CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Cross Cultural Management



Case Study: Cross Culture

Issues for Question A:

Answer to Question 1:

If we attempt to describe the crux of the case study in one word then this word would be of cultural shock. In this case study, Anne an American woman visits Jordan for an excited career opportunity and to help out women of Jordan The aim of Anne's visit was to help out Jordanian women in exploring and indulging into entrepreneurial activities. But, the cultural differences were not allowing her to better perform her duties. The main problem that Anne is facing in this new culture is of masculinity or femininity.

Answer to Question 2:

There are a number of ways through which Anne could have dealt with all the problems that she was facing there. One common method that she could adopt is of research. Before starting work she should have conducted research about the culture of the Jordan. This would tell her in advance that men in Jordan are not in favour of women liberation and their empowerment. Once she knows all the factors about this attitude of the male colleagues she could take precautionary actions such as reading books on how to behave and handle male dominated workplace. She could get online training to make herself strong (Oertig & Buergi 2006, 30).

Answer to Question 3:

The culture of USA and the culture of Jordan can be differentiated on a number of ways. For explaining the culture differences that exist between the two countries we can regard cultural models. For example, with the help of Hofstede's dimension of culture we would get to know the cultural differences that exist between Jordan and United States with respect to Power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity/femininity (Schneider & Barsoux 2003, 42).

United States

Jordan

Individualism

High

Low

United States

Jordan

Power distance

High

Low

United States

Jordan

Uncertainty avoidance

Low to medium

high

United States

Jordan

Masculinity

Low to Medium

High

Answer to Question 4:

Way of thinking and actions of people varies depending on their affiliation to a particular culture. Cultures differ not only by way of country but also by the maintenance of life, and by what people possess and how they think. The Jordanians prefer not to talk on matters to be discussed during official meetings. They are quite hospitable and like to spend a moment to welcome their contact and chat. On the other hand, in United States people remain so busy in their daily lives that they do not get the time to spend with any visitor. However, they welcome them and greet them but not to a greater extent. One aspect of the change that is observed among the people of United States is that after the vent of September 11 they do not appreciate people from Muslim countries live with them.

Jordanians may ask you questions about the impressions you have of Jordan. As everyone asks Anne in the case study. However, in United States there is so much diversity, every other person that people meet belong to some other country so they cannot ask ...