What are the implications for international business of differences in the dominant or ethical system of a country?
Differences in the dominant religion of a country affect relationships, attitudes toward business, and overall economic development. First, differences in religion require inter-cultural sensitivity. This sensitivity requires things like simply knowing the religious holidays, accepting that some unexpected things may happen “because of Allah’s will,” or understanding how interpersonal relationships may be different between “believers” and “non-believers.” (Hence non-believers may be treated differently.) Second, religious beliefs can significantly affect a country’s attitude toward business, work, and entrepreneurship. In one country successfully beating a competitor may be considered a great achievement while in another it may be thought of as showing a lack of compassion, or disruptive to the society and persons involved, both attitudes that may be derived from underlying religious beliefs. Likewise, hard work may be either rewarded positively or viewed as something of secondary impo
Differences in the dominant religion of a country affect relationships, attitudes toward business, and overall economic development. First, differences in religion require inter-cultural sensitivity. This sensitivity requires things like simply knowing the religious holidays, accepting that some unexpected things may happen “because of Allah’s will,” or understanding how interpersonal relationships may be different between “believers” and “non-believers.” (Hence non-believers may be treated differently.) Second, religious beliefs can significantly affect a country’s attitude toward business, work, and entrepreneurship. In one country successfully beating a competitor may be considered a great achievement while in another it may be thought of as showing a lack of compassion, or disruptive to the society and persons involved, both attitudes that may be derived from underlying religious beliefs. Likewise, hard work may be either rewarded positively or viewed as something of secondary impo
