BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623

Comparing the Colombian versus the German Culture

Introducing a cultural artefact: the Colombian Emeralds

The emerald stone is strongly linked to Colombias national identity and is an item that the country is most proud about. It symbolizes the prestige and wealth that Colombia offers to the world. Colombia is by far the worlds largest producer of emeralds and is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records with the largest emerald in the world at 7,025 carats (Fine Colombian Emeralds, LLC 2011). According to Bonnie Hamres article Emerald of Colombia, emeralds from Colombia set the highest standard of quality worldwide. The unique beauty of a Colombian emerald lies in its intense colour and visual recognition of structure and size. The most important characteristics of these precious stones are the purity of the emerald and the visual transparency. The more vivid its green colour, the more valuable is the emerald. The colour green also has significant meaning in many other cultures and religions. For example, it is the holy colour of Islam and it also holds a high status in the Catholic Church. Green is a colour that identifies Colombia as much as the colours of its flag. It is the green of the native grassland, the mountains and natural reserves, the Amazonian forest and the dense jungle (Proexport Colombia 2012). The green colour of the emerald is so unique, that there is a colour, which Colombians call emerald green. Colombian emerald has been mined and traded across Central and South America by the aboriginal Indians, long before the early Spanish settlers appeared. Tribes such as the Mayans, Aztecs, Toltecs, and Incas, as well as the

BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623 Chibchas used the precious gemstones mainly for ceremonial ornaments (Roskin 2003). The emerald has been treasured as a symbol of eternal spring and immortality. According to an Indian mythology, stated in the homepage of Esmeralda Gems Inc, the name emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as marakata, meaning the green of growing things. The name as we know it now is believed to have come from an ancient Greek word, translated into Latin as smaragdus, and eventually over time, evolved in to emerald. Before the Colombian mines were discovered the only known source of emeralds for Europe and Asia were Cleopatras Egyptian deposits. After the discovery the Egyptian emeralds were considered to be only of historical significance (Esmeralda Gems Inc 2010). The emerald gemstone is a birthstone of May, and symbolizes Loyalty, Faithfulness and Love. It is said to be a stone dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Beauty, and to give its possessor a power to express the sincerity of his/her love. It is a traditional gift for weddings and anniversaries and thought to be essential to everlasting love by couples, but are also said to change colour in times of infertility (Wickell 2012). The price of an emerald depends on the quality and rarity. The quality is measured based on the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat), like diamonds. The price for lower quality emeralds can range from $10-$80 per carat. Emeralds of commercial quality, those which can be found in most emerald jewelleries, prices vary greatly and can reach a few thousand dollars per carat, based on the size and the 4Cs. Beyond that, very fine emeralds are priced from $1,000-$50,000 per carat (Embassy Emeralds 2007). Many of the gold and emerald encrusted items the indigenous tribes created are displayed in the Museo del Oro and in the The International Emerald Museum in Bogota. There are three main Emerald mining areas in Colombia: Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor, in the north-western part of departamento of Boyaca and Cundinamarca (Proexport Colombia 2012).

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Introducing history)

the

two

countries

(facts,

figures

and

1.1

Colombia

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador, Venezuela). The country is located in Northern South America between Panama and Venezuela and it is the only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea (CIA 2012). Spanish is the official language and spoken throughout the country, but there is also a variety of Indigenous languages. The main religion in Colombia is Roman Catholic with 90% of the population, 9% includes Protestants, Jewish, Muslim and Mormon. Only 1% of the population still follow Indigenous religions. Colombias major ethnic group are mestizos (58%), following by 20% white, 14% mulatto, 4% black, 3% mixed black-Amerindian, 1% Amerindian (CIA 2012). Colombias government is a republic with one of the oldest democracy traditions in Latin America (CIA 2012). With over 46 million people Colombia has the second largest population of any Spanish-speaking countries in the world, after Mexico. Colombia is a middle power, and now has the fourth largest economy in Latin America, and the third largest in South America. (Caribean Islands News 2012).

