Question

Building on our acquired knowledge of global cultures from chapter four, this chapter specifically focuses on international management. And yet, some other issues continue to remain worthy of study.

Page 156: “Traditionally, both scholars and practitioners assumed the universality of management.” And obviously, this chapter will show that there are numerous cultural and situational variables. Page 167: “These findings clearly illustrate one important point: Managing across cultures requires careful understanding of the local environment because common assumptions and stereotypes may not be valid.”

Question #1: Why then do we (United States) assume that Liberal Democracies are the preferred political system throughout the world? We topple dictators, we meddle in foreign governments’ affairs, it has even been suggested that we overthrew the democratically elected government of one South American country back in the 1970s. Is it not plausible that totalitarian forms of government (page 50) might actually be the preferred form for some local environments?

One of the issues with writing a textbook, is the problem of staying current. I wish I had retained the Principles of Management textbook that provided a commendable example of an ethics credo—sadly, the company was Enron. Did you note on page 159 the praise heaped on Carlos Ghoshen? I think his name is technically Carlos Ghosn—at least that’s what’s on his arrest record. Yes, his “creativity” has placed him afoul of the law.

Page 165: “MNCs are discovering that they must carefully investigate and understand the culture where they intend to do business and modify their approaches appropriately.”

Question #2: Given what we discussed last chapter (Woodward’s 11-Nations), how fine a resolution do we need on our investigations? Do we go down to a regional level and stop? State by state? County? City? A square block out of a city? A specific address? We know what is possible; what is reasonable in this age of Big Data?

Question #3: Compare and contrast the information available to our understanding provided by Figure 5-2 with Figure 4-12. Is Figure 5-2 superior in any respects? What would you like to see added to increase our appreciation of the subject matter?

Answer 1

1-The type of government to be selected for a country depends on multiple factors. The people , their unity and culture, their social life and differences, Liberal government is preferable in countries where there is a unanimous acceptance , understanding and acceptance of everyone else's ideas and views which might differ from their own. If this understanding belongs among the people then liberal government is the correct choice since everyone will be clear about their perspectives and can handle and respect others views and decisions, people who can actually make peace with different cultures , ideologies and perspectives. But totalitarian government is required in sectors where there is a need to show direction to the people of that nation. Where the guide is needed where there is no stability and people. This form of government can have a positive or negative impact depending on the dictator chosen. World has seen what Hitler did. Totalitarian government is required in certain circumstances and to some extent but not to a whole and complete extent as it is too circumstantial and vulnerable. Every time we have seen the economy to shift towards liberal.

2- The first step to be successful and at peace is to know completely regarding what you dealing and in what extent. Every company must know the environment in which they are dealing as that is the factor which determines the stability the growth and the success . If we don't know the taste, the nature , the thinking of the people and the knowledge of the environment we are surrounded with we are likely to be unsuccessful. From food to clothes to social networking and advertising everything depends on the people around us and by people we involve everything and every aspect of their culture. One should and must have full knowledge as being half informed is the 1st step of failing. It is essential to know the culture of the state and the city in which we are going to deal as it is the customers owe need to satisfy. The knowledge of The area, the people and their perspective is the key factors of decisions that MNCs have to take. Thus an indept knowledge is require.