Analyzing Cultural Nuances: Overcoming Business Challenges Globally

This essay examines the role of culture in international business, focusing on the challenges companies face when expanding into different nations. It highlights the importance of understanding local cultures, using South Africa, France, and Tokyo as case studies. The essay discusses specific cultural challenges such as skepticism towards foreigners in South Africa, the emphasis on formality and luxury in France, and the demanding customer preferences in Tokyo. It also touches on aspects like age and status considerations and business etiquette in Japan. The essay emphasizes that companies need to deeply understand and respect local cultures to succeed in international markets. Desklib offers this essay and many other resources for students.

International Management
Group number –
Names –
STU numbers -

Introduction
 There are various companies around the
world who establish their businesses in
different nations but face the issue related
to the different culture that persists there.

Role of culture in international business
 International culture is a major driver of
global businesses as it has a major impact
on the way business in conducted
differently in varied locations of the
world.

South African Culture
 The economy of the South Africa is
controlled by big companies which have
small and less developed sectors.

Cultural challenges in South Africa
 Foreign companies can plan to establish
their business in the country for a short as
well as medium period of time by taking
the advice of local legal adviser as the
people are sceptical about foreigners.

France culture
 If company wants to start its business in
France then their main focus should be on
the French culture and its deep seated
understanding.

Cultural challenges in France
 The final decision making power for the
business mostly lies in the hand of top
level management and company needs to
focus on being more formal and
professional for establishing business in
France as the people there appreciate
luxury and sophisticated demeanour
which can be a tricky challenge.

Tokyo culture
 There is extreme difficulty when
initiating business in Japan in the Tokyo
region as the customers of Japan are very
demanding at times and they also have
different taste and preferences as
compared to other country's customers in
terms of clothes, foods, technologies and
basic needs and wants

Cultural challenges in Tokyo
 Age and status
 Little daily rules
 Japanese business etiquette

References
 Cicchelli, V., 2018. Plural and shared: the sociology of a cosmopolitan world. In Plural and
Shared: The Sociology of a Cosmopolitan World. Brill.
 Hino, N., 2018. EIL education for the expanding circle: A Japanese model. Routledge.
 Hou, N., and et.al., 2018. Cross-cultural training effectiveness: Does when the training is
delivered matter?. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 65, pp.17-29