Article Reflection

Heidi Sinisalo ASSIGNMENT

TARA

Culture And Management/

KF2002-2000

05.05.2009

Kamarul-Baharin Rosli

ARTICLE REFLECTION I

Subject

Fons Trompenaars’ writes in his article ”Resolving International Conflict: Culture and Business strategies” about dilemmas International Managers will face in different organizations and cultures and how the settling of those dilemmas contributes the essence of strategy development. Trompenaars states that cultural change (basic process of internationalization) is only genuine when the basic assumptions are challenged. He also defines seven dimensions by which cultures can be distinguished from each other and by understanding these dimensions it is easier to find the reconciliation between the two cultural groups in conflict.

Universalism vs. Particularism

Universalism minded people think that one (usually their own) rule, habit or way of doing things applies to everyone. Conversely Particularists think that there are no universal principles that are applicable in every case and that a common culture for all people is either undesirable or impossible. In Corporate culture the first Tompeneers’ dimension Universalism vs. Particularism shows how a society or organization applies rules of morals and ethics. For example when Finnish organizations are making a contract, they rely on written agreement between the parties involved, where as in China people more likely concentrate on the people they work with, because the depth of relationship tells how strong are the bonds of the co-operation.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualists puts their own goals and desires before society or any other group or institution. Individualism is opposed to collectivism, which stress that communal or national goals should take priority over individual goals. USA is probably the most well-known individualist country in the world. Their economy is based on that each individual company should...