Research report

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Hofstede Framework and Individualism versus collectivism

Culture plays a significant role in international as well local business. It has been defined in several ways. Culture could be defined as a collective encoding of the mind that differentiates an individual, a member of a group, a nation or a state from the others. In this case the ideal state that the model tries to explain is Italy. Italy is a country of varying regional characteristics and remarkable beauty (Trompenaars, & Woolliams 2004). It is a place of that holds historical pride and cultural achievement. Italian culture allows all the aspects of life as a result those intending to mix effectively into Italian community and culture or even to break the Italian business market as compared to Australian Business market. Understanding the Italian culture is a vital component for the business success hence hofstede Framework will play part is defining the culture.

Individualism versus collectivism

Italian culture is greatly described as an individualistic, meaning that it holds much emphasis on close family ties and individual responsibility. This means that Italians tend to care of their immediate family first and themselves. With respect to business context, individualism affects Italians preferences to do business with individuals there are already familiar with. Collectivism as a culture is not preferred in Italian business hence investors should consider not to take this concern. For individual or groups intending to invest in Italy one should consider individual preferences and needs before starting businesses.

Power Distance

Power distance is identified as the extend to which the powerful members of organizations and institution such as families accept that power is distributed unequally. As if Italy the power distance is not evident as the organizations such as family groups are the once in access to the power. In order to have a flourishing business in Italy investors should be able to integrate this power source so that their business could be in order.

Uncertainty Avoidance

Italy has a high score of on uncertainty avoidance; meaning that Italians are not comfortable during ambiguous situations. Despite the fact that Italian civil and penal codes are complicated, formality in Italian society is very important so as to that of Australia which is also high. Thus, investors should take this in consideration when trying to bring business on board.

Long-term Orientation

The Italian culture scores less that 50 making it short term orientation culture that drives great concern to have great respect for tradition and history as well as the focus on fast or quick impacts in the future. Thus, investors should consider an historical short-term point of view. This affects business contracts and strategies. Business investors should consider short term contracts and strategies since the law of the land considers this perspective.

Kluckhohn-Strodtbeck Framework

Culture can be best explained in the intricate interaction of values and behaviour assumptions of the society. For the essence of determining the Ideal cultural that can withstand business investments, Kluckhohn-Strodtbeck Framework helps to explain this key concept (Varnum et al. 2010).

Relation to nature

The people of Italy have the duty to control nature, subjugation, and work together with nature to uphold balance and harmony. When undertaking business meeting in Italy it is obvious to express open disagreements for establishing relationships and not making business decisions. For example, when greeting business colleagues in Italy one should use their last names or professional titles.

Time orientation

The rule of punctuality in the Italian business environment is taken seriously. For example, even though you as an investor are expected to arrive on time to any business conference or meeting, the Italian counterparts may not adhere to this rule hence when investing time consideration should be apprehended. It is also evident that the Italian legal system and bureaucracy are slow; therefore investors should take note that business actions and decisions may take a longer time.

Control and trust

Italian people trust their own business and people when conducting business thus, for an individual or group willing to start business they should consider the trust of the people by employing Italian staff as well as use their raw materials. Despite the fact that Italian culture is dominated with personal control they have they own preferences (Rugman & Collinson 2009).

Accomplish and Activity

The people of Italy concentrate for the moment and striving for personal goals as it can be reflected from their individualistic thinking hence when establishing business one should consider the preference and accomplishment of individuals.

Responsibility

Italian businesses have great responsibility and concern for oneself and individualist relationship. For investors to establish outstanding businesses in Italy they should consider group and individual differences before commencing investment procedures.

Space

The physical space that exists in Italy is both private and public. In Italian case, the country lies on private space since most of organizations and business institutions are family owned hence merging and business decisions should be highly considered to this individual since they own 75% of Italian businesses.

References

Rugman, A. M., & Collinson, S. 2009. International business. Pearson Education.

Trompenaars, F., & Woolliams, P. 2004. Business across cultures. Wiley. com.

Varnum, M. E., Grossmann, I., Kitayama, S., & Nisbett, R. E. 2010. The Origin of Cultural Differences in Cognition The Social Orientation Hypothesis. Current directions in psychological science, 19(1), 9-13.