3: Culture and Business
- Page ID
- 16665
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)- 3.1: Chapter Introduction
- This page discusses the importance of culture and ethics in global business, focusing on Dunkin' Brands' strategy of adapting products to local customs, particularly in flavors of donuts and ice cream. Emphasizing the need for cultural understanding, it suggests conducting market research and engaging local experts to tailor offerings.
- 3.2: What Is Culture, Anyhow? Values, Customs, and Language
- This page emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding in international business, particularly through concepts like "guanxi" in China. It highlights the influence of organizational culture on workplace norms and employee interactions, citing examples like Apple and Google. The text underscores the need for cultural awareness in a globalized environment, acknowledging subcultural factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, which shape behaviors and expectations.
- 3.3: What Are the Key Methods Used to Describe Cultures?
- This page examines cross-cultural analysis and its relevance in international business, highlighting key theorists like Geert Hofstede and Edward T. Hall. Hofstede's dimensions of culture provide a framework for understanding organizational behavior. The text details communication differences in high-context vs. low-context cultures, addressing proxemics and time perceptions. It also discusses Rakuten's English-only policy, reflecting a trend among Japanese firms to enhance global integration.
- 3.4: Understanding How Culture Impacts Local Business Practices
- This page highlights the critical role of cultural awareness in business, particularly regarding communication, time perception, and decision-making styles. Misunderstandings arising from cultural differences can lead to significant errors, especially for entrepreneurs. The text emphasizes the importance of analyzing these cultural nuances, with a focus on fostering strong relationships through patience and understanding.
- 3.6: Tips in Your Entrepreneurial Walkabout Toolkit
- This page highlights the importance of cultural differences in global business, offering strategies for successful negotiation and relationship-building. It emphasizes networking, understanding time perceptions, and communication styles. Key elements include fostering rapport, cultural sensitivity, and adapting negotiation methods. The significance of legal documentation and cultural interpretations of contracts is also discussed.
- 3.7: End-of-Chapter Questions and Exercises
- This page outlines exercises that integrate international business knowledge with AACSB learning standards, emphasizing communication, ethics, multiculturalism, and analytical skills. Activities include personal cultural reflection, analysis of national cultures via Hofstede's dimensions, and sharing classmates’ experiences.


