Cross-Cultural Differences Company X Essay Example for Free

Cross-Cultural Differences Company X Essay A. Cross-Cultural Differences Company X is considering expanding its business to China. However, prior to moving into a new and foreign market, Company X must understand the various cross cultural differences that are relevant to properly conducting business in China. By being more sensitive to and understanding the cross-cultural differences, Company Xs transition into the new market should be less challenging and improve its chances of acceptance. Language, work ethic and material culture are three cultural differences that should, first, be understood prior to pursuing opportunities in China. Language is a barrier that will greatly influence the ability of Company X to conduct business in China. Included in this category is spoken, written and body language. If not adequately addressed, spoken language barriers will result in miscommunication, the inability to collaborate, and inability to deliver appropriate customer service. Specific to China is that there are 1000s of dialects and it is common for residents of China from various parts of the country to even have difficulty understanding their fellow countryman’s local dialects. However, the spoken language barrier can be overcome by adopting the use of an interpreter to to assist in verbal communication and establishing appropriate relationships (Ball et al, 2009). By leveraging local experts who are fluent in Mandarin or Cantonese, depending on where business is to be conducted, will likely result in a competitive advantage for Company X. its important to have a interpreter who also understands Company Xs industry. Furthermore, its important to avoid the use of idioms and jargon specific to the organization. When engaged in a conversation, it is important avoid using the word â€Å"no.† Instead, an acceptable response to a question might be, â€Å"we will take the idea into consideration and get back to you about the item.† In the U.S., its common to respond with and acceptable to respond with the word â€Å"no† when appropriate. However, it could impair business relations when not approached properly. Next, it is imperative to accurately translate written communications in a form that is understandable and appropriate for the specific foreign audience, in this case China, and to ensure meanings are not lost. This might include translating technical manuals, catalogs and advertising ideas into Mandarin or Cantonese. In translating documentation, it will be critical; to select words in the from the chosen language that have the same meaning as the English words (Ziganag Fan, 2004). Employing qualified translators who can accurately convert English text to the required language will allow Company X to overcome the written language challenges Its important to understand and be aware of body language while conducting business in China (Ball et al, 2009). . For example, when entering a room, the host will usually direct a guest to sit. Otherwise, it would be considered rude to sit prior to being directed by the host. In the the U.S. This may not be seen as an issue. However, it is one of the cultural differences to be aware of. Another example is with personal space. In the U.S., for example, its common to maintain an arms lengths distance from others. Approaching closer is considered inappropriate and can make some feel uncomfortable. In China, on the other hand, it is common for others to be in what Americans might consider their â€Å"personal space.â€Å" No offense is meant by the action. This is just another cultural challenge to be aware of as Company X pursues business in China. Work Ethic and business relationships are further cross cultural differences that need to be carefully approached. In the Chinese business culture, personal relationships directly influence work ethic and business relationships. According to one expert, â€Å"China is a relational-oriented country in which people place great importance on personal relationship. Chinese managers may initially focus more effort on building social and interpersonal relations before entering into business or contractual relationship† (Ziganag Fan, 2004). For example, employee loyalty can be described and improved by reciprocating favors. Developing business relationships are expected to take more time in the Chinese culture as opposed to how they are developed in the united States. In the U.S., businesses and clients typically meet in a formal setting and focus on the business requirements and solutions whereas, in China, first, second and even third meetings might be in informal settings where b usiness is not expected to even be discussed. The legal system is another issue to be considered when doing business in China because it is still viewed as being in a developing stage. Contracts, for example, are highly influenced by this difference. In the Chinese culture, contracts describe how relationships will be developed whereas in the United States, the contract is a binding agreement that spells out the specific terms, conditions and expectations from each party involved. As Company X pursues the possibility of expanding business to China, it must understand that the Chinese business culture does not place as much emphasis on the binding force of a written contract. B. Compare U.S. business practices to practices in your proposed country for each of the following: Product, Price, Promotion and Place The marketing mix should be taken into consideration as