of their speech. One method would be to take a bit of time to plan exactly how the information that they are attempting to transfer will appear as it arrives to the audience by using creative visualization.

 

This method of miscommunication prevention could be performed by simply imagining themselves as being the anticipated receiver, who most often will be the citizen of a foreign nation, therefor having different values, social norms, as well as possessing a different culture, in addition to speaking a different language.

All of these things need to be considered, and incorporated into your presentation. One must also thoughtfully examine the matters regarding all of potential problems that may arise within that method of communication.

Admittedly, the above method does seem to be both time consuming and a bit complicated, although if one would invest the time to consider adopting communicative actions along these lines, many misunderstanding might be easily avoided.

Ensuring that your presentation will be as effective in conveying your message to your audience as possible.

 

 

Reference:

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

Lesson Two Blog

 

The avoidance of cultural gaffes in relationship to business interactions with members of distant lands is crucial since it is unwise to disrupt or otherwise upset the often delicate established social norms, values, and cultures recognized by the members of the foreign culture of the nation that you find yourself in.

According to have to Samovar and Porter “ in order to work effectively in a multicultural environment, one should recognize these and study the cultural specifics of the country or area to be visited”(Moran, 2014).

One would hope that considerable levels of tolerance exist when members from another nation, and or cultural designation are enlisted as business personnel on assignment, who are dispatched abroad to a foreign land, and working on personal interactions as well as transactions in efforts to establish gainful business relationships, although it often proves to be easier said than done. This sounds like quite a complicated business venture, but in recent times it is well often the case within our global society.

The paragraph that I have written above mentions the aspect of tolerance within the broad spectrum of multicultural business ventures across the world. Hopefully the representatives of these businesses will have a tendency to be a bit more understanding than the rest of their society.

In the textbook that I have been reading throughout this course I have noticed that some foreign nations have great expectations regarding the representatives from business that are located in foreign nations. So much so that to be able to understand and be able to comprehend every nuance of their cultures, including understanding all the odd idiosyncrasies, that it would practically take a well programmed android to say, and do the exact things at the appropriate times  without mistake in order to negotiate a business deal.

However it is my understanding that the representatives sitting on both sides of the fence would be well served to both possess, and display immense amounts of tolerance as well as understanding, which they direct towards the associates representing their perspective business partners that are often  from across the globe.

If not the chances of any corporation having combined business ventures with representatives from a corporation that is based on the other side of the world are very slim.

We as Americans, who are fortunate in many ways to live in a multicultural society, as we often have more understanding, acceptance, and experience of the vast array of different ethnic, and cultural relationships that we may interact with on a day-to-day basis.

Although when an English businessman travels abroad to Morocco for example, he may well be expected to interact with the nations inhabitants with extreme levels of cultural knowledge, and tactfulness if he harbors any hopes of performing a successful business transaction in this foreign country. And if by chance he does not have the international espionage agent’s level of interaction with members of the foreign land he happens to find himself in, he may find himself being extremely unsuccessful in any business transaction that he had hopes to entertain.

However if he is hopeful to succeed in his business venture he would do well by avoiding to either insult or disrupt their complex societal, and often intertwined cultural attitudes, social norms, and values that occur on a daily basis.

This is especially important since “ roles in our society our expectations within a culture concerning behavior that made affect communication” (Moran, 2014).

 

References:

Moran, R.T., Abramson, N.R., & Moran, S.V., (2014) Managing cultural differences, 42.

 

Lesson 10, reflects the nations of Asia, and China.

 

According to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, specifically regarding the nation of China who accrued the score of 80 percent in regards to the power distance perspective, which fosters the following belief “ At 80 China sits in the higher rankings of PDI – i.e. a society that believes that inequalities amongst people are acceptable” Hofstede(2016).

 

The above statement would explain the inequalities that exist within the communist nation of China evening modern times.

 

However as time passes and especially within the younger generations of the population of china a more democratic form of governance is desired, resisting the age old, time tested methods currently used.

 

According to the information in our readings “collectivistic cultures, such as China, tend to put group needs ahead of individual ones so that the group processes in place already will be very group focused. Adding individualistic types of rewards (such as personal recognition) may be seen as inappropriate and may be resisted “(PSU,2016).

.

The above statement reflects the Chinese stance on their Authoritarian viewpoints as well as their in relation to control over its, citizens who are regarded as subservient, subordinates applied to society essentially to be “workers “ enlisted to the government for use towards the common good of the nation.

