Understanding diverse cultures is significant if one is to be socially astute, sensitive, and effective within complex cultural contexts. The Iceberg culture theory, if used correctly, can prove to be a meaningful tool that can assist in identifying important cultural similarities and differences. It is by building upon these culture theory conclusions that one can determine the existing cultural challenges and in response, the creative methods that one can use to ease the noted cultural distinctions. Applying culture theory is relevant and can be used to examine Valley Farms International, a case study describing international business within a culturally dynamic environment. In addition to applying culture theory to the Valley Farms International case study, culture theory can further be applied on a more personal and interactive level. The group, namely Stephane Marin, Kevin Sullivan, and Leona Hancharek then become the specimens for this culture theory examination. It is only through the practical application of culture theory that the true intricacies and wonders of cultural diversity are made manifest. Valley Farms International abounds with examples of cultural differences; it is by delving further into the case that one can fully understand the many facets of cultural difference and its influence in the business environment. In examining the case of Valley Farms International, it is important to analyze the case by noting the applicable determinants of culture, followed by applying the Iceberg culture theory to draw out similarities and differences.
[...] A second cultural challenge Roberts faces involves the different communication styles that each culture is most accustomed with. For Roberts, his direct approach to communication may appear to be blunt and insensitive, while the more indirect Republican approach may appear to be highly evasive and convoluted. The different approaches to communication may also be challenging in that small miscommunications could easily escalate into difficult and uncomfortable situations. Another factor Roberts may find challenging is the cultural structure difference. While Roberts is familiar with a fixed structure with clearly outlined rules and expectations, the Republicans are fluid and flexible with their actions. [...]
[...] culture that are present as these determinants often form the founding blocks that influence each person's cultural upbringing. To begin, let us consider John Roberts. John Roberts, an American, is a practicing Christian who is accustomed to a representative political philosophy where the political instability and political risk are both relatively low. Roberts is also familiar with a free market economy where there is little government intervention within the market. Education is another determinant that is of importance, as Roberts originally was employed as a university professor of finance, and has had some exposure to international business. [...]
[...] What I mean is that our group reflections and comments were benefiting from three different cultural points of view because of the differences between Kevin, Leona and my own background. First I was really impressed by Kevin knowledge on French and on French cultural habits. I of course knew that Canada had a great French culture but I didn't expect to meet so many people in Nova Scotia with a link with France. Even if that culture is quite different in numerous aspects, the common language is definitely a bonus. [...]
[...] Identifying important cultural similarities and differences by applying this theory to Valley Farms case as well as the cultural diversity of our group members has led us to become more familiar with the importance of cultural responsiveness. By increasing our cultural knowledge and working to understand what drives the actions of our team members, we have strengthened our sonar capabilities and have grown to better understand the importance of an ethno relative approach. Culture and its ever-pervasive nature are evident in all aspects of social interaction. [...]
[...] For the Valley Farms International case study, we are presented with an international business environment where John Roberts, an American, is conducting negotiations and discussions in the Middle East, a territory quite different from his own. It was by first examining the varying determinants of culture and then examining the various Iceberg culture theory orientations that we were able to draw out important similarities and differences between the American and Republican cultures. Further, by identifying the challenges that Roberts presently faces, we can then create innovative approaches to improving the existing cultural relations for the two parties involved. [...]
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