1.2

Germany

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic and is located in west-central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland (CIA 2012). The official language of the country is German. With 34% each, Protestant and Roman Catholic are the main religion, but there is also 3.7% Muslim and 28.3% unaffiliated or other. Germanys inhabitants consist of: 91.5% Germans, Turkish

BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623 2.4%, other 6.1% (e.g. Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian and Spanish). With 81.8 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous country of all the member states in the European Union. Germany is one of the major political and economic powers of the European continent and a historic leader in many theoretical and technical fields (CIA 2012). Germanys economy by nominal GDP is 4th largest in the world and it is the third largest exporter and importer of goods. The country has developed a very high living standard and features a comprehensive system of social security.

Intercultural Communication
As per Halls Context Model, Colombia is classified as a high context-culture and this is characterized by an indirect approach in communication (Costalas 2009). Colombians care what others might think or how they may react whilst communicating, so they are careful not to offend (Culture Crossing 2012). Because of this, it is common that you may have to read between the lines to understand what is being communicated as Colombians are often reserved about sharing their opinion. Often it is recommended to use a similar indirect approach when dealing with Colombians in order to avoid a negative perception, like being rude or pushy (Katz 2008). Once a strong relationship has been established, communication may become more direct and honest. Katz (2008) also adds, that in business situations people tend to be more direct than in formal or social environments and if they dont like a proposal, it is not a problem to say no. Colombians often use lively gestures and body language in order to underline what is being said and depending on the region it can be stronger. Eye contact should be very frequent, as this conveys sincerity and helps build trust. As per Mead et al. (2009), Germany is classified as a low-context culture that follows the ideal to be honest, even if it hurts. Honesty is appreciated and expected. Germans have the most direct communication in the world and dont use much context surroundings. They like to be very clear and tend to talk about facts all of the time. They try to avoid being misunderstood in any case.

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Cultural differences according to Hofstedes Cultural Framework

1.3

Power Distance

Colombia shows a large degree of power distance on the scale of Hofstedes Power Distance Index (67). Inequality of status and wealth in Colombian society has long been tolerated as a social norm and therefore accepted as a way of life. These inequalities created a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification (Hofstede 2012). For example, most Colombian companies tend to be very hierarchical, and people are expected to work within clearly established lines of authority. Germany on the other hand is among the lower power distance countries (scored at 35), as a highly decentralised society and supported by a strong middle-class. Germany does not have a large gap between the wealthy and the poor, but have a strong belief in equality for each citizen (Law Teacher 2012). In Germany, subordinates are expected to be consulted. A direct and participative communication is common.

1.4

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Colombia is among the most collectivistic cultures in the world, hence belonging to a group and aligning yourself with that groups opinion is very important (Hofstede 2012). Before closing any deals, Colombians often find it highly essential to establish strong bonds, build lasting and trusting personal relationships. People in Colombia usually want to do business with people they already know, like and trust (Katz 2008). Looking at the German society on the other hand, it is an individualistic one. Hofstede explains that families in Germany tend to be small and more focused on the parent-relationship rather than aunts and uncles and extended family. In Germany people focus more on personal achievements and individual rights. Germans expect that each person fulfils his/her own needs. Group work is important, but everyone has the right of his/her own opinion and is expected to reflect those.

1.5

Masculinity vs. Femininity

Colombias society is a very masculine society. Colombians are driven and competitive, success and status orientated. Likewise, Germany is a masculine

BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623 society. Performance is highly valued and required from early on in education (Hofstede 2012).

1.6

Uncertainty Avoidance

Colombia's highest Hofstedes Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance, ranked at 80. The country has adopted strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations in order to minimize or reduce the level of uncertainty and to avoid the unexpected. However, rules are not necessarily followed, depending on the opinion of the group, if the rules are applicable to their members (International Business Centre 2012). Germany is also among the uncertainty avoidant countries, scored at 67 (Hofstede 2012). Germany favours stability and avoids risk. In order to avoid the uncertainty, Germans like to plan everything carefully and rely strongly on rules, regulations and laws (Law Teacher 2012).

