The largest island in the West Indies, Cuba
The largest island in the West Indies, Cuba is also the most mountainous in the south, center, and southeast. In the early 1800s, sugar cane was the main source of income in Cuba (Pratima Verma-R. Sharma, 2014).
Cuba's dimensions include individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, short term vs. long term orientation, and finally the power distance.
- Individualism vs. collectivism: Cuba's ranking is based on the conviction that the welfare of its citizens is essential for the advancement of their nation. The level of interdependence among the other members of society determines how well someone is doing. Cuba's status as a collectivist country is due to its culture nature of personal sacrifices for the betterment of their country.
- Masculinity vs. femininity: Cuban's classification of masculinity is because of what they do to either better themselves or the country. They are known to be very aggressive because they take pride in everything they do and this tends to motivate people (Brendan, 2010). Cubans are known for enjoying what they (feminine) consider and believe they are the best (masculine).
- The Power Distance: The power range in hierarchies is important because the contribution of authority favors one side of one country which will have to accept the authority of institutions and organizations from the high powered countries. Cuba, in this case, has high power distance due to their caste system. Their wealth and superiority are the distributors of authority to the low powered countries.
- Uncertainty avoidance: The dimensions at which members feel threatened by either known or unknown circumstance are called possibilities (Dean B. McFarlin, 2014). Cuba has low uncertainty avoidance due to Fidel Castro who ruled their country for years and was known to be a dictator. Cubans did what he wanted because they did not want to go against his word. The futures of Cubans being on their hands have no assurance of what may come, and that’s why they don’t plan.
Cuba Business culture compared to U.S.A
Individualism vs. Collectivism
The degree of independence in America is small as compared to Cuba. Hierarchy in America established for conveniences purpose. As evidence, Cubans sacrifice for their benefit or the country while America approaches their perspective by seeking advice to anyone before they act on anything. In the business world of America, employees are self-reliant and initiative. The togetherness of America has encouraged promotions in workplaces which also merit the hard work of somebody. The high level of individualism in Cuba does not promote friendship.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Americans find themselves having a lot of hope and plan for their future. The members of the society don’t feel threatened or ambiguous from unknown situations. They have a fair degree of acceptance for innovative products and new ideas and always willing to try new things that pertain business, technology or food. Cubans have been significantly affected by the ruling of Fidel Castro for many years. The situation has made the Cubans not to have any faith or courage pertaining trying anything new.
Masculinity and Femininity
Both America and Cuba have nearly the same level of masculinity. However, America has no pride just the way Cubans have. They show their masculinity individually upfront whereas Cubans brag about how they can do things. Due to the economic status of America, they tend to have more influence because of the power of wealth. Cuba’s bragging nature of feeling they are the best, only end up showing what they can do to themselves, and they are not influential in society.
Cultural type of Cuba
Cuba is an Island that lies near the south of Florida. The primary language of Cuba is Spanish. From the framework of Richard D. Lewis, Cuba is a multicultural country when it comes to relationships. A few golden rules should be applied when interacting with the Multi-Active people. Cubans like socializing and are known to be emotional. When one is speaking with a Cuban person, they should give them space to talk at length because they believe in people and their feelings (William Luis, 2001). They like polite people because the truth is situational and flexible to them. Therefore, every word spoken to them is vital. Cubans are relationship-oriented, therefore they seek favors with the important people they meet to secure trust. Reputation is a crucial factor when it comes to conducting businesses because Cubans are business explorers, they may digress from their agenda if there is no opportunity.
Personal story
It was in 2002 when my life in Kenya was all about sports. My family being around me, liked my games, and every time they cheered for me. Rugby was my game, and this took me to Sydney. It did not take long for me to visit the country as a refugee from Kenya. Tall buildings are what excited me, and the faces of people looked weird on me. I went to Australia to better my education because I did not know much in English. My reasons for me leaving Kenya were all faded away with sports. About three months, my family came to Sydney, and we later moved to Newcastle. The friends I met there besides teaching me English, they also taught me soccer. The connection between a classic foot game (soccer) and rugby collided with my skills because I did not know when to use my hands or my feet. We did not stay much in Newcastle, and we later moved to Queensland. In Queensland, I learned basketball and AFL. I became so good at most sports that I learned. Sports being in my blood, I found myself spending time training my mates. A variety of skills kept driving me to show people what I have. With sports, I became a pro in all games. The story talks about a multicultural culture that was to me just like the Cubans had. It shows the passion I had in everything I did.
Conclusion
Cuba being an Island has a different dimension when it comes to its culture. They have togetherness, and they live in peace with each other. Besides Cuba feeling threatened by either known or unknown circumstances, they are business explorers that have made the country wealthy. Cubans are classified as masculine because of what they do to either better themselves or the country. The effort they put gives men credit as the freedom fighters and peacemakers. They are known to be very aggressive and everything they do they motivate people. My talent in sports gained favor in relationships with others as it was only through games that made me connect with many friends. With the sports experience, my uncertainty avoidance was subtle because I was very sure that every country I stepped into, I was excellent in the sport the country favors. Diverse cultures strengthen the reputation of a person or a country.
References
W. L. (2014). Feria Internacional del Libro en Cuba, 2001-2004. Cuban Culture and Cultural Relations, 1959-. doi:10.1163/2542-4947-cuba-1946
Levins, R. (2015). The struggle for ecological agriculture in Cuba∗. Capitalism Nature Socialism, 1(5), 121-141. doi:10.1080/10455759009358419
Verma, P., & Sharma, R. (2014). The Linkages Between Business Strategies, Culture And Compensation Using Miles & Snow�S And Hofstede Culture Framework. International Journal of Business Strategy, 14(3), 111-116. doi:10.18374/ijbs-14-3.10
Verma, P., & Sharma, R. (2014). The Linkages Between Business Strategies, Culture And Compensation Using Miles & Snow�S And Hofstede Culture Framework. International Journal of Business Strategy, 14(3), 111-116. doi:10.18374/ijbs-14-3.10
