GEOGRAPHIC CULTURE REPORT chooses a culture and demonstrates a thorough understa
ID: 365460 • Letter: G
Question
GEOGRAPHIC CULTURE REPORT chooses a culture and demonstrates a thorough understanding of its culture and how it relates to international business. You are required to define the culture's core values. Discuss any other cultural values you find important to conducting business in this country (ie., verbal and nonverbal communication, business etiquette, etc.) Bibliographies must be included.
What are some of the value differences between this culture and your own?
What are the predominant religious beliefs espoused by members of this culture, and how do you think these beliefs influence their behaviors?
What are some nonverbal communication differences found in this culture?
What are some communication style differences found in this culture?
What are some language or dialectical differences found in this culture?
How are social roles/gender roles viewed in this culture?
Do family structure and roles differ in this culture?
Are there differences in interpersonal/romantic relationships in this culture?
If you were a person traveling to do business in this culture, what information would you need?
For someone going to this culture for a study abroad or a brief work assignment, what information would aid his/her cultural adjustment?
How do this culture's history influence perception and communication between this culture and your own culture?
How do this culture's government influence perception and communication between this culture and your own culture?
What are some of the stereotypes people of your culture have about people in the culture you have chosen? Is there any truth to them?
Does the education system in this culture differ from the one in your own?
Explanation / Answer
Choosing a geographic culture to do international business can be based on the size of economy, population and growth opportunities. India being the world’s second largest country by population and third largest economy by GDP at purchasing power parity rates and having the highest growth rates amongst major countries, can be an interesting choice. Assuming that the own culture is American/western culture, the following questions can be answered:
1. What are some of the value differences between this culture and your own?
Indian culture is amongst the oldest continuing civilisations, while the mainstream American culture can be traced to the European colonisation of the new world and the broader Western culture has its roots in the Greek-Roman civilisation. In Indian culture, the family is the smallest unit and most consumption of goods and services are shared by the household. In contrast, the individual is the smallest unit in American and Western cultures
2. What are the predominant religious beliefs espoused by members of this culture, and how do you think these beliefs influence their behaviours?
The predominant religious beliefs of India are grouped under the concept of Hinduism, of which 80% of the population identify with. Hinduism has several philosophies called Darsanas and practices of which the oldest is the Sanatana Dharma. Other indigenous beliefs of India include Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism , with a combined population of 4% as their adherents. Christians and Muslims form the remaining 16% of their population. While religious beliefs are practiced widely in society, the business practicess, conduct of government and laws are secular.
3. What are some nonverbal communication differences found in this culture?
Indian culture is considered high context, wherein people rely on nonverbal clues to communicate. Ambiguity and subtle messaging is normal while communicating with Indians. Communication may not be explicit, one may have to read between the lines.
4. What are some communication style differences found in this culture?
Indian communication style uses body language and gestures to express views and opinions. Culturally, the right hand is used a lot more than left hand, physical distance is maintained and generally Indians don’t refuse anything outrightly.
5. What are some language or dialectical differences found in this culture?
India does not have a national language, while Hindi and English are used as official languages. 22 other languages are recognised as scheduled languages and are widely used in different states and regions. Most people in India are multilingual.
6. How are social roles/gender roles viewed in this culture?
In conservative families, men have the role of working and earning income, while the women take care of the household. In liberal families, both men and women share their responsibilities equipally. The gender gap in literacy rates are high with male literacy over 80% and female literacy at 65%. This also reflects in high school and college enrolments with more males enrolled than females. Culturally, Indian religions worship female deities, the land and rivers are revered and personified in the female form. Many communities in southern and northeastern India are matriarchal, where women are the chief influencers and decision makers in the family.
7. Do family structure and roles differ in this culture?
Two-thirds of India’s population lives in rural areas in joint family households. Assets are shared amongst family members and majority of small businesses are family-run. The village elders known as panchayat resolve disputes and advice on major decisions. Urban India have smaller nuclear families and live their private lives.
8. Are there differences in interpersonal/romantic relationships in this culture?
Indian relationships are based on long term and life time commitment. Casual dating is not the dominant culture except in big cities. Marriages are made with consent from family members and often arranged by families.
9. If you were a person traveling to do business in this culture, what information would you need? For someone going to this culture for a study abroad or a brief work assignment, what information would aid his/her cultural adjustment?
If travelling to India for business, it may be a good idea to learn a few words in the local language, find some time off to relax and explore the place with the business partners or your local Indian team members. This would help in building a relationship and trust. Be aware of taboos with food (avoid pork and beef), eat in hygienic places and dress modestly.
10. How do this culture's history influence perception and communication between this culture and your own culture?
The people of aindia are proud of their long history that dates back to at least 500 years. The several ages of glory and darkness have given the Indian people the wisdom that there’s is a natural cycle of good and bad times, which makes them cautious during times of glory and makes them hopeful during times of crisis.
11. How do this culture's government influence perception and communication between this culture and your own culture?
The government of India seeks to promote the soft power image through yoga, Bollywood, Indian cuisine, organic food, worship of nature and peace.
12. What are some of the stereotypes people of your culture have about people in the culture you have chosen? Is there any truth to them?
The common stereotypes about India in the western world is about poverty, slums and mysticism. Another stereotype is that of the Indian workers taking away all the American jobs. While it is true that India has poverty and related problems, the country has come a long way in the past two decades and the trend is very positive for the future. There is a lack of knowledge about India being a prosperous country for most of its known history until its wealth was plundered by the British empire.
13. Does the education system in this culture differ from the one in your own?
The Indian education system follows the 10+2 year model for schooling and most University bachelors programs are for 3-4 years. Progress in education system is based on exams and less emphasis on critical thinking. The funding for education is a mix of public and private sector. While there are government funded elite institutions like IIm, IIT and IISc, it is inadequate to cater to the huge population.
While Chegg policy does not permit external links, a good source for information is commisceo-global website which gives country guides and there is a section on India.
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