Communication, Conflict, Negotiation and Leadership in Germany Research Paper

Communication, Conflict, Negotiation and Leadership in Germany - Research Paper Example The Hofstede Model identifies cultures based on five dimensions: power distance, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and long-term/short-term orientation (Hofstede, 2001). The models' scores countries on a scale of 0 to 100 and there are comparisons made between and among countries. Hofstede initially made the scores during the 1970s but succeeding grades provided in recent years have proved that the grades are still valid. Additional 200 studies were further made to validate the indexes done by Hofstede. The model could be used in dealing with communication, negotiation, management, business, and marketing in the global scene (Hofstede, 2001). 2.1. Power Distance Power distance dimension refers to the belief of individuals in the lower echelon of the society that power is unequally distributed. Hofstede suggests that inequality is endorsed by the members instead of the leaders. Countries that scored high in power distance maintain all individua ls’ role in the society. In cultures with low power distance, roles have to be defined. Germany has a score of 35 in Hofstede’s power distance which is 36% below the world average and 14% below the U.S. score. The score shows Germany’s decentralized societies and flat organization structures. Most important, Germans are loyal to their employers and would not disclose company-related data to unauthorized groups or people (Workman, 2008). 2.2. Masculinity/Femininity In masculine societies, the important aspects are achievements and success while feminine societies focus on caring for other individuals. Masculine societies do not promote sharing of households between males and females. Also, feminine cultures show men’s involvement in shopping activities (Eurostat, 2002). Germany scored 66 points on masculinity, which is 32% higher than the world average and 6% higher than the U.S. Based on Hofstede’s scores; Germans do value earnings, advancement, mo ney, and recognition. Most Germans value success and their current state as the global performer have been sustained. 2.3. Uncertainty Avoidance The concept of uncertainty avoidance pertains to the reaction of people when dealing with ambiguities. Countries with high scores of uncertainty avoidance require established rules and structures. People in this culture are not open to changes and have low flexibility. Meanwhile, cultures with low uncertainty avoidance operate with few rules and are more open to opinions. Germany’s score in this dimension is 65 points which are 2% higher than the world average and 41% higher than the U.S. This indicates that Germans are less open to risks and are more concerned with security. Most important, Germans are disciplined and insists on strict conduct codes. 2.4. Individualism/Collectivism Individualistic cultures show individuals who focus on their own welfare and their immediate family members.

Myth as (Roman) History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Myth as (Roman) History - Essay Example With a tendency to illustrate stories in terms of black and white, good and evil, exemplary and deplorable, myths manage to capture the basic ideologies of a given culture and paint a picture of what everyday life might have been like within that culture. The way in which the myths changed over time reflect changes in the ideologies of the people telling the stories, editing and changing to suit new or emerging concepts as a result of trade, enlightenment or other factors. To illustrate how changing myths reflect a changing culture while also providing clues to that culture, it is helpful to examine several similar myths that have been preserved for a specific ideological concept. For this study, the concept of rape will be examined through the stories of the Sabine Women, the rape of Lucretia and the rape of Europa to indicate the attitudes of the ancient Romans and Greeks regarding women and feminine issues. The origins of Rome are included in the story of the rape of the Sabine women. According to early accounts, the new Romans were aware that while they had the strength to withstand invasions, they did not have the women necessary to continue their lines into the next generation but offers for marriage sent out to neighboring nations were refused. To overcome this barrier, Romulus and the other Roman men invited several neighboring nations to join them in one of the larger celebrations of Neptune and, when everyone had been gathered, the women were snatched by the Romans while their families and other men were pushed out of the city. Livy (1st cent.) calmly explained how the youths of the city grabbed the girls that were nearest to hand, but that some had already been reserved for the senators and relates how their grief was assuaged by the assurances of Romulus that they would be given full rights of marriage and that the children that would be the inevitable result of the mass rape would reconcile them to their husbands.