Company X considers expansion int the China market. It is important to recognize that strategies that are effective in the United States will not necessarily be effective in China. Therefore, the components of the marketing mix (products, price, promotion and place) strategies might require adjustments to become attractive to the Chinese market. Often times, the total product must be modified to accommodate the needs and appeal of a specific market. This does not necessarily mean that the manufacturing or production process is modified. The total product consists of the brand, accessories, services, warranty, instructions, image and packaging (Ball et al, 2009). For example, if Company X decides to sell certain circuit boards in China, it might be more beneficial to modify the package and instructions that are written in English for the U.S. Market and translate into Mandarin or Cantonese for the Chinese market. Another example is in the frozen food industry. If Company X is distributing frozen meats, like chicken and beef, to grocery retailers in the U.S. and wants to expand into the Chinese market, the company might encounter infrastructure challenges because many rural and undeveloped areas of China may not be equipped with freezers. Its more common to find fresh or live chickens in markets so Company X may want to consid er modifying its product strategy from distributing frozen food in China to fresh distribution as an alternative. Pricing also needs to be addressed because purchasing power in the foreign currency may differ from the U.S. dollar. Prices need to be adjusted to consider the cost of living in China. For example, if a widget in the U.S. is costs ten dollars, the price might be equivalent to forty dollars in local Chinese currency (Ball et al, 2009). Consumer wages are lower in much of China making purchasing a more expensive item out of reach for many potential consumers. Additional factors include price increases due to taxes and tariffs. Promotion includes methods for effectively communicating a message, such as through advertising, to achieve a desired perception. Forms of advertising include radio, television, billboards, internet and brochures. The messaging delivered in the U.S. Market will likely differ form how the product is presented in China. In the U.S., advertisements for a particular product may focus on cost savings and product quality benefits, whereas in China, advertisements typically project how the product will improve ones quality of life. In the U.S., there are are variety of Another important consideration is place or distribution. In other words, how will Company X get the product to customers in China? Place takes into consideration factors like distribution partners, geography, trade routes and climate (Ball et al, 2009). Distribution in the U.S. is highly developed an easy to access. By utilizing domestic shipping companies, product can be in the hands of a customer overnight or within hours, for that matter. If Company X leverages retail distributors like supermarkets, consumers can get their products even quicker. The United States has a highly developed infrastructure system of roads bridges and seaports that enable product to easily move to every city in the country. On the other hand, there will be challenges to doing business in China. These includes regions of markets that are landlocked, where there is no seaport access with less developed roads resulting in slower movement of product. When conducting business in China, it is common practice to develop partnership with foreign distributors who are familiar with the regional and local cultures, industry and business climate. Most importantly, prior to launching business in China, it will require a series of meetings to get to know partners, their understanding of the markets and their success. C. Ethical Issues Its important to understand that certain common practices in one country may be prohibited and illegal in another country. Two distinct ethical issues that will influence proceeding with conducting business in China is the political environment and practice of gift giving. First, in the United States it is a common practice for large industries or businesses to engage in politics and attempt to influence laws through lobbying. Companies might even go as far as publicly criticizing the U.S. Governments position on a particular issue. This is legal and often commonplace in the United States. On the other hand, in China, it is unlawful for businesses to speak out against or criticize government policy so the business must be cautious to comply with policy and not voice dissent. Secondly, gift giving is no longer encouraged in the U.S., and furthermore, in some cases may be construed as bribery which is illegal. Some businesses even limit the value of gift that employee s can accept from vendors. Even in within the federal government, employees are prohibited from accepting meal offers from suppliers that exceeds twenty five dollars. An equity trader who offers an executive at a firm, a gift in the form of a large sum of money in return for specific â€Å"inside† information, would be considered bribery and is completely illegal in the United States. In China, however, it is common practice and expected to give gifts to potential business clients. The act is a welcomed practice that takes place at all levels of business. Obviously, there are limits that might cross into unlawful practices, specifically when offering high valued gifts to government officials.

