Intercultural skills

As the manager of an American company you have to negotiate a business deal with the representatives of a potential distributor in your selected country.  Intercultural skills are critical for a successful international experience so you consider collecting information regarding the local culture before your departure.

Organize your Country Report as following:

• Introduce your country: Location, size, economy, any special characteristic, etc.

• Briefly describe the economic environment: GDP, GNP, growth rate, Exports/Imports, PPP measures, employment etc.

• Social-Cultural Environment: Demographics, Education/Skills, Norms and behaviors.

• Government; Ethics and corruption (https://www.transparency.org/)

• Use Hofstede framework and the cultural dimensions.

o https://geert-hofstede.com/national-culture.html

o https://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html

1. Select 2 dimensions detailed in Hofstede’s framework to describe your assigned country.  Provide country specific examples to support your answer.

2. Provide a recommendation on indicating how the Hofstede cultural characteristic you identified will positively or negatively impact the negotiation process.

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• Market Entry Strategy

o Determine the “attractiveness” of the country.

o Select Entry Mode(s): Export, Countertrade, Turnkey project, Management Contract, Licensing, Franchising, Joint Venture, etc.

o Location, Capital Requirements

• If you decide not to enter the market, provide reasons for your decision and fully support it with data and analysis.