 

However, again within younger generations of Chinese society, hints of democratization are noticeable as students protest against the government’s application of authoritarianism , as a method of controlling its citizens. While the majority of  citizens within the older generations go along with the strict rules , younger  generation tends to be rebellious.

 

As protests continue to occur in China towards a more egalitarianism style of civilization, which is relatively far away from occurring, across continents the nation of India is having far less issues in controlling their citizens due to their varied ideals on how to govern their society.

 

Returning to Hofstede’s cultural information dimensions model concerned with masculinity, in which the nation of China scored a sixty-six in comparison to the world average of 49.53.

 

According to the following quote from Hofstede’s cultural dimensions model “At 66 China is a Masculine society –success oriented and driven. The need to ensure success can be exemplified by the fact that many Chinese will sacrifice family and leisure priorities to work”(Hofstede, 2016).

This is due to the fact that successful business ventures and or just simply earning enough money to support their families is a matter of utmost importance to the Chinese family as well as their society, and the Chinese culture in general. Following is yet another quote from Hofstede’s stating that” The migrated farmer workers will leave their families behind in faraway places in order to obtain better work and pay in the cities”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

This incredible sacrifice to uphold one’s family has become commonplace in Chinese society. Family members often move away from their family to seek work across the nation where they live in difficult conditions in order to secure a better salary in hopes of obtaining a better quality of life.

 

Again in relationship to Hofstede’s cultural dimension regarding uncertainty avoidance , the nation of China has earned a score of “ 30 China has a low score on Uncertainty Avoidance. Truth may be relative though in the immediate social circles there is concern for Truth with a capital T and rules (but not necessarily laws) abound”(Hofstede, 2016).

Quote depicts the truth that the Japanese culture has been ingrained with the ideal of simply following the rules regulations,  and directions set forth by their government.   It is my view  that seeking truth within a  dictatorship, authoritarian government  nestled within a communist nation would certainly be a hard path to follow.

 

Again according to this quote from Hofstede” The Chinese are comfortable with ambiguity; the Chinese language is full of ambiguous meanings that can be difficult for Western people to follow”(Hofstede, 2016).

according to the above quote from Hofstedes’s cultural dimensions,  Hofstede mentions that Chinese are quite comfortable with ambiguity.  In many westernized societies clear-cut truths are welcomed,  while rulings , and laws that  consist of  double meanings are   understandably frowned upon by the majority of general societies.    In many respects , this  particular aspect of Chinese society would be a difficult situation to live with.

 

In reference to long-term orientation, and according to information found online in the module in lesson 10 “China’s defining cultural dimension, meaning that they tend to have a very extended view of time, in particular, with regard to future-oriented behaviors, such as saving and adapting to new circumstances”(PSU,2016).

 

With our long-term orientation score of 87, there are records dating back as far back into history as four thousand years ago regarding the Chinese culture, so it is no surprise that adaptation, hard work, perseverance and strategic planning for future endeavors has been solidified into the Chinese society as well as their culture.

 

”This fact isn’t surprising considering how long China has been around (it is one of the earliest human cultures, dating back over 4,000 years) and has had to plan for circumstances that led to that successful existence”(PSU,2016).

According to the above quote him and,  it is obvious that the Chinese societies doing something right since they’ve been around for such a very long time.  their cultural  flexibility and methods of adapting to their changing environment have proved to be very successful.

 

In regards to Hofstede’s dimensions of indulgence verses restraint, and the low scores that both China (24), and India (26) placed displaying a mindset stemming from the beliefs of unwavering personal sacrifices in efforts to reap benefits in the future.

 

“Remember that countries that have a lot of restraint have a lot of social norms to regulate behavior. In particular, they will be good at controlling immediate gratification and instead will be able to delay rewards and stay focused on task until a project is completed “(PSU,2016). These factors have been previously well engrained into the Chinese culture, which is a win – win situation for the Nation of China.

 

Nation containing societies that possess these abilities are key to focus upon as a nation such a china has been doing which is essentially creating a massive manufacturing infrastructure attempting to create a strategic plan incorporating long term goals to enhance their economic position. This has been working quite well for China, although while the nation has had incredible success in this venture, the nation has several hurdles that it needs to conquer within their boarders.

 

One being the fact that the dream of home ownerships is quite out of reach for the average Chinese family, even those who have university backgrounds and have secured well paying jobs. Even the monthly fee for rents for a small one-bedroom apartment in any of the major cities in China has risen to an alarming height. This situation presents a real problem for the Chinese society.

