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Similarities Between Canada And Italy

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This paper will discuss the cultural dimensions of two countries. It will describe how they are different and similar and how businesses in each country would do business together. It will also discuss the communications and cost of doing business.
Similarities and Differences Canada and Italy are only truly similar when it comes to individualism with Canada at 80 and Italy at 76. Second in line would be power distance with Canada at 39 and Italy at 50. With regard to the other dimensions, they are different (see below).
• Masculinity: Canada – 52; Italy – 70
• Uncertainty Avoidance: Canada – 48; Italy – 75
• Long Term Orientation: Canada – 36; Italy - 61
• Indulgence: Canada – 68; Italy - 30
For individualism, both countries’ people …show more content…

Italy has a higher score in masculinity so would be “driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the ‘winner’ or ‘best-in-the-field’” (Canada in comparison with Italy) whereas Canada is considered moderately masculine and would still strive for “high standards in performance” (Canada in comparison with Italy). Canadians wouldn’t be as competitive and are concerned with work-life balance. For uncertainty avoidance, Canada (being low) would be more accepting of uncertainty making them more open to “new ideas, innovative products and a willingness to try something new or different” (Canada in comparison with Italy) unlike Italy that would be more rigid and not as open to new ideas or innovation (wanting to stay in the safe zone). For long term orientation, Canada would be more focused on traditions, low propensity to save, and quick results (Canada in comparison with Italy) whereas Italy would be focused on trying something new (more adaptable to change). For indulgence, Canada scored high so would be more apt to have less restraints – more willing have fun, enjoy life, and be optimistic (Canada in comparison with Italy) whereas Italy would have more restraints based on social norms (maintaining …show more content…

While innovation is good, a Canadian company may overspend due to their low uncertainty avoidance – resulting in the cost of a product possibly being higher than it needs to be had they practiced some restraint or the cost being prohibitive to make a profit. At the same time, the Italian company may be too restrictive on costs so it would be up to the Canadian company to be prepared and have their back up to why these costs are justified and when the break-even and then profit point would begin. When it comes to a merger, the Italian company would want to consider the Canadian companies time off policies which may be more generous and which can increase human resource costs. The Italian company may also want to adjust communications to ensure they aren’t coming across as too directive (masculine). The Canadian company, on the other hand, will want to be more decisive in their communications with the Italian company so they come off as more structured. The Italian company would want to consider traditions of the Canadian culture versus pushing a change to them based on the fact that they are more flexible with their traditions. The Canadian company would also want to respect the work ethic of the Italian company and may need to work some extra hours if needed to get the relationship off the ground when it comes to negotiations and/or

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