The world’s business culture
The world’s business culture is characterized by a desire to achieve financial success. Many people seek to achieve independence and accumulate wealth. Social evils such as inequality seem to prevent minority groups from attaining success. This paper will compare and contrast the business culture in Germany and Canada.
Part 1
Germany is recognized as a major commercial partner in the European economy. The country exercises great influence within the European Union. Similarly, Canada is a prominent business ally of the U.S. Although Germany has a stronger economy than Canada, both counties have a reputable business culture. German companies vest power in a few managers while Canadian companies use flatter, learner structures. The latter firms have discarded previous hierarchical approaches. Managers in Germany are expected to manifest strong leadership while Canadian managers display an authoritarian style of leadership. In both Germany and Canada, meetings are formal and pre-planned. Participants like to make extensive preparations before attending meetings.
Germans and Canadians embrace teamwork whereby each person must make contributions to the work. Communication styles in both countries are direct and straightforward. Germany has relatively few women in business leadership positions in comparison to Canada. In both countries, the business dress code is suits and ties. However, Germans are more colorful than Canadians. Germans have a strong separation between business and pleasure. However, Canadians can discuss business matters in private homes. Success in German businesses is defined by the reduction of ambiguity and uncertainty. Contrariwise, Canadian business success is defined by flexible approaches.
Part 2
Power distance defines the extent to which minority groups accept and expect the unequal distribution of power (Hofstede Insights). Both leaders and followers endorse the existing forms of inequality in a country. Canada has a score of 39 while Germany has a score of 35. The value shows that Canadians and Germans have a high level of interdependence. Both societies are also defined by egalitarianism and the lack of class distinctions. Hierarchies are established for the sake of convenience while output from individual workers is valued. Both Canadians and Germans pursue consultation and share information amongst each other (Hofstede Insights). Participative and direct communication is used in organizations.
Individualism refers to the extent of interdependence among people in a given society. Canada has a mark of 80 with regards to individualism (Hofstede Insights). This shows that Canadians are more likely to care for themselves and their families. Workers are also self-dependent and self-motivated. On the other hand, Germany scores 67 in individualism. This shows that most people pursue self-actualization and are driven by a sense of responsibility. Masculinity defines the extent to which individuals are driven by success and competition (Hofstede Insights). Germany (66) has a higher score of masculinity in comparison to Canada (52). This shows that Germans are more focused on succeeding in their tasks. On the contrary, Canadians derive pleasure from their tasks.
Uncertainty avoidance refers to the degree to which people were threatened by unknown situations. Germany (65) had a higher score of uncertainty avoidance in comparison to Canada (48). This shows that Canadians are more accepting of uncertainty compared to Germans (Hofstede Insights). The latter are always prepared to compensate for future uncertainties. Long-term orientation refers to how societies deal with present and future challenges. Germany scores 83 while Canada scores 38. Germans are pragmatic in that they adapt to changes, save, and invest resources. Contrariwise, Canadians cling to past traditions while showing less inclination to save for the future. Indulgence refers to the manner in which people regulate their impulses and desires (Hofstede Insights). Germans are culturally restrained since they score 40 while Canadians are indulgent due to their score of 68.
Conclusion
Indeed, people in different countries are driven by an overwhelming desire to achieve financial security. The conditions present in one country are usually different from those in another. Germany and Canada have marked differences and similarities with regards to business culture. Although both countries have few class distinctions, Germans are more competitive than Canadians.
Work Cited
Hofstede Insights. “Country Comparison”. https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/canada,germany/. Accessed 4 Jul. 2018.
