Business between Germans and Russians

Dossier / Travail , 2009 , 7 Pages , Note: 1,7

Gestion d'entreprise - Divers

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.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 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

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This paper aims to provide an understanding of the cultural differences between Germans and Russians in the context of business relations. It focuses on three key cultural dimensions identified by Geert Hofstede: power distance, masculinity-femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. The paper analyzes how these dimensions manifest in the German and Russian cultures and how they impact business interactions between the two countries.

• Power Distance: The paper examines the differences in power distance between Germany and Russia, highlighting the implications for hierarchical structures and leadership styles in business settings.
• Masculinity-Femininity: The paper explores the contrasting values associated with masculinity and femininity in Germany and Russia, emphasizing the impact on communication styles, work-life balance, and attitudes towards mistakes.
• Uncertainty Avoidance: The paper analyzes the different levels of uncertainty avoidance in Germany and Russia, discussing the implications for risk-taking, decision-making processes, and the importance of rules and regulations in business.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The introduction sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the importance of understanding cultural differences in international business, particularly between Germany and Russia, which are major trading partners. It introduces the concept of culture and its impact on behavior and perception.

The chapter on power distance defines the concept and then applies it to the German and Russian contexts. It contrasts the high power distance in Russia with the lower power distance in Germany, explaining the implications for hierarchical structures, leadership styles, and communication dynamics in business.

The chapter on masculinity-femininity defines the concept and then applies it to the German and Russian contexts. It contrasts the higher masculinity score in Germany with the lower masculinity score in Russia, explaining the implications for gender roles, communication styles, work-life balance, and attitudes towards mistakes in business.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include cultural differences, business relations, Germany, Russia, power distance, masculinity-femininity, uncertainty avoidance, Hofstede's cultural dimensions, leadership styles, communication styles, work-life balance, and attitudes towards mistakes.

• Université: Furtwangen University; Villingen-Schwenningen
• Note: 1,7
• Auteur: Judith Blaß (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2009
• Pages: 7
• N° de catalogue: V132523
• ISBN (ebook): 9783640387878
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Business, Germans, Russians