CCM: Singapore and Mexico Business - Cultural Management Issues

This presentation provides a comparative analysis of cross-cultural management between Singapore and Mexico, highlighting key cultural differences, value systems, and communication styles. It examines the impact of Confucian and Catholic religious influences on business practices in each country, respectively. The presentation includes two business scenarios involving Singaporean and Mexican companies, offering recommendations for navigating potential cultural clashes. It further analyzes leadership styles and Hofstede's cultural dimensions for both countries, emphasizing the role of culture in international business and its effects on HR strategies. The presentation concludes by stressing the importance of understanding cultural differences for effective management and HR practices. Desklib provides this presentation and many other solved assignments for students.

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Cross Cultural Management
Singapore and Mexico

Introduction
• Republic of Singapore
• Capital City: Singapore
• Surface Area: 719 Km2
• Population: 5612000
• Currency: Singapore dollars
(1.5266=1 EUR)
• Religion: Mostly Buddhism
• Languages: English, Chinese,
Malays, and Indian
• United Mexican States
• Capital City: Mexico City
• Surface Area:1964375 km2
• Population: 123518000
• Currency: Mexican Pesos
( 21.4447MXN=1EUR)
• Religion: Mostly Christians
• Languages: Spanish

Cultural differences
• Singapore
• Important definition: Confucian concepts
of are dominant in the country.
• Most Popular Sport: Cricket, Soccer,
Basketball and Golf
• Clothing: Long sleeve shirt and a tie is
not compulsory while women wear light-
weight attire.
• Important facts:
– GDP per capita 57714.30 USD (2017).
– Chinese and Indian Singaporean are more
profit oriented compared to Malays
– Lowest levels of corruption in public sector
– Gift giving is discouraged. It viewed as bribe
(countryeconomy.com, 2018)
• Mexico
• Important definition: Catholic religious
concept dominant the country’s
culture and practices.
• Most popular sport: Football, Baseball,
Bull fighting, Mesoamerican ballgame
• Clothing: Men wear ties while women
wear formal business attires.
• Important Facts;
– GDP per Capita is 9319 USD (2017).
– High level of corruption in the public
sector
– Gift giving is highly accepted
(countryeconomy.com, 2018)

Value System
Singapore
• Harmony
• Respect
• Care
• Integrity
• Mixed religions.
Singaporeans dislike taking
about their religion.
Mexico
• Trust
• Close Relationship with
family
• Over 90% of the population
are Christians and over 80%
are Catholics. Religion
impacts how Mexican
engage, build families, work
days and get married.

Direct Vs Indirect Communication
Singapore
• There is indirect communication. They pay
attention to posture, expression, and tone
• Speaking loudly is rude.
• English is the official business language. English
is spoken with Singaporean accent and there is
foreign influence.
• No close physical contact for stranger. Only
reserved for close friends.
• Pointing by index figure is viewed as rude.
• Silence is purposeful and important part of
communication.
• It considered offensive and disrespectful to
touch someone’s head (Wu and Ang, 2011).
(Cultural Atlas, 2019).
Mexico
• Mexicans are indirect communicators.
• There is use of diminutives language style
when conveying a meaning in more
affectionate or softer way.
• English is spoken with Spanish accent but
the official business language is Spanish.
• There is prolonged eye contact.
• Stand too close to one another when
talking.
• There use of excessive arms and hands
gestures through conversation.
(Cultural Atlas, 2019).

Scenario 1.
• The GIC want to invest in
Mexico’s energy sector
through Pemex.
• The GIC targets Pemex
Corporation following the
legislation reforms on energy
in Mexico.
• The meeting to be held in
Mexico.
(Ft.com, 2018)

Recommendations for Scenario 1
• Arrive in the meeting early
for good impression.
• Allow small talks to precede
especially when a serious
decision has to be made.
• The meeting might be very
passionate and emotional
but that should not be
considered unprofessional.

Leadership Style
Singapore
• Autocratic style of
Leadership
• Leaders decision is final and
involves a lot of
consultation.
• Attitude towards managers
is formal
• There is close monitoring of
employees.
Mexico
• Autocratic leadership style
• Decision making is highly
hierarchical
• There is strong
management employee
relationship based on
loyalty and little supervision
is required.

Scenario 2.
• Singapore's wealth fund GIC teams up with
Mexican based Compass Group and CIM
Group to operate and develop rent multi
family buildings in Mexico.
• What if the Mexican make a decision
without having to consult Singaporeans.
• The Singaporeans may not directly
disagree with the decision and it proposals
to avoid being interpreted as rejecting.
• Singaporeans may not like challenging the
authority.
(IPE, 2018)

Recommendations for Scenario 2
• The meeting should be
calm and participates
polite.
• Don’t fill silence periodic
moments as it time for
Singaporeans to
contemplate what is said.
• Encourage Singaporeans
to ask questions.

Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture
Comparison