Individuals in Society: Cultural Differences in the Development of The Channel Tunnel

This presentation explores the cultural differences between English and French managers in the development of The Channel Tunnel. It discusses Hofstede's Four Cultural Dimensions and highlights the challenges faced by both nations. It also examines the benefits of the Channel Tunnel for international business. The presentation concludes with the importance of understanding cultural differences and the potential for growth and improvement.

INDIVIDUALS IN SOCIETY

Table of Content
• Introduction
• Hofstede's Four Cultural Dimensions
• Challenges Faced by Nations
• Benefits of Channel for International Business
• Conclusion
• References

Individuals in society are quite different when it comes to working on a project with people
who are culturally different. Hence, it becomes necessary to craft out difference between
cultures of the individuals in order to understand factors influencing their performance
within the project. Hence, in this context, the presentation is related to development of The
Channel Tunnel and difference between cultures of English and French managers related to
the project.
Introduction

 Power Distance: This refers to the extent of distribution of power and acceptance
level of subordinates for its unevenness. The French managers in this context
showed higher power distance because as per the case study, autonomy was clearly
evident in decision making, which was lower in British managers comparatively.
 Individualism Vs. Collectivism: In relation to British managers, they were quite
collective as viewpoints of individuals associated with the project were
appropriately considered while performing an activity. In comparison, a rather
individualism was shown in French managers as there was no mutual adjustment as
well as no provision of feedback.
Hofstede's Four Cultural Dimensions

 Uncertainty Avoidance: British Managers are quite risk taking, as they were quite
procedural. In comparison, a prior knowledge was gathered and acquired by French
managers before beginning with the project, reflecting higher degree of avoidance
of uncertainty.
 Masculinity Vs. Femininity: It reflects the level of competition or cooperation that
motivates the workforce. In context of British managers, they are motivated by
feedbacks as well as mutual adjustments, which reflects their motivation through
cooperation. On the other hand, French managers are motivated through
competition and prefer working in a competitive environment.
Continue...

There are several challenges which were faced by both the nations in relation to
development of The Channel Tunnel. Some of these challenges are briefly mentioned
below:
 Depletion: One of the major challenges which were faced by both the nations was that
it became complex to operate for managers as older engines were used, which produced
high steam, making it difficult for the workforce to breath under those circumstances.
Challenges Faced by Nations

 Safety: This challenge was related to the safety of the tunnel as drivers were
required to operate on regular streams throughout the tunnel that could have
produced high risks.
Continue...

The Channel Tunnel also represented certain effective benefits for international business
that are explained as under:
 Speed: One of the major benefits of the Channel Tunnel is speed, which is
reflected from the fact that the distance of travelling of individuals and goods could
now be competed at a faster duration.
Benefits of Channel for International Business

 Trade: Due to such appropriate
transportation and speed, the
procurement and delivery of goods
could commence at higher quantities,
which facilitated trade within the two
regions effectively and ensured
effective commerce and enhancement
of business activities.
Continue...

Thus, it is concluded from the report below that it is important that individuals in society are
differentiated on the basis of their cultures to ensure higher understanding of different
organisations, their managers and individuals on basis of distribution of power, competition,
risk taking and collectivism. Lastly, there have been several challenges and benefits of
development of the Channel Tunnel, which explores scope of improvement as well as high
growth opportunities.
Conclusion

 Davis, L., 2019. Growth, inequality and tunnel effects: A formal mode. Journal of
Happiness Studies. 20(4). pp.1103-1119.
 Fellows, R. and Liu, A., 2016. Sensemaking in the cross-cultural contexts of projects.
International journal of project management. 34(2). pp.246-257.
References

Thank you