International business and communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International business and communication - Essay Example This paper is a study of national cultures with particular reference to the work habits and practices that exist in Germany and Spain. It will specifically look at the Martinez Construction & Konstruction Drezehn case study in the process and analyze how differences in national culture had resulted in the particular situation that came about there. The term national culture denotes the shared values, beliefs and practices that are common to the people belonging to a particular country or region. Often a subject in anthropological and social studies, many definitions and view points about culture and national culture have evolved through the ages. â€Å"The term culture has various meanings, all derived from Latin meaning â€Å"which is cultivation of the soil.† (Jais, 27). Due to increasing diversity in the workplace, the concept of national culture has now become a part of business studies as well. A review of literature on the subject leads almost universally to the studies done by Professor Geert Hofstede on his studies on national identity in the workplace. Before going into detail on the cultural dimensions as conceived by Hofstede and other theorists, it would be pertinent to look at the factors responsible for the evolving of a work culture. â€Å"Culture is a metaphor which can be used to explore the identity of a business. It is about how others see the business, but also how the individuals who work there understand it. Culture offers us a powerful insight into the business and what it is like to work within it.† (An Introduction to Business Cultures). It should be noted that these factors are apart from those that have influenced individual culture through family and social interactions. The influence of leadership and vision that exists within a particular organization will be a dominant factor that helps a particular culture to evolve. The company tradition (depends on how long the