Characteristics Of A Comedy Essay -- essays research papers

Characteristics of Comedy There are many characteristics that make up a comedy. Characteristics such as mistaken identity, battle of the sexes, and jumping to conclusions are what set the comedic story apart from the tragedy. Within a comedy, no matter how much fault, and dismay may appear within the story, there always seems to be the classic ending of â€Å"†¦and they all lived happily ever after†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Comedies capture the viewer with a sense of compassion and love for the characters in the story. Each character has their own essence, to which they pertain a flaw of some sorts, which the audience can relate to. With the relation to characters there is defiantly a certain interest that is grabbed by the actors, which sucks the audience into the show.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Within the comedic play Much To Do About Nothing, Shakespeare portrays many of the characteristics of a comedy. One of these characteristics is mistaken identity. When it is thought that the lady Hero is dead, the offer for Claudio to marry Hero’s cousin is presented, yet Hero is playing a fictional character of her cousin. Claudio had mistaken her identity for that of her cousins. The plan is not known at all until it all unwraps at the end of the play when the supposed cousin takes off her veil. In a modern comedy, mistaken identity is usually more settle, and less drastic then a wedding. Such as in the movie Clerks, when the employee running the store (Dante) steps away from the counter, and asks his friend to watch the store. Then the Dante’s ex-girlfriend comes into the store and asks for him. Dante has been sweating her for so long and wants to get back together, and so does she. His friend (Randal) being ignorant tells her he went home to chan ge or he’s in the back. She goes into the back of the store not to return until a few scenes later. Then she comes out from the dark back bathroom fulfilled, and out of breath to find Dante standing there talking to Randal. When she asks Dante how he got to the front of the store so fast, he replies what are u talking about. It ended up that she was in the bathroom with another man who had gone into the bathroom earlier. She had made love with this stranger thinking it was Dante. Mistaken identity can be quite drastic at times, and then again can be a dream come true.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It seems within every comedy there is a batt... ...e jumps to the wrongful conclusion of this tragedy. Even though it seems like Claudio has much fault in the scandal, it is not at all his fault. Within modern day life it is not uncommon to find someone jumping to conclusions about someone, or a situation. Within the comedic sense it shows the ignorance of man, and how impatient we are to find out the truth. It seems as though through this characteristic of comedy, there is the reflection of man’s impatience, and how we grab the first possible answer without looking into it just to get an answer; the easiest answer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All aspects and characteristics of comedy from the past can relate into characteristics of comedy form the present. Although stories and plots are different, the general formula to have a comedy remains the same throughout the ages. Relating these characteristics of the comedy Much To Do About Nothing, by Shakespeare, to comedies from the present is simple because every comedic story contains the same characteristics of a comedy. To be a comedy, a story must contain comedic characteristics. Without these characteristics, there would be no comedy, and with no comedy the world would frown.

