I need 2 critiques in regard to each of the essays below fitting the following reqs:

• What did you learn from your classmate’s posting?
• What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
• What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
• What differences or similarities do you see between your posting and other classmates’ postings?

120 words min in each 1-3 paragraphs per essay

Essay #1

For a business venture in another country to be effective one must know the normality’s of that country. We have chosen to do business with France and will discuss their economic, political, educational, family, and marital systems. France has the world’s fifth-largest economy and the second-largest economy in Europe. Frances utilizes a mixed model of liberal, capitalist and social economies. Their mode of currency is the EURO which is the mode of currency throughout the European Union (“France Economy: Facts, Population, GDP, Unemployment, Business, Trade”, 2014).

Frances political system is multifaceted, beginning with a President. There have been 5 republics of France with four of them having a president as their head of state, making theirs the oldest presidency that exists in Europe. The chief executive of France is known as the prime minister and is elected by the majority vote in the National Assembly. The National Assembly is the lower of the two congressional houses; the higher house is called the Senate. There are two predominate political parties in France, one left wing and one right wing. The left wing is known as the French Socialist Party and the right wing is known as the Popular Movement Party. In terms of Judiciary, France uses a system known as “Civil Legal” where judges are only allowed to interpret the law, not make it. Their rules of law were laid out in what is known as the Napoleonic Code (“French Political System”, 2014).

The education system in France mirrors that of the United States. The differences are that their elementary school is known as primary school and middle school and high school are known as Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary School. Their higher education is also a dual system with universities and proprietary schools (“Education System in France”, 2013). Starting a family in France is a fairly streamlined process due to their healthcare system, Casse d’Assurance Maladie or CAM. Births are covered with no cost due to this system. Mothers are allowed 24-48 weeks off dependent on how many children are delivered with in house childcare or nanny services provided (“French Family Life”, 2014). France is unbiased in relation marital status; both heterosexual and same sex marriages are allowed In France through a civil ceremony which is the legally binding marital ceremony. When there is a religious ceremony in France it follows the civil ceremony either immediately or a few days after (“Wedding in France”, 2014).

There are primarily five types of social hierarchies in France. These hierarchies breakdown as Upper Class, Upper Middle Class, Lower Middle Class, Working Class and Lower Class. These classifications are based on education levels and salaries. Social Interactions in France can be complex depending on the type of interactions. The formal dress code in France is less intense than that of the United States. Most French citizens have a stiff posture however and are proud of their language and treat it with reverence. Conformity with rules, regulations and certain hours is placed with high value as well.

When addressing a citizen one must be sure to use the salutations of either Monsieur or Madame. In addition most interactions that are either social or professional require a specific greeting and parting phrase. One should also expect a handshake or kiss upon the first day contact and when parting company. One should also be prepared for intense discussions on various topics including current and political events, even controversial top are in fact preferred and considered social banter (“France: A Cultural Primer”, 2014).

My recommendation of management style would be a respectful, democratic style due to the intricacies of their rituals and hierarchical systems. Also, the communication barrier would need to be considered buy utilizing an effective translation system or the manager should be compensated for knowing or learning the French language. It goes without saying that if you wish to do business within another country then you should understand that country and their intricacies. I fully believe in the saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

Essay #2

· If your company was to do business in your chosen country, what kind of social hierarchies and social interactions should you be aware of?

The country that I have chosen to do business is Germany. This economy and social standards of the population are known as hard working and values that are important to each member of the country. The social hierarchy in Germany starting with Upper class is the most social class. The authority and influential power of the upper class were the most prominent.

· What kind of management style would you use to be most effective given the cultural attributes of the country?

Business and punctuality is very important to the corporate culture. Germans are known to be very competitive, good negotiators and take business very seriously. They value their privacy so a very strict management style would be best. Communication and advising of all expectations would be expected and valued.

· How would you overcome the barriers to communication?

Communication is very important with any business and ensuring that there are no miscommunication of expectations can be challenging. First off, ensuring there are bilingual members of the team to help ensure all expectations are communicated in an accurate way. Speaking clearly and slowly, seeking clarification if there is something misunderstood. Do not use slang or any other types of body language to try to communicate. This can be very upsetting along with misconstrued from other employees. Most of all being patient and learning the language is most helpful for anyone that is working in the company for any length of time.

· Do you agree with the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” when it comes to doing business with another country?

Actually I do agree with the term “When in Rome, do as the Romans do, because I believe it shows respect and integrity that you take the time to learn the culture along with the business practices of the population. The German population takes pride in their work, along with taking business very seriously. Learning the various traditions, customs can be very enlightening along with teaching some of your own traditions and business practices can be accepted a little easier from other employees when they see you have put the effort of learning theirs.