Abstract This paper applies Geert Hofstede's quantification of the four components of culture, which are Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity and Uncertainty Avoidance, to measure the cultural differences, which influence the learning styles of Australians, Arabs, and Asian within the Australian schools. The author points out that, as compared to Western and Australian students, Arab students appear to be resistant because they seem to be dependent, indecisive, or nonverbal emotionally; because of the role of fate in the teachings of Islam, they are thought to be survival-oriented rather than insight-oriented. The paper states that Asian and Arab students will require more structure than Australian students, may seek more definitive instruction and judgment of their work, may prefer to be considered one of a group, and will not as readily push themselves forward to seek information as will Australian students.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Multiculturalism as a Backdrop for CulturallyBased Learning Styles in Australia
The Effects on Learning of Ethnic Communities
Influences on Learning Style Derived from Hofstede's Classifications
Australia's Cultural Expectations
The Arab World's Cultural Expectations
Thailand's Cultural Expectations
A Sign of Resistance to Accepting the New Culture Factors Involved in Accepting the New Culture The Importance of Culture on Learning Styles
Arab-Australian Learning Styles
Asian Learning Styles
Effective Strategies
Conclusion
From the Paper "Again, this would seem to be easier for European cultures, having much in common with the foundation British culture of Australia, than for cultures such as those of the Middle East and Asia. Still, maintaining the cultural differences that result in learning differences over a long period is difficult. Maintaining cultural differences "needs an iron clad system of apartheid or self-imposed inward looking communal traditions." While this is more likely with the Middle Eastern immigrants for a variety of reasons, if the children are in Australian schools, it is likely that assimilation is acceptable to the family, and the teachers then must grapple with the cultural expectations those children bring to the classroom. This may be slightly less prevalent for Asian immigrant children simply because, in the current global climate, they would not suffer from what Australians think they know about the culture, as is arguably the case with those from the Arab world."
Tags: arab, asian, quantification, reaction, structure
Abstract This paper explains Hofstede's cultural dimension theory and describes the dimensions, which measure constructs of power distance, individualism, individualistic society, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. The paper points out that these cultural dimensions are a barometer of an organization's culture especially in multinational companies. The paper applies this theory to evaluating the marketing and management practices at Wal-Mart and Tesco.
Table of Contents;
Introduction
Shared Values Segmentation and Cultural Dimensions
Cultural Dimensions and Competitiveness
Pricing Strategies and Cultural Dimensions
Emergence of Cultural Intelligence and Trust as the Lasting Differentiator
Cultural Intelligence leading to Trust: The Foundation of Differentiation
Cultural Dimensions Leading to Values-Based Differentiation
Tesco's Retail Internationalization Process based on Cultural Intelligence
Quantifying Values as Differentiators: A Research Perspective
Attaining the role of Trusted Advisor in Served Markets
Conclusion
From the Paper "Overall, the research on organizational values suggests that a researcher must rely on the value expressions or enacted values of people and organizations. In essence, organizational values are reflected in organizational practices. Research in this area has been undertaken either through qualitative studies involving one or a few organizations or through quantitative, survey-based studies involving a larger number of organizations. In most cases, though, reviews have focused on content or text analysis to identify the espoused or desired values and on surveys to determine the enactment of those values."
Abstract This paper examines value based management (VBM), a management philosophy that aims to achieve superior results. It looks at how the process measures performance by the value that is returned to shareholders. It discusses how successful implementation of VBM requires a successful change in corporate culture, as well as the adoption of VBM concepts at all levels and functions within an organization.
Outline
Introduction
About Value Based Management
VBM and Shareholder Value
Economic Value Added
Implementing VBM Strategies
Making Decisions with VBM Analysis
From the Paper "In today's market, managers of major corporations are now responsible to global capital markets. In the past, these firms did not consider themselves accountable to shareholders. The past few decades have seen vast amounts of cash flow wasted on unsuccessful diversification, needless defensive investment and pay and perquisites for managers of major corporations. However, a market for corporate control has come about in which predatory conglomerates and trade buyers seek to realize value from companies run by under-performing managers. In recent years, institutional investors have started demonstrating greater power as far as executive remuneration and corporate strategy are concerned. As a result, in today's market, there can be no doubt that it is the manager's responsibility to build value for the shareholders of the organization."