Online Education vs. Traditional Education

While most believe online education is easy as the student is just sitting in front of the computer, attending class online is more challenging than attending class in a classroom because requires time management skills and requires self-discipline. Attending college online requires the college student to have excellent time management skills. The majority of online students have responsibilities other than attending school. Usually this is why the decision to attend school online is made. The online student must be able to balance school, work, and a family. Attending school at a traditional school is not as flexible as the time schedule is set in place and the student must arrange their schedule around school, work, and family. Online education allows more flexibility in the online class schedule. However, proper management must be maintained in order to balance all of the responsibilities and be successful in all areas. â€Å"Not only do students need to monitor their progress in an ongoing fashion and adjust their strategies for learning based on their progress, they also need to maintain a time management schedule in order to complete online learning activities in the allotted timeframes. (Orellana, Hudgins, & Simonson, 2009, p. 470). The online student must be able to continue to work full-time and take care of family. All of these things must be done including attending school. Adding online education to the list of responsibility may assist the online student becomes well organized. An online student can possibly check-in the onl ine classroom during lunchtime while at work. Homework assignments can be done during â€Å"homework hour† at home with the children. In order to be successful attending school online, the online college student must practice self-discipline. In a traditional classroom, the student the instructor holds the student accountable for all assignments and participation in class. While the same applies for the online college student, accountability is the student. There will not be a â€Å"reminder† from the instructor on a daily basis whether the student is participating in the discussion group or if the student has completed an assignment. Online learning can be more convenient, effective and rewarding than traditional classes, but convenience doesn't mean it's easier,† says Gwen Hillesheim, interim chief academic officer and provost of Colorado Technical University, a leading provider of education for career-motivated students. â€Å"Successful online students need to be proactive in their studies and take responsibility for their own learning. It takes self-discipline and time management to do your best. But when the student is engaged, the learning can be significant and the experience fulfilling. ARA, (2010, November 3, Creston News Advertiser). Online students must comply with the University participation requirements in order to succeed. Self-discipline is required as it is solely up to the student to log in each day and participate in class. Unlike traditional classrooms where the schedule is set and students are reminded by staff daily to participate; the University notifies online students that do not make the required participation requirements after they have failed to do so. Most individuals that opt to attend school online are returning to school to complete a college degree. Usually this option is chosen due to work schedule as well as time with the family. Online education is not for everyone as it takes great discipline and maturity in order to be a successful online student. â€Å"At the same time, online education is not for everyone — you have to have a certain level of maturity and self-motivation, since you have to juggle coursework with job and family responsibilities. It demands a great deal of individualized work and you have to manage your schedule to meet class requirements rather than attend at a specific time of the week. â€Å"Michele Smolik, Director of Instructional Technology at Columbia College. Traditional students usually are not full-time employees. A person attending a University on campus is usually either taking one class or a full-time student working a part-time job. Online education allows an individual to maintain a full-time job however in order to qualify as a full-time student two classes are taken at a time. Traditional students attending class on campus have the advantage of accessing the instructor during class instruction if a question should arise. Online students must communicate with instructors via email or by utilizing the message board located on the student portal. This type of learning is not the right choice for everyone as some need individual instruction. Some argue that online students are â€Å"teaching† themselves, as there is no verbal instruction from an instructor. At most online universities instruction is given weekly during the discussion group forum by the instructor. The online student must make it a responsibility to participate in weekly discussion forums as well as keep up with weekly readings. Students that delay themselves in participating in the discussion group usually maintain a low grade. All of this is vital in order to be a successful online student. Assignments for class are usually due weekly and due at the end of the week. Students must submit the assignment via the class portal. It is imperative that the student have the correct software in order to submit the assignment as it is the student’s responsibility that the assignment is submitted on time with no exceptions. This is not an issue for traditional students as instructors are able to accept assignments in person from students. Essays and other assignments can be submitted by hard copy, which eliminates the concern of computer complications or the non-compatibility of software with the University. Online education has been debated throughout the years of its brief existence however most will agree that it is much more challenging than traditional education. Attending school is challenging whether in a traditional classroom setting or attending school online as responsibility is the main factor. However, as an online student it is imperative to be organized, responsible, and maintain strict discipline in order to be a successful online student. These factors make attending school online much more difficult as it is magnified much more.

The Common Notion Of Minds Essay - 1705 Words

The common notion about minds is that they are incredibly simple things that we should easily have the full extent of knowledge on since after all we are constantly using one. It seems completely self-evident as Descartes put it â€Å"I think there for, I am†, that we are a mind and that there is nothing strange going on up there but there is much more to the story here. It’s taken for granted far too much that we have any idea of what a mind is and is not. There are quite a numerous amount of different notions of mind that we take as given from what we observe naturally, but we are to look at for the most part one in particular. Many if asked what their opinion was on what they believed thoughts to be made of would be largely perplexed by the question thinking it unworthy of consideration due to believing there is nothing to debate, while some would state brain waves, impulses, or some similar stuff involving the brain. Others though might state that they believe them to be made of stuff wholly different from what we are made of or any material for that matter. This concept that the mind may be made of some intangible substance dates all the way back to the 1500’s with a man named Descartes. Cartesian Dualism, Descartes philosophy of mind, puts forward the idea that there are two substances in the universe. One being the natural physical matter we are all commonly acquainted with and the other being the immaterial mental matter which we would, if real, would only interact withShow MoreRelatedThe Fundamental Nature Of Reality, Knowledge, And Existence1077 Words   |  5 Pageswill examine Locke common sense and Berkeley’s objection. The main question under investigation is whether an immaterial God exists. In Berkeley’s objection to Locke, he indicates that sensible objects are complex notion offered by God, and directly perceived by sensation. 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