Cross Cultural Differences

In today’s society, the business world is highly ambitious and strives toward success and great profits. With an increase in competition, the need for companies to expand globally has become crucial. Globalization has provided companies an opportunity to penetrate new markets and attract new customers. However, business practices across the world greatly differ, and are shaped by the people and their culture. It is very important to know and recognize the cultural differences of a desirable area in order to conduct a successful business. If one neglects to do so issues such as, miscommunication, improper business conduct, as well as a possibility of businesses collapsing may occur. This paper tackles the cultural issues of conducting business in Canada. Some of these aspects include: beliefs and behaviours, linguistic implications, and organizational structure. Thus, by examining a culture, one learns more about the people, the targeted market, which ensures the success of a business.

As one enters a new market, they realize the vast cultural differences. As more organizations are conducting business in different environments, it is inevitable to notice the cultural clashes (Jordan, 2003:98), such as the status of women in a workplace. The website “Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada” states that the equality of women is a central matter for the Canadian culture. Women have earned a high status in the economic and political relations. Females in higher management positions, can expect to be treated with respect while imposing authority. However, some countries share a belief of gender inequality; regarding males as more dominant. Saudi Arabia holds an example of a culture in which females are not viewed on the same level as males, because of their religious beliefs. Women in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to conduct business whatsoever. In Canada, on the other hand, such beliefs would be considered discrimination, and against the human rights laws....