1. Using Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions as a point of reference, what are some of the main cultural differences between the United States and France? According to Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions there are following cultural differences between United States and France: In United States there is less power distance than in France. As we can see labors refused to work for Euro Disney in France but In USA Disney faced less labor problem. In France low-uncertainty-avoidance exists than USA, Frenchmen are reluctant to work if only they are requested to cut their pony-tail.
In France femininity is present and on the other hand masculinity is present in USA. United State culture is very high in masculinity index while France lacks this index. United State culture is much more individualistic than that of France. 2. In what way has Trompenaar’s research helped explain cultural differences between the United States and France? According to Trompenaars there are cultural differences between the American and French culture. The four organizational cultures are: Family Culture – A culture that is characterized by a strong emphasis on hierarchy and orientation to the person.
Eiffel Tower Culture – A culture that is characterized by strong emphasis on hierarchy and orientation to the task. Guided Missile Culture – A culture that is characterized by a strong emphasis on equality in the workplace and orientation to the task. Incubator Culture – A culture that is characterized by a strong emphasis on equality and orientation to the person. In the case I found that the Americans belief in particularism on the other hand Communitarianism is practiced in France.
USA is more achievement oriented, is Guided Missile Culture. France is e is more subdued, laid back, is Eiffel Tower Culture. The bureaucratic organization could be found in a French organization. 3. In managing its Euro Disneyland operations, what are the three mistakes that the companymade? Explain. A mistake Euro Disneyland has made is the lack of understanding of the French culture. The decision to offer wine in Euro Disneyland restaurants was essential to meet the needs of this French culture.
Another mistake of management was the lack of communication with the French farmers, politicians, villagers, and even bankers. A third mistake was excessive pricing for admission into the park, hotels, and food purchases. French prefer a more Victorian style to the theme park. 4. Based on its experience, what are the three lessons the company should have learned about how to deal with diversity? Whenever starting a business in other country manager should do some marketing research. Through the research manager should know what do local customer needs and prefer.
It is important to understand food consumption patterns, and preferences of various multi-market segments throughout Europe. Management should have adapted restaurants to tastes, preferences, customs, and practices of the French culture. Management should have recognized that fireplaces would create a warmer atmosphere and should have been part of the initial design. Finally, the preopening menu of spare ribs to be eaten without silverware should have been reconsidered. The French like to use silverware when they eat.
