Footwear International Case

Footwear International Case Write-Up

From a cultural perspective:

1. Identify the critical cultural issues at play. Include in your analysis the macro as well as the micro, or firm level, issues associated with each cultural issue. 


The cultural issues at play here are the lack of general understanding of national culture and organizational culture within the firm in reference to decentralization and autonomy within its operations. On a macro-level, Footwear international has a pro-active infrastructure in place when expanding to a foreign country. Specialists drawn from all over the world provide knowledgeable information regarding product development, marketing, and business administration among other things to the various locations. What is lacking here is the transfer of knowledge regarding the native culture, beliefs, and religion. It is vital that Footwear implement resources to educate employees from the beginning of the establishment in a particular region.

On a micro-level, Footwear contains a decentralized approach towards its processes. Granted the autonomy allowed within the departments is a way to encourage creativity and individualism, but the oversight of the calligraphy design resembling a prominent, religious word is an assumption that native employees are well informed of their culture and religion. The unknowing decision to move forward with the design by the head of the design department, also exemplifies the need for cultural awareness in regards to religion within the organization. It seems as though the approval process within the department is something that needs to be re-worked to certify that all designs are stringently looked at.

2. Make recommendations as to how to proceed with regard to: a. Country manager / Managing Director - John Carlson b. Designer of the sandal. 
c. Supervisor of the Design Department.

As the Managing Director, Mr. Carlson should proceed first with an internal investigation within the company. An...