Global Business Cultural Analysis: Italy

Global Business Cultural Analysis: Italy

Joseph Marra

BUSI 604

July 5, 2015

Dr. Romanoski

Abstract

The Italian culture is very complex. This paper was constructed to highlight the generalities of national culture and organizational culture in Italy, while implementing Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture. Research shows that Italy is pushing to become a stronger financial contributor to the European Union. The economic downturn over the last few years has caused distress for Italian business owners, and it does not make the country an attractive landing spot for overseas organizations looking to do business in Italy. Italian government officials are working to create more jobs and opportunities for Italian citizens to thrive in their homeland, but many obstacles stand in the way. Newly elected Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, realizes that he has to change the Italians’ ancient way of thinking in order to bring the country back to one of the worlds’ strongest economic contributors as it once was. A SWOT and FDI analysis are provided to draw conclusions on whether or not conducting business in Italy would be wise for US companies at this time.

Keywords

Italy, Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, recession, reformation, regional disparities, unemployment, Italian youth, labor unions, labor laws

Global Business Cultural Analysis: Italy

How does a country that has experienced such economic turmoil return to being one of the world’s strongest financial contributors? Italy’s youngest elected Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, plans to answer that question during his term, which began in February 2014. Renzi brings a younger, innovative, and well-informed perspective to a country which has not had the most creative leaders. Past Italian leaders sat back and let the country run itself. They allowed the labor unions to take control of the workforce and crime to settle in the south. The Prime Minister and financial forecasters see 2015 as an extremely important year for Italy....