Reference no: EM132845038

Assessment - "The Practical Application of Culture Theory: Bogotá, Colombia."

Assessment task: Background

You work for an importer of leather footwear, that supplies consumers in two market segments:
• the walking/hiking markets (walking boots), and
• riding boots and leather saddles

Up until now, your suppliers were in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, but since the UK left the EU, it has been decided that you can longer rely on these suppliers due to complications with Brussels. Consequently, just before the end of last year, the Senior Management undertook a strategic market research study to identify new suppliers. One supplier has been found, based in Bogotá, Colombia, and next month the MD and Production Director will travel to Bogotá to spend two weeks with the company, viewing their production line and seeing whether you could go into a partnership arrangement with this company.

The Task
You are required to write a 3,000 essay that addresses the following question:

"How might you use the Hofstede theory of Cultural Dimensions to prepare the two senior managers for their stay in Bogotá?

Presentation
You MUST present your report in the following format:

Section A) The Hostede Theory
Critically analyse the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Model

Section B) Comparison of Colombia and the UK
Within the theoretical framework in section A, undertake a comparative analysis of both Colombia and the UK, in terms of the six dimensions mentioned by Hofstede: Power-Distance Index (PDI), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), Long-term Orientation (LTO), and Indulgence/restraint (IND)

Section c) Differences and Potential Problems
Show how the major differences you have identified (in section B), might present problems when working together, and what you would do to minimise/eliminate these problems

Section d) References and Presentation

Style
Your report should use the following style for BOTH of the above sections:
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12
• Line spacing: 1.15
• Referencing: use the Harvard style (eg, Swift, 2021) in the text, and then present the full references in alphabetical order at the end.
• Do not use footnotes

Learning outcome 1: Undertake a critical analysis of the theory, concepts, and models of cross-cultural interaction
Learning outcome 2: Appreciate different cultural identities and their impact upon business practice in the areas of leadership, decision-making, communications, and negotiation.
Learning outcome 3: Work independently and/or as part of a group, to examine cross-cultural management issues
Learning outcome 4: Understand ethical challenges faced by managers when working in a cross-cultural environment

• Apply planning, organisation, decision-making, and time management skills appropriate for use in an organisational context.
• Experiment and develop personal initiative and responsibility in undertaking complex investigations in the solving of organisational problems and issues
• Critically analyse and apply key ideas and concepts via comprehensive research relevant both to the subject area and to professional practice in the field
• Develop and enhance individually and/or collaboratively effective written and oral communication skills for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

• Leads by example (the group report)
• Judgement and challenge (individual assignment AND group report)
• Courage and curiosity (the group report)
• Valuing differences (the group report)
• Professionalism (the group report)

Aim 1. To present the theory, concepts and models of cross-cultural interaction

Aim 2. To examine the different cultural identities and ways in which these influence management practice in the areas of leadership, decision-making, communications, and negotiation

Aim 3. To facilitate the development of an appreciation of different cultural attitudes towards ethics in international business operations

Aim 4. To develop participants' ability to work on their own and/or with others in preparation for employment in the international business environment.