Just like no two people are the same, neither are two countries. Cultural differences are what makes countries, just like people, different from one another. They perform tasks differently and speak differently. According to Hofstede Insights, there are six dimensions that make up a country’s culture. Those dimensions include power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence. Two countries that come to mind that are quite different in culture are Germany and the United States. In order for an American company to become a success in Germany, there are some differences in culture that will need to be adjusted and acknowledge by the American company.
Power distance is defined “as the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally (Country comparison, 2018).” When learning about German culture it is important to know that “direct and participative communication and meeting style is common, control is disliked and leadership is challenged to show expertise and best accepted when it is based on it (Country comparison, 2018).” Therefore, Americans need to participate in any direct communication and try not to take control of any given situation. If leadership is ever to be challenged be ready to let your inner expert out and know your facts before doing so.
Individualism is defined as “the degree of interdependence a society