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner: The Car Accident

Trompenaars and Hampdens case scenario The Car Accident leads to the identification of whether a country represents a Universalism or Particularism Culture. According to Meadow et al. (2010), the Universalist approach is: what is good and right can be defined and always applies. Whereas the particularists approach, gives far more attention to the obligation of relationships and unique circumstances. In the Car Accident scenario, you will be confronted with the dilemma of whether to follow the good and right way or to bend the truth put your friendship first. According to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turners research, Germany has been classified among the countries with a Universalistic cultural approach. In Germany there is a strong connection between laws/regulations and practices. Rules and discipline give stability to life and reduce uncertainty; however work and career tend to be over regulated. Sticking to the rules is seen as professional behaviour in the world of work and career. In general, Germans display compliance to the authorities; they are reliable, with a strong sense of responsibility and expect others to behave the same. They are often serious in nature and in business and tend to be ridged in their mannerisms (especially in

BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623 careers, demanding power roles). Because of this, Germans are often perceived as being uptight. The opposite can be said for Colombians, the reason being that Colombia a particularistic culture. Judgments in Colombia tend to focus on the nature of the present circumstances, rather than the general rule. Colombians would not think twice before helping a good friend. Trompenaars certain way. and Hampden-Turners Dimensions of Culture help us to

understand the difference in cultures and why some people behave or react in a

References

Caribean Islands News (2012) About Colombia. [Online] Available from: http://caribbeanislandsnews.com/about-colombia/ 2012]. [Accessed 5th November

BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623 CIA (2012) The Worldfactbook: Colombia. [Online] Available from:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/co.html [Accessed 5th November 2012]. Cleary Cultural (2009) Individualism. Making Sense of Cross Cultural from: Communication:

[Online] Available

http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-

hofstede-cultural-dimensions/individualism/ [Accessed 6th November 2012].

Costalas, G. (2009) Profile Issues in Theachers Professional Development: Intercultural Communication between Colombian and American Teachers in Colombian Institutions. [Online] Available from: http://www.scielo.org.co/scielo.php?pid=S165707902009000100011&script=sci_arttext [Accessed 6th November 2012]. Culture Crossing (2012) A community built guide to cross-cultural etiquette &

understanding.
[Accessed 6th November]

[Online]

Available

from:

http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=8&CID=46

Embassy Emeralds (5th September 2007) How much are emeralds worth per carat? [Online] Available from: http://embassyemeralds.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/how-much-are-emeralds-worthper-carat.html [Accessed 14th October 2012]. Esmeralda Gems Inc. (2010) History of Emeralds. [Online] Available from: http://www.colombian-emerald.com/historyofemeralds.aspx October 2012]. Fine Colombian Emeralds LLC (2011) Emerald: the Queen of the Gems . [Online] Available from: http://www.finecolombianemeralds.com/index.php?pid=1 [Accessed 8th October 2012]. Hamre, B. (2012) Emeralds of Colombia: Magical green fire - often more valuable then 8th October 2012]. Hofstede, G. (2012) National Culture. [Online] Available from: http://geerthofstede.com/colombia.html [Accessed 5th November 2012]. Diamonds. [Online] http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/Colemeralds.htm [Accessed [Accessed 14th

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International Business Centre (2012) Colombia Business, Etiquette, Culture and Manners. [Online] Available from: http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/colombia.htm [Accessed 9th November] Katz, L. (2008) Negotiating International Business Colombia. [Online] Available from: http://www.globalnegotiationresources.com/cou/Colombia.pdf [Accessed 6th November]. Law Teacher (2012) Reasons for the failure of an assignment abroad and the pre-return of an employee. [Online] Available from: http://www.lawteacher.net/publiclaw/essays/reasons-for-the-failure-of-an-assignment-abroad-and-the-pre-return-of-anemployee-public-law-essay.php [Accessed 6th November]

Mueseo de la Esmeralda (2012) The History of the Emerald. [Online] Available from: http://www.museodelaesmeralda.com.co/nosotros/ resena-historica-de-laesmeralda/?lang=en [Accessed 14th October 2012]. Proexport Colombia (2012) The Green Spell of Colombian Emeralds . [Online] Available from: http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/sightseeingwhat-to-do/recommended-tourist-attractions-special-reports/the-green-spell-ofcolombian-emeralds [Accessed 10th October 2012]. Roskin, G. (1st May 2003) Colombian Emerald: Jewel of the Month. Jewelers Circular Keystone. [Online] Available from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1101176734.html [Accessed 10th October 2012]. Wickell, C. (2012) Emerald, May Birthstone: Emerald Facts and Folklore . [Online] Available from: http://jewelry.about.com/cs/emeralds/a/emeraldjewelry.htm [Accessed 10th October 2012)