Question

How do differences in social culture influence values in business?

Apply the difference in a global example?

Answer 1

Answer: The influence of the social culture affects the way in which a person behaves and acts. It also defines the attitudes of the people. The social culture not only influences the attitudes and behaviors of people in their public life but it also influences the way in which they do business. Hofstede in his research have identified six cultural dimensions that have an impact on the workplace behaviors of the people from different national cultures. The national cultures influence the way in which communication is made in business and the ethical values which the people believe. The culture also affects the business etiquette. Thus difference in social culture may also have an impact on the values that are practiced in the business. For example in the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the social culture does not permits the women to work outside their home and this also affects the business values in those countries where participation of women in the workforce is limited. Similarly in countries like Vietnam it is customary to exchange gifts in the society and this is also expected in business dealings whereas in the Western countries it is considered as a form of bribe.