Abstract In this essay, the writer presents an analysis of cross-cultural management, based on an article by Tomoko Masumoto entitled 'Learning to 'Do Time' in Japan: A Study of US Interns in Japanese Organizations'. The writer reviews and discusses the article, which presents a theoretical framework for analyzing the impact of U.S.-based interns traveling to work in corporations in Japan. The article specifically focuses on studying how time is perceived differently between the Japanese managers and the U.S. intern counterparts. The writer defines the framework in the article discussed as focusing on how the expectations of time itself vary between the two groups, measures the time taken to adapt and become productive, and also defines how space allocation and use of space correlate to the Japanese perception of time. The writer points out that this shared space and socialization aspect of the study presents a culture shock to American students, who have long equated status and independence with the relative level of privacy in American and westernized corporations. The writer notes that the study concludes with an analysis of the variation of how the relative level of feedback and its frequency fuel a sense of security on the job or not, and also with an analysis of short-versus long-term orientation on the part of each group.
Outline:
Synopsis
Assessment of the Theoretical Framework
Assessment of the Research Approach
Implications for Individuals Working Multinationally with the Japanese
From the Paper "The work completed by Masumoto has major implications not only for expatriates working in Japan yet for anyone going to work for a Japanese company anywhere in a westernized nation. The vast differences in how space is allocated are diametrically opposed to how western nations view work space given in companies being more of a relative indicator of independence, individuality, achievement and status. In Japan there more of an orientation on arranging working space to speed up the assimilation and socialization process. This is a critical point for anyone joining a Japanese corporation anywhere in the world to keep in mind, as many Japanese corporations continue this practice of using space for collaboration in the U,S, and Europe as well."
Abstract As America becomes increasingly more diverse, the society will be presented with the challenge of understanding our cultural differences. This paper develops and designs a learning project that compares cultural differences of two ethnic/cultural groups. For the purposes of this project the writer compares the differences between Asian and Western cultures. The project is based on the cultural impact of performance in work force, production, sales, customer services, etc. Before one can create a learning project, one must first understand the cultural backgrounds of both groups.
From the Paper "Westerners tend to perform differently in the workforce than Asian workers. Westerners tend to be motivated by promotions and monetary incentives while Asian workers tend to want what is best for the entire company and their coworkers. In addition, jobs in the western workforce have higher turnover rates than those in the Asian workforce because Asian workers tend to stay with one company for a lifetime."
Abstract This paper examines how, as increasing numbers of businesses look to expand and develop their consumer and market base through the internationalisation of their operations, managers are recognising the importance of effective international marketing to counter the increased levels of uncertainty and complexity. It focuses specifically on the role of culture in the formulation of international marketing strategies, using a number of examples to highlight the points raised. Firstly, international marketing strategies are considered in more detail, followed by an exploration of the concept of culture and its influence on international marketing strategies.
Outline
Introduction
What are International Marketing Strategies?
Understanding Culture The Role of Culture in International Marketing Strategy Formulation
Hofstede's Five Dimensions
Hall and Hall's High-Low Context
Direct Influence on Marketing Mix
Product
Price
Place
Promotion
Importance of Ethics
Critiquing the Role of Culture Conclusions
References
Appendix 1
From the Paper "Since value judgements vary between and within cultures, perceptions of what constitutes acceptable behaviour also differ: for example a gift in one country may be considered a bribe in another (Cateora and Ghauri, 2000; Doole and Lowe, 2001). Kotabe and Helsen (2004 p.171) highlight the significance of this for international marketers who "must understand and respect cultural subtleties, whilst finding the limits of ethical behaviour"; since a company's ethical stance may affect its ability to do business in some countries. For example, Motorola's lengthy "Code of Business Conduct", sets out standards for accepted behaviour throughout the organisation (see www.motorola.com). They recognise the "ethical legitimacy" of gift-giving in Japan, but decline to "participate in the practice" (Hamilton and Knouse, 2001 p.87). This allows the company to show respect for Japanese culture, whilst maintaining its own corporate values. Similarly, consideration should be given to product usage and production processes, which may not be appropriate in certain cultures or environments."
