Assignment 5: Accessing the Social-Cultural Environment

Review these instructions:

A country’s business environment may be influenced by the importance of family, religious beliefs, and demographic trends. 

Assess the social and cultural influences of global business activities from your selected host country and identify potential changes. Analyze the following for your global business enterprise, research information related to the following areas:

1.    DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS

Identify demographic trends (such as birth rates, literacy rates) that might influence business activities in the country. (Lower birth rates result in an aging population with expanded demand for health care.)

2.    CULTURAL ANALYSIS

Discuss the language, customs, traditions, and beliefs of the country.  (Religious beliefs may make the sale of certain products inappropriate in some countries.)

3.    SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Analyze the influences of social institutions (family, church, labor organizations) on the business culture.  (In some countries, a strong tie exists between family and business.)

4.    INFORMAL TRADE BARRIERS

Describe informal trade barriers created by social and cultural factors.  (Communication styles and negotiating tactics vary around the world resulting in the need to adapt to the host country’s culture.)

The purpose of this assignment is to gain cultural and social awareness of your selected country through a social-cultural environment analysis.  Submit here your completed summary 3-4 pages using APA format by Monday prior to midnight of week 6.