With this paper I want to provide an understanding of the cultural differences of Germans and Russians in terms of doing business together. Germany is the most important foreign trade partner for Russia and the business relation is forecasted to remain attractive for both parties. (www.auswertiges-amt.de)
If managers from different cultures do business together, it is very important to be aware of the cultural differences when conducting business abroad to understand the business partners better. Culture is “something (…) that shapes behavior, or … structures one’s perception of the world.” (Nancy J. Adler, International Dimensions of Organizational Behaviour, p.54; 2008)
There are many aspects to look at, if you compare the German and the Russian culture. I used the cultural dimensions developed by Geert Hofstede and chose three dimensions, which I think are most relevant in this context, to point out cultural differences between Germans and Russians. This paper will first look at the differences in power distance of both countries. Then it goes on with the effects of the different scores in masculinity. The third dimension covered in this paper is uncertainty avoidance. It is to mention that Hofstede has not published any large-scale empirical studies for Russia, but he provided estimates.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Power Distance
- Definition
- Applied to Germans and Russians
- Masculinity-Femininity
- Definition
- Applied to Germans and Russians
- Uncertainty Avoidance
- Definition
- Applied to Germans and Russians
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide an understanding of the cultural differences between Germans and Russians when doing business together, with a focus on power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance.
- Understanding cultural differences in business interactions between Germans and Russians
- Examining the impact of cultural dimensions (power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance) on business relations
- Highlighting key differences in communication styles, leadership preferences, and attitudes towards risk and ambiguity
- Analyzing how these cultural differences can impact business negotiations, decision-making, and team dynamics
- Providing insights into how managers from both cultures can navigate these differences for successful collaboration
Chapter Summaries
The paper begins by introducing the importance of understanding cultural differences in international business, particularly between Germany and Russia. It emphasizes the significance of considering cultural factors when conducting business in a foreign country.
The paper then delves into the concept of power distance, defining it and comparing the scores of Germany and Russia. It highlights the differences in hierarchical structures and the implications for leadership styles and decision-making in business settings.
The third section focuses on the masculinity dimension, defining it and comparing the scores of Germany and Russia. It explores the impact of this dimension on communication styles, attitudes towards work-life balance, and the perception of failure in the workplace.
Keywords
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper are cultural differences, international business, Germany, Russia, power distance, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, leadership styles, communication styles, and business negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main cultural differences between Germans and Russians in business?
The paper focuses on three dimensions: power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. Key differences appear in hierarchical structures, communication styles, and attitudes toward risk.
How does power distance affect leadership in these cultures?
Russia generally scores higher in power distance, leading to more hierarchical structures and top-down decision-making, whereas Germany tends to favor more decentralized structures.
What role does "Uncertainty Avoidance" play in business negotiations?
Uncertainty avoidance influences how both cultures deal with ambiguity. It affects their preference for formal rules, detailed planning, and their overall attitude toward taking risks during negotiations.
Who developed the cultural dimensions used in this study?
The study applies the cultural dimensions developed by Geert Hofstede, which are standard in cross-cultural management research.
Why is Germany an important partner for Russia?
Germany is identified as the most important foreign trade partner for Russia, making the understanding of cultural differences crucial for successful management and collaboration.
- Quote paper
- Judith Blaß (Author), 2009, Business between Germans and Russians, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/132523