Abstract In an increasingly globalized marketplace, it has become more important than ever to recognize the fundamental differences required to effectively manage people from different cultures. Because organizations are comprised of people, the accomplishment of any organizational goal will require the cooperation and commitment of people who may be from drastically different walks of life who hold divergent worldviews. This study seeks to better understand these issues through a critical review of the relevant literature and a cultural survey of Asian expatriate employees assigned to major Norwegian industry. The results of the review and survey clearly indicates the need for management styles that recognized these cultural differences. The research also suggests that many managers of multicultural organizations today may be overlooking an opportunity for improvement by ignoring these cultural realities, and in some cases these omissions may spell the difference between success and failure of the organization. A summary of the research, relevant conclusions and timely recommendations concerning cross-cultural management issues are provided in the concluding chapter.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Background and Overview
The Company and Setting
The Resource Based View
Cross-Cultural Management
Motivation Management
Commitment and Psychological Contract-Norwegians and Asians
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Data
Chapter 5: Analysis of Data/Results
Chapter 6: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "The topic to be explored in this study concerned motivation management in a cross-cultural setting. To accomplish this investigation, a critical review of the peer-reviewed, scholarly and organizational literature will be followed by an analysis of how well a Norwegian organization manages expatriate employees from Asian countries in its domestic headquarters. It is reasonable to assume that people with the same cultural background will be able to better understand and appreciate the subtleties involved in human communication and those from diverse and different backgrounds will experience some problems. Furthermore, people with different worldviews may have trouble comprehending cultural concepts of others."
Abstract This paper assesses the issue of political culture and whether its varying nature in different countries affects the establishment and maintenance of democracy. The paper achieves this by first offering a definitional explanation of political culture and how its characteristics alter depending on the country in question. The paper then examines the manner in which democratic processes are affected by national political culture. Two countries ae used as examples in exemplifying the inherent links between the two concepts; Pakistan and Slovakia. The paper contends that political culture is a vital component in the democratic process. Therefore, if a respective political culture fails to either understand or believe in the underlying principles of democratic thought, it becomes very difficult to instil a culturebased on democratic principles. The paper further contends that further factors such as; national history; religious beliefs and the role of the military have a large part to play. Indeed, the two example countries provide us with prove of this fact.
From the Paper "Let us look at out first example country, Pakistan. Since independence from Britain in 1947, much of the political culture of Pakistan has been formed on the same theoretical basis as that of the British Raj. When the British left what is know known as Pakistan, the democratic forces they attempted to instil were often contradictory in their nature. On the one hand, democratic representative government was established, but underpinning it lay the same subject based culture that had endured during British rule."
Tags: independence authoritarian, national history, religious beliefs, military role
Abstract This paper presents a research proposal to identify identify pertinent traits that characterize effective leaders in various societal settings. Specifically, the proposed research identifies the relationship, to the extent that it exists, between organizational culture and societal culture; identifies what leadership styles have been identified as most effective in terms of achieving organizational goals and promoting organizational citizenship behaviors while balancing the needs of the workers involved; identifies identify relevant cross-cultural issues that may affect leadership styles in an increasingly multicultural society; and, determines how leadership styles vary from culture to culture around the world based on the larger society in which they exist.
Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Aims and Objectives
Significance of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-Collection
Sample
Setting
Ethical Considerations
Evaluative Action Plan
Instruments/Measurements
Chapter Summary
Chapter Four: Results and Presentation of Findings
Chapter Five: Discussion, Implications and Recommendations
From the Paper "This mixed methodology is congruent with many social researchers who emphasize that a review of the literature and analysis of the situation through such studies represents a more robust approach than either used in isolation from the other. According to Zikmund, this study method is "an exploratory research technique that intensively investigates one or a few situations similar to the researcher's problem situation" . Moreover, given the enormous demographic changes the United States has experienced in recent years, this investigation represents a very timely enterprise that may provide some useful insights into the relationship between community and organizational culture in successful companies today."
Abstract This paper discusses and compares the cultures of Germany, Italy, and France and how they relate to what is going on today. It shows how Germany's militaristic background not only influenced its history, but also how life is done today, including culture, education, and business practices. The paper compares this attitude to Italy which has a distinct culture of "la dolce vita" or "the sweet life" which has had an impact on every aspect as well. It also discusses the great importance of family as well as the not so stable political system. France follows a very centralized control system, and how the relationship between schools, business, and government are all important in French business. The paper concludes by showing that the cultural patterns in Germany, Italy, and France are mostly based on the relationship between government and businesses.
From the Paper "Germany's strong political economy has made it a great leader of the European Union. It has the highest per capita in Europe, and is also a technological leader specializing in engineering, manufacturing, and chemicals. Germany was once the fastest growing economy in the European Union, but their high quality products bring about problems with high product costs and slow increase in productivity, leading to the recent stagnant economy. Other attributes to the stagnation include a limitation in domestic competition, which lessens the need for innovation, reluctance to new technology because the workers must be retrained in these new technologies, and labor reforms, since companies do not fire, they are reluctant to hire. The military approach has had a great impact on Germany as seen through German history, which goes through cycles from fragmentation and poverty, to unity and prosperity, to war and defeat, and finally back to fragmentation. The country was at its best when united with the military, and the lesson learned from each of these cycles of history is that they have to be stronger next time."