 

Regarding the limitations within the current Chinese culture is such that their people are brought up by society to believe in a self limiting behavior, which is in general one should not look to achieve positions beyond the level of their birthrights.

 

 

This limiting thought process is unfortunately perpetrated within the Chinese culture; according to the information presented in the lesson ten module “People should not have aspirations beyond their rank “(PSU, 2016).

 

 

However, in gathering thoughts based upon the information that I have read in our textbook as well as the information found within this module, it is my belief that the nations of  both India and China will do quite well in business ventures in the future.

The following quote from our readings in module ten addresses the issue quite well “Remember that countries that have a lot of restraint have a lot of social norms to regulate behavior. In particular, they will be good at controlling immediate gratification and instead will be able to delay rewards and stay focused on task until a project is completed “(PSU,2016).

 

Especially China with their exceptionally low score of twenty four in regard to indulgence versus restraint, a score such as this displays that they are quite used to refusing the temptations of immediate satisfaction, while holding firm to their beliefs that hard work, perseverance, and good planning will bring about a future overflowing with the fruits of their labor.

 

The following quote supports the above statement in that “The similarities of the scores indicate that on this cultural dimension an overall Asian strategy is likely to be successful “(PSU,2016).

 

With all due respect to the authors of our  well  assembled textbook,  that  depicts a very positive of a picture is painted  in relationship to the citizens of China , and their authoritarian / communist government   concerning their extraordinary entrepreneurial mannerisms,  however all is not as pristine and rosy as one is led to believe.

 

However, it is my belief that overall China is well placed to achieve success in their future endeavors.

 

 

References:

 

Moran, R. T.,Abramson, N.R., & Moran, S.V.(2014). Managing cultural differences: New York: Routledge.

 

PSU, Olead course, lesson 10, Asia focus on China, India , 2016.

 

Retrieved from: https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1802572/modules/items/21179122

 

Hofstedes, 6D model of cultural dimensions, China, 2016.

 

Retrieved from: https:/geert-hofstede.com/china.html

 

Lesson 6 Cultural Synergy Discussion

 

 

“Cultural Synergy builds on common ground, transcending mere awareness of difference to form multifaceted strategic alliances and partnerships” (Moran, 2014).

 

Once the decision to formulate a group aimed at synergy is agreed upon, the author of our textbook details that it is essential that the team “go through the four states of forming, storming, norming and performing” (Moran, 2014).

As it important to maintain the level of diversity involved within a group, according to our textbook Moran deems it valuable to ensure that uniqueness and flexibility should be encouraged”(Moran,2014).

Also a key part of the definition is what each individual in the group has to offer, essentially it is about the total group being greater than the sum of it parts, especially when it is for a common cause.

“In this manner, people who represent disparate perspectives and needs find ways through working together to seek a solution where all parties are content with the outcome and therefore together succeed”(Moran, 2014)

Are once this level of accomplishment begins to take effect, and real progress is noted it is important to maintain the achieved level throughout the project. As noted in our textbook , Moran states that it is important “To pause periodically from task pursuits to reexamine and reevaluate team progress and communications”(Moran, 2014).

Several years ago I was attending a soccer game where several members of one of the teams were not working as a whole, or even part of the team that they belonged too.

It seemed that the were acting on their own behalf, trying to score goals in efforts to enhance, and promote their own benefit, make themselves look good as far as their own personal scores, rather than to benefit the total outcome of the team.

There were not acting like “ proper team players “, and the entire team suffered due to that fact.

I feel as if it happened due to their own lack of personal commitment to their team, and a total lack of cohesiveness. Additionally they lost sight of the team goals, and decided to act as if they were alone on the playing field.

In the real world of global business, it is of key importance that the management of any business that is anticipating to conduct operations within  the global environment enlist  a leader who possesses a clear vision of the global corporate goals well as the ability to  convey that vision to their enlisted teams.  Equally important  such a leader must  incorporate the competence required to lead their teams towards the established goals, and do so in a fashion aligned with the corporate vision.

As listed in our text “ Many executives make provisions for team building or training within their organizations by qualified internal or external consultants. In such human relations training, leaders seek to cultivate a team environment that facilitates the group’s performance” (Moran, 2014).

Also found in the text are mindsets that team members would be advised in learning “ To foster trust, confidence, and commitment within the group“(Moran, 2014).

These ideals are key in order for a team to function as a whole. Since the team is only as good as its players, although the players all need to work as one team, rather than individual separate entities with their own personal goals in mind.

