When moving to a different country for business there are many factors to consider regarding the differences in culture, relations, and how business is conducted. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory “addresses differences in how people think, act, and expect others to act” (Swift, 2022). For this assignment, I’m making a comparison between the U.S.A. and Lebanon, as if I was planning to move there for a job assignment.
One of the major differences between the US and Lebanon is the idea of individualism or collectivism, or “the degree to which people act as individuals rather than members of a group” (Swift, 2022). As you can see in the chart above, the US is more of an individualistic culture versus Lebanon being more group oriented. This could appear culturally by people being committed to social obligations for extended family or the welfare of others, whereas in the US, people look out for their own welfare or immediate family needs only(Open edu).
The other major difference when considering a move to Lebanon is that of power distance. Power distance describes “the degree of inequality among people that is considered to be normal” (Swift, 2022). In Lebanon, the power distance is greater, so your place in a hierarchy would be important and those lower in the hierarchy would be expected to listen to those above them. Where as in the US, the power distance is less, meaning there is less emphasis on hierarchy and more emphasis on employees being informed and part of the decision making processes.
As you can see in the chart, the US and Lebanon are similar when it comes to being a stereotypical masculine culture where the difference in gender roles are defined. In addition, both countries have a strong uncertainty avoidance where they prefer security and stability over flexibility and come what may. However, Lebanon is more lax when it comes to having things occur at specific times, where as in the US when you say a certain time, you mean that time. So there are some adaptable measures in how they do business(Open edu).
I think some factors I’d need to consider before taking this position would be identifying people that could support me once I land to help me transition and help translate cultural differences. Also, needing to gain more insight on what kind of management is effective based on the differences between power distance and individualism/collectivism between cultures. I think it’d also be important to be located in an expatriate community to have people from more familiar cultures around me for deeper connection (Molinsky et al, 2009). Additionally, making sure the company sending me was committed to ongoing training, communication and helping me further my career while abroad or returning stateside. These things would definitely need to be a part of the conversation before I’d say yes to moving.
From Beirut to Manhattan. (n.d.). Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.open.edu/openlearn/money-management/management/global-development-management/beirut-manhattan
Molinsky, A., Molinsky, A., Hahn, M., Aron, R., Aron, R., Singh, J. V., Feld, C. S., Feld, C. S., Stoddard, D. B., Flemming, D., Flemming, D., Dorobantu, S., Kennedy, B., Kennedy, B., Wessel, M., & Wessel, M. (n.d.). Three keys to getting an overseas assignment right ^ R0910N. HBR Store. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://store.hbr.org/product/three-keys-to-getting-an-overseas-assignment-right/R0910N
Swift, Michele. “International HRM” Human Resources Management (MGMT_553_X400_S2022), Accessed May 31, 2022. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
