INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEW PROJECT

International Interview Project



International Interview Project

Introduction

This paper is based on an international interview project which was conducted by the researcher. The interview was conducted from Joe Smith, a doctor living in Venezuela. Joe Smith is not an American by birth, but, he is a frequent visitor to America for different medical workshops for the past 5 years. The main focus of the interview was based on the concept of cultural diversity. Moreover, it had all the information regarding the different cultural elements of Venezuela such as geographic location, culture, custom, employment, transportation, religion, education, media, development, technology etc. The interview lasted for almost an hour and it turned out to be very productive for the researcher to enlighten his knowledge on the concept of cultural diversity.

Discussion

Geographic location

Venezuela is located in the Northern coast of South America. It is a high-context language country, one of relationships and trust being on a personal level. The culture of Venezuela is of long standing Spanish, there are many traditions and social norms from Spain. Business meetings are a formality and nothing is resolved in the first meeting. If invited to a family gathering it is best to attend to show you want to build a personal relationship. If attending a family gathering it is customary to bring a gift, and a special gift is to take a flowering orchid. It is considered good manners to send a thank you card after a formal meeting or a social gathering (Pérez, 2000).

Culture

The Venezuelan people have a rich cultural heritage. From the original American Indians to the Spanish and Africans who arrived after the Spanish conquest, the twentieth century waves of immigration brought many Italians, Portuguese, Arabs, Germans, Moroccan Jews, and others from the bordering countries of South America. When giving out business cards it is a good idea to have the card printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other. Once you receive a business card it is proper to put it in your wallet or a card holder. Since the majority of the people are Roman Catholic (96%) there are clear understandings when the religious holidays are and business meeting will not be held at those times. The people of Venezuela are a religious people and pray to the Virgin mother.

Customs

A firm handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile are the standard greeting. When shaking hands, the people living there always use the appropriate greeting for the time of day. One special priest in the 1800's is still held in the highest regards and is even at the Vatican awaiting canonization into sainthood. There are many religious holidays and celebrations held in Venezuela each year. Trying to have a business in Venezuela is very high risk. The government is a Federal State and Hugo Chavez is the president. There are many hoops to jump through and with the country being a high-context language state the relationship part is very ...