 

References:

Moran, R. T.,Abramson, N.R., & Moran, S.V.(2014). Managing cultural differences: New York: Routledge.

 

 

 

My Blog on the Nation of choice is on Turkey. It is a country that I have been aware of, although I do not know very much about their culture, society, norms, values or traditions.

Traditional markets of industrial goods drive the economy of Turkey, while one fourth of the nation’s employment is derived from their agricultural endeavors.

According to the new agriculturalist “By international standards, Turkey is a major producer of grain, cotton, tobacco, grapes, sunflower, pulses (chick peas and lentils), dried fruit (hazelnuts, seedless raisins grapes, apricots) , fresh fruits” (New–Ag, 2016).

Once again according to the New Agriculturist “ Turkey is one of the world’s biggest wheat and barley producers “(New–Ag, 2016).

Turkeys agricultural contribution to the Middle East and its surrounding territories is quite astounding, “ Cereal production occupies 75% of Turkey’s cropland” (New–Ag, 2016).

 

As far as religious preferences the nation is predominantly Muslim. Our textbook support that statement ”almost 99 percent of Turks are registered as Muslim but this information holds true only for identification purposes” (Moran, p.311). I find that national fact to be very odd indeed, why on Earth would you state that you follow a particular religion, when in fact you may not ? It seems to me that the nation or its collective society imposes heavy expectations on their fellow citizens. Due to that fact one would surmise that there would not be common inter-racial conflicts aside from the obvious connections from neighboring immigrants who have come from the Balkans, Central Asia, and Caucasus. The latter being an area that I had to perform a thorough “wiki search” on to be honest.

 

In relationship to the Hofstede’s power distance 6D model “ Turkey scores high on this dimension (score of 66) which means that the following characterises with Turkish style: dependent hierarchical, superiors often inaccessible in the ideal boss is a father figure”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

As far as individualism comes into play “ Turkey, with a score of 37 is a collective estate society. This means that the “We” is important, people belong to in–groups (families, clans or organizations) who look after each other in exchange for loyalty”(Hofstede, 2016).

 

 

On a positive note, since the majority of the nation shares one religion, I would also assume that they share very similar cultural values, and beliefs, as well as social norms making uniform business, banking, and investment opportunities.

According to our text book that states “ Turkey is a dominantly Muslim country and Turkish cultural is largely affected by Islamic traditions” (Moran,p.311).

The above passage, leads me to think that one who is not Muslim, or not Turkish may find it difficult to do business in that nation, or with people who happen to be from Turkey. Due to that fact, my next logical thought would be if one happens to be a non-Turk or possesses a different religious belief than that of the Muslim faith, one would wonder if the nations people, their businesses, or the Turkish coast government would be prone to cooperate with such an outsider’s viewpoints in general, not to mention cultural or religious beliefs completely different from their own.

 

 

 

References :

 

Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, (10,2016). Retrieved from:

https://geert-hofstede.com/turkey.html

 

The New Agriculturalist, Turkey, (10,2016). Retrieved from:

http://www.new-ag.info/en/country/profile.php?a=878

 

The CIA World fact book, (10,2016). Retrieved from:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Moran, R. Abramson, N. Moran, S. (2014) Managing Cultural Differences, 9th edition. Routledge Publishing New York, NY.

Lesson 8 South America, Brazil Blog

My country of choice is Brazil and the topic that we have studied in the past that also relates to many countries in South America is diversity. I have noticed that a couple of my fellow students have also written about this topic but I think this is the largest problem that Brazil faces in current times.

Brazil is an absolutely massive nation complete with a predominantly untouched rain-forest, to quote our textbook “Brazil is a federated republic of more than three million square miles”(Moran, 2014).

Even though the nation is a democratic society in current times previous to this era , Portugal maintained control of Brazil, exploiting many of it’s vast natural resources. “Gold, gems, rubber, cocoa, cattle and other products were shipped to the homeland or abroad”(Moran, 2014).

Aside from diversity another problem facing Brazil is that the majority of their presidents were from “elite families” rather than the working middle class or from the poor sectors of their society which relate to another form of diversity, specifically deep level diversity. According to our textbook deep level diversity “refers to differences between individuals’ psychological characteristics such as personality traits, cognitive preferences, values, and attitude”(Moran, p179).