Tags: business, culture, education, europe, european, french, german, government, italian
Abstract This paper analyzes whether the policemen, or cops, the police personality, should be judged based on unique and individual traits or through socialization and experience. It takes the stance that police personality is heavily influenced by police culture, and therefore, leads people to view and perceive police traits according to their socialization and experience with the society and the police culture. It focuses on the sociological perspective of police personality and culture in order to illustrate how personalities are shaped according to an individual's exposure to his or her own culture or niche.
From the Paper "In order to understand the influential effect of police culture to police personality, a proper definition of "culture" and "police culture" is needed. In an article on police culture by Stephen Harrison entitled, ?Police Organizational Culture: Using Ingrained Values to Build Positive Organizational Improvement,? culture is defined as "the integrated pattern of human behavior that includes thought, speech, action, and artifacts and depends on man's capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations" (1998). ?Police,? meanwhile, is defined as an "agency of a community or government that is responsible for maintaining public order and preventing and detecting crime" (Microsoft Encarta 2002)."
Abstract This paper examines Procter and Gamble's (P&G) cross-cultural adaptation strategies. The paper claims that cross-cultural adaptation is essential for any company that wants to survive the globalization process. The adaptation required is to both the internal and the external environment. The paper includes graphs to illustrate this. It concludes that P&G's power to create successful brands for diverse populations worldwide is one of the most valuable keys of success for the giant manufacturer.
Outline:
Company Overview
Cross-cultural Adaptations
Adaptation Weaknesses
From the Paper "The company provides products for a wide range of customers: mid-income (Tide), higher income (Ariel), male (Gillette), female (Always), normal hair (Herbal essences), special care (Pantene), special need (Head and Shoulders), etc. The product portfolio diversification is one of the company's growth strategies. This is done by acquiring new products, such as Gillette or by engaging in strategic partnership, such as the one with Wrigley Co. One other growth strategy is innovation for existing products: new flavors, new recipes, new effects, new packaging, and so one. Finally, one other strategy is to keep fresh the customer's awareness through permanent promotional activity."
Abstract There are distinct relationships between culture, maintenance systems, child rearing and ecology that, when observed from a detached view, provide a wealth of information about all of the communities (and all of their permutations) throughout the world. It is the assertion of this paper that these characteristics of a people, regardless of size or any other factor, are common throughout all peoples and is thus used as primary markers by anthropologists upon which to base their work. Therefore, this paper will demonstrate such relationships and how they apply to the field of cultural anthropology.
Abstract This paper explores the cultural accomplishments and legacy of the Mayan Empire. The paper demonstrates how their system of higher mathematics and geometry allowed them to build palaces, public buildings, athletic arenas, monuments, pyramids, pottery, jewelry and other various art forms, all without the benefits of modern technology. The paper also examines the archaeological evidence left behind by the Mayan Empire, discussing their creation of whole cities based on stone technology, as well as discovered artifacts that demonstrate the Mayan's culture and cleverness. The paper concludes with a discussion of the legacy of the Mayan Empire and the continuing Mayan cultural presence in Latin America today.
From the Paper "The Mayans kept time with a combination of several cycles that converged and marked the movement of the sun, the moon, and Venus. Archeologists believe the Mayans began to keep track of time on August 31, 3114 BC. The year 3114 BC is called the zero year and is comparable to January 1, 0000 AD. The Mayan calendar records time in 400 year cycles, which means that 13 cycles of 400 years will have passed before the next cycle begins on December 27, 2012 (1-0-0-0-0 in Mayan time). The Mayans realized there were cycles in the Cosmos. From this astronomical realization came instruments for reckoning time and a calendar that accurately measures the solar year to within minutes."
Abstract The paper discusses how Pan Arabism and Islam have traditionally been more important than state-based nationalism. The paper traces the development of both Islamisation and Arabisation and explains why it is unlikely that state-based nationalism will supersede Islam as a more important influence in the Middle East, particularly in countries with a large Muslim community.
From the Paper "Islamisation and Arabisation developed together. But, not all states that undertook Islamisation were Arabised. Although they developed at the same time, the two did not originate together. Islamism's common tie is the shared religion of its followers and while Pan Arabism originated similarly, its common ties were different. Its common ties were language, culture and a shared history.
"Islamisation was the spread of the Islamic religion in the Middle East, the religion incorporates all aspects of society into its beliefs and therefore it can be independent from outside influences in law, politics and the role of the state.
"Arabism is the nationalist movement which sought to create a unified Middle East, it used history as a basis for its goals, but was relatively more unsuccessful than Islam."
