Euromouse Negotiation
Euromouse Negotiation
Mouse Reflection Paper
Lim Jian Hong, Benjamin (A0110508W)
Background of Parties
I was assigned the role of Mouse representative for this Mouse exercise. The primary objective for Mouse heading into the negotiation was to ensure co-operation from the mayors of Chessy, Coupvray, Magny and Bailly. The strategy revolved around financial compensation as a means of dealing with these towns. The approach towards the French government was one based on an assumption of them being supportive of Mouse in the negotiation. Mouse believed that as the government was the deciding authority, they would step in to exercise this power in favor of Mouse if there were to be an impasse.
In the context of the exercise, Mouse was engaged in a negotiation with five other French nationals. Being the only American party caused conflicts with the French due to disparities in the way that the two societies conducted their business dealings. American culture is one that is deeply entrenched in its capitalist roots; this is a stark contrast to socialism in France. Capitalism is characterized by its ‘selfish’ tendencies whereas socialism focuses on the progression of society as a whole. Thus, the fundamental differences in the manner through which the two societies operate were possible causes of conflicts.
Application of Cultural Frameworks
By applying the various cultural frameworks to the French and Americans, it allows for an explanation of why disagreements arose between Mouse, the mayors and the government. As per Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, it is observed that France and United States (US) lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. Thus, it serves as an indication of wide cultural difference between the two societies.
When comparing the power distance dimension, France scored 68 (“What About France,” n.d.) as compared to the US score of 40 (“What About the USA?,” n.d.). The higher score in France indicates that the French are more accepting of a
Mouse Reflection Paper
Lim Jian Hong, Benjamin (A0110508W)
Background of Parties
I was assigned the role of Mouse representative for this Mouse exercise. The primary objective for Mouse heading into the negotiation was to ensure co-operation from the mayors of Chessy, Coupvray, Magny and Bailly. The strategy revolved around financial compensation as a means of dealing with these towns. The approach towards the French government was one based on an assumption of them being supportive of Mouse in the negotiation. Mouse believed that as the government was the deciding authority, they would step in to exercise this power in favor of Mouse if there were to be an impasse.
In the context of the exercise, Mouse was engaged in a negotiation with five other French nationals. Being the only American party caused conflicts with the French due to disparities in the way that the two societies conducted their business dealings. American culture is one that is deeply entrenched in its capitalist roots; this is a stark contrast to socialism in France. Capitalism is characterized by its ‘selfish’ tendencies whereas socialism focuses on the progression of society as a whole. Thus, the fundamental differences in the manner through which the two societies operate were possible causes of conflicts.
Application of Cultural Frameworks
By applying the various cultural frameworks to the French and Americans, it allows for an explanation of why disagreements arose between Mouse, the mayors and the government. As per Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, it is observed that France and United States (US) lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. Thus, it serves as an indication of wide cultural difference between the two societies.
When comparing the power distance dimension, France scored 68 (“What About France,” n.d.) as compared to the US score of 40 (“What About the USA?,” n.d.). The higher score in France indicates that the French are more accepting of a
References: What About France (n.d.). In The Hofstede Centre. Retrieved Sep 22, 2013, from http://geert-hofstede.com/france.html What About the USA? (n.d.). In The Hofstede Centre. Retrieved Sep 22, 2013, from http://geert-hofstede.com/united-states.html