BUS 600 International and Intercultural Essay

Submitted By tenewilliams
Words: 508
Pages: 3

International and Intercultural Communication
Tene′ Williams-Green
BUS 600 Management Communication with Technology Tools
Prof. Sara Garski
03 November 2014

International and Intercultural Communication International and intercultural communication is well explained in Geert Hofstede five cultural dimension. The five cultural dimension includes: power distance, individual or collectivism, masculinity-femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and short-or-long-term orientation. In order to gain a clear understanding of communicating with individuals of another culture, it is pertinent to understand the issues that may arise. International and intercultural communication requires adaption and patience (Baack, 2012). United States of America and Mexico are two countries that share similarities and differences in terms of Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions. According to The Hofstede Centre website, the United Stated of America and Mexico have more cultural dimension differences than similarities. The graph below displays a side by side comparison of United Stated in comparison with Mexico. (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.).

The United Stated and Mexico are similar in masculinity and pragmatism. According to The Hofstede Centre website, “A high score (masculine) on this dimension indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the “winner” or “best-in-the-field” (n.d). Both countries believes that value of childhood and school shapes the success in being masculine. In the area of pragmatism, both countries are considered normative. As shown on the graph above, the United States has a lower power distance, higher individualism, lower uncertainty and indulgences in comparison to Mexico. Mexico is a hierarchical society whereas America is more concern of the power that a person has over another. In the area of individualism, America believes in “liberty and justice for all”. Mexico is considered a collectivistic society which means is more of a group or family decision and based upon relationships. (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.). United States and Mexico would do well if two organizations, one located in each country, decided to become business partners. In order to make the relationship successful, both parties must have effective international