Culture case study: Valley Farms International & cultural group assessment

Résumé du document

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.

Extraits

[...] On the first day of examining the cattle, Roberts' partner, another American, was frustrated with the delegation's process of assessing the cattle. In his frustration towards the delegation, he “lambasted them for their incompetence” (Simpson & Lane p.3) which highly offended the delegation to the point where they stated they were going to leave immediately. Being blunt and direct about his frustrations is one demonstration of the Westerners' direct communication orientation. For the Republicans, their approach to communication appears to be more expressive and indirect. [...]

[...] Seeing how well organized her books and calendars were also gave Kevin and Stephane a good idea of what she would expect as far as how group meetings were to be structured and conducted. Examples like these helped in getting a general feel for what kind of a person she is. We would recommend that by rotating meeting places between each individual group members' personal domain, we would have gained a better understanding of each others' cultural backgrounds and work habits. [...]

[...] 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. While some gestures such as a friendly smile or a welcome greeting transcend all cultures, other actions can be subtler and be less culturally obvious. Working as a group, we applied the Iceberg culture theory to the case study, Valley International Farms. [...]

[...] To continue this line of thought, Roberts can specifically improve his relations with the Republicans by making a conscious effort to attend a religious Republican celebration or prayer service. This would demonstrate his openness to cultural differences and his willingness to respect the cultural ways of the Republicans. These actions can significantly impact this existing relationship with the Republicans by improving trust and easing the negotiation process. Fundamental to improving his cultural relations with the Republicans is the effort Roberts needs to put into changing his ethnocentric point of view. [...]

[...] They really respected my point of view, opinions and ideas and I did the same. That was an important point for me because I could expose my ideas and/or theories without interruption (which is not the case in my Business Policy group were I Am with two other French). Talking one after another facilitated in my point of view our interactions one to another, and could let each one of us taking responsibilities on a particular field. According to that we could easily find solutions and methods on how to increase efficiency on the case study. [...]