Diversity is commonplace throughout the nation of Brazil and, according to our textbook” 47% of the people consider themselves to be” white” (primarily descendants of Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish, as well as Lebanese and Japanese), only 7% consider themselves to be” black”; it is estimated that about 45% of the population has some degree of African ancestry”(Moran,p.346).

According to our textbook on October 27, 2002, an election was held which dramatically changed Brazilian politics. Rather then a president being elected from an “elite family” a simple man from a poor family was successfully elected to the highest position within Brazilian politics. Luiz , Ignacio Lula da Silva, known as ”Lula”(Moran, p.345).

Considering his background President Lula decided to delve into the biggest problem facing a large portion of the population who were somehow able to exist well below the line drawn at poverty. President Lula “chose to focus his administration upon the “zero hunger” program” (Moran, p. 345).

According to our textbook President “Lula” was also fairly successful in creating a program to reduce the rampant levels of corruption and crime; reducing unemployment, and reformatting the pension and benefit system; curbing inflation, and national debt problems.

As listed in our textbook the gap between their citizens wealthy and poverty-stricken is considerably wide ”while the highest 10 percent of the population enjoys 47 percent of the country’s consumption share, the lowest 10 percent only has 1”(Moran, p.347).

That is a huge gap considering the fact that Brazil is such a natural resource rich nation that is experiencing incredible growth including biotech firms that are appearing quick pace.

Having been successful in attempts to reduce crime, inflation, the next logical step would be to work in attempts to create stability within the economy. Our textbook details that” consolidation of sugar and ethanol production has alleviated energy needs and powers automobiles, while creating a new export business. Biofuels and flex fuel cars operating on both ethanol and gasoline are now big businesses” (Moran, p.345).

As our textbook states in due to the fact “The service and high-tech industries are rapidly growing”(Moran, p.347). A nation with the massive natural resources, and available landmass such as Brazil ought to be able to continue to grow and, prosper economically for quite some time.

Now that the sugarcane to ethanol program has been successful, additional scientific developments have led to a plethora biotech businesses appearing promoting even further stability for the economy end the future of the nation. However the relatively newfound success that Brazilians are enjoying does not necessarily equate to the old-fashioned and relatively traditional values of the majority of its citizens.

According to Moran, “It is not unusual to see many generations living together under one roof, or at least in the same town or city. It is customary for children to live with their parents until they marry, although this has been changing, especially the big cities”(Moran, p.347).

Once again our textbook states that” or traditional value that houses its basis in the Catholic Church is one of fatalism” (Moran, p.347). The traditional values of the Brazilian population continue to struggle regardless of their recent economic successes.

Hopefully a balance will be found between the two, so that all can live happily and, prosper within their great nation.

References:

Moran, R. Abramson, N. Moran, S. (2014) Managing Cultural Differences, 9th edition. Routledge Publishing New York, NY.

 

Hello fellow students, I am Carl Alberici, I have a good position as a building engineer / HVAC mechanic for a large hospital in the city. It is a position that many have continued to work within until the age of retirement, but I am planning to transition into a management position when I attain my Olead degree.

 

After I was discharged from the military I quickly realized that I was unable to relate my military work experience to gainful employment , so I began night school in HVAC , and have been working within that field ever since.

 

My favorite leadership quote is from an article Pozin (2014) wrote “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” This quote is important to me since I recognize the fact that it takes a person who possesses a distinct vision of a perceived outcome, and the ability to direct others towards that outcome, in order to be a true leader.

 

I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia with my charming wife. I am working on a degree in Organizational leadership in order to transition from my current position, into a management position that is preferably outside of a hospital environment.

My first leadership experience was with the US Air Force, having set rules and guidelines that were established for the common good of all involved.

 

The section of the military that I was in incorporated teams, accordingly each team had a set task. Additionally each team had a “ team chief ” who essentially led the team from beginning to the end of the task. The team chief was of higher rank than most of the team members, although the atmosphere did not revolve around rank, it was solely about getting the job done.

 

The team chief provided guidance should a problem arise, as well as working as a team member. Normally all of the team members knew their job as part of the team, and it was in the best interests of all team members to complete the task at hand, as quickly and, efficiently as possible.

 

I have a grown son, who has finished university, and is currently living in China in an effort to see the World.

 

My interests are hiking, gardening, and old muscle cars.

 

 

Retrieved from : 16 leadership quotes to inspire you to greatness, Pozin ,Ilya, 4/10/2014

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ilyapozin/2014/04/10/16-leadership-quotes-to-inspire-you-to-greatness/#97e75227b14c