Global Business Culture Analysis: Germany

Global Business Culture Analysis: Germany

Considered the second most populated nation, Germany has played an important part in history over the years. Key in economic, political, and defense organizations, resulting in Germany being heralded as Europe’s largest economy. Located in Central Europe, bordered by the Baltic and North Seas, Germany covers 357,022 square miles, and is slightly smaller than the American state of Montana. The population of approximately 81,150.000, consists of mostly German nationals, with a small percentage of immigrants from Turkey, Greece, Italy, Poland, Russia, Croatia, and Spain (The World Factbook, 2013).

What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region?

The German Identity

An overview of culture in Germany and how it has been shaped by historical events.

Historical events have been largely responsible for the formation of German culture. Fragmented into as many as 300 separate states in the Middle Ages, Germany’s power was diminished by foreign wars and aggression, specifically Napoleon’s rule. However, in the process of destruction, Napoleon assisted the country by instilling a sense of nationalism, as well encouraging unification by consolidating Germany into only 38 states (Butler, 2007). Following the Napoleon’s defeat, two countries desired to obtain control over Germany, Prussia and Austria. While most felt Austria would be the most dominate in ability to gain control, Prussia’s sense of organization and progressive reform led the way. With the Prussian Reichstag (parliament) failing to support his desire to reform the country, Wilhelm I appointed Otto von Bismarck as his chancellor in 1862. Not caring for democracy or the ways of the Prussian Reichstag, Bismarck desired to create strong policies to build a German nation, ruling without parliament and putting his own reforms into practice.

Manipulating alliances, Bismarck started a revolt in Poland against Russia in 1863. However,...