Cultural Influences on Indian and African Business
Cultural Influences on Indian and African Business
Erik T. Ringstad Columbia Southern University
MBA 6631 – Intercultural Management
Dr. Chizoba Madueke
Throughout the progression of this class, a variety of discussions and readings on culture and the effects of culture on business have been addressed and analyzed. The culture diversity found around the world is grand and gaining a better understanding of these differences only further one’s success in the business world. The regions of India and Africa are two areas related in geographical location however contrasts greatly in culture. The articles written by Anirban Dutta and Erik Amoako-Agyei help in explaining the cultural differences between these two regions. In Dutta’s, Bridging the Business Culture with India, the focus of cultural nuances in the business sector of society is highlighted. This article begins with the functionality of time and how it relates to Indian business. According to Dutta, time is very flexible and laid back in the business culture of India. Phone meetings habitually starting late are just one of the many personal encounters Dutta has witnessed. There are, however, reasons and a rationale for the lack of punctuality found in this region. The enormous infrastructure makes it difficult for businesspeople to travel and make meetings on time. There is a high traffic volume found in the cities as well as densely populated areas. This makes it very challenging for individuals to arrive at meetings on time. Another setback is the lack of telecommunications infrastructure. According to Dutta, the lack of phone lines makes it difficult for those engaging in phone based meetings to interact, especially in group meetings. There must be great patience and understanding when dealing with time and punctuality with those in India. It is common for the personality of the Indian businessperson to initially be quiet and reserved. This is a cultural nuance that goes
Erik T. Ringstad Columbia Southern University
MBA 6631 – Intercultural Management
Dr. Chizoba Madueke
Throughout the progression of this class, a variety of discussions and readings on culture and the effects of culture on business have been addressed and analyzed. The culture diversity found around the world is grand and gaining a better understanding of these differences only further one’s success in the business world. The regions of India and Africa are two areas related in geographical location however contrasts greatly in culture. The articles written by Anirban Dutta and Erik Amoako-Agyei help in explaining the cultural differences between these two regions. In Dutta’s, Bridging the Business Culture with India, the focus of cultural nuances in the business sector of society is highlighted. This article begins with the functionality of time and how it relates to Indian business. According to Dutta, time is very flexible and laid back in the business culture of India. Phone meetings habitually starting late are just one of the many personal encounters Dutta has witnessed. There are, however, reasons and a rationale for the lack of punctuality found in this region. The enormous infrastructure makes it difficult for businesspeople to travel and make meetings on time. There is a high traffic volume found in the cities as well as densely populated areas. This makes it very challenging for individuals to arrive at meetings on time. Another setback is the lack of telecommunications infrastructure. According to Dutta, the lack of phone lines makes it difficult for those engaging in phone based meetings to interact, especially in group meetings. There must be great patience and understanding when dealing with time and punctuality with those in India. It is common for the personality of the Indian businessperson to initially be quiet and reserved. This is a cultural nuance that goes