Scandinavian Culture
Understanding Scandinavian Culture Through Geert Hofstede's Model of Cultural Differences Scandinavian culture is an interesting mix of rich traditions, history, and breathtaking landscapes. To gain a deeper insight and understanding of this unique cultural makeup, we...
Japanese versus Western Culture
Japanese versus Western culture; What are they? What is considered Western culture? First a list of what we (here at Culture Matters) consider Western countries (possibly skipping a couple): Canada USA UK Netherlands Scandinavia France Germany Northern Italy (not the...
Uncovering the Hidden Depths of Cultural Differences in Business: A Fish Out of Water’s Perspective
Uncovering the Hidden Depths of Cultural Differences in Business: A Fish Out of Water's Perspective The metaphor of a fish out of water is often used to describe a feeling of discomfort or unfamiliarity in a new environment. However, when it comes to...
Culture Matters in Business. Nine More Signs You’re Not Getting It
Culture Matters in Bussiness. It's Culture Stupid [4-mins read] In an earlier article called Nine Signs, You're Not Getting it, I wrote about 9 signs showing that people who work internationally don't always realize that they should pay attention to cultural...
Nordic Culture and Scandinavian
Nordic Culture, Scandinavian, and Swedish Culture. [6-mins] Is this One Region? Americans crossing the Atlantic often say they're going to "Europe", thinking in terms of a region. But of course, Europe is a continent and not one country. Europe is in fact one of the...
How to Shake Hands in Other Cultures
How to Shake Hands in Other Cultures; To Kiss Bow or Shake Hands [3-mins] How often do you kiss if that's the way you greet each other? In Belgium, it is once. In the Netherlands, it is three times. In the USA you air-kiss (kissing when only the cheeks touch...
Most Common Cultural Diversity Mistakes; 9 Signs You’re Not Getting It
The Most Common Cultural Diversity Mistakes [3-mins] These are the most common cultural diversity mistakes we'll cover in this article: The lumberjack syndrome You Think We're All the Same They Don't Get It (but you do) I Just Don't Understand Them Everyone...
Democracy and Cultural Diversity
Democracy and Cultural Diversity [4-min read] This writing is an attempt to explain, from a cultural point of view, why Democracy is not a World Universal "thing". Democratic elections in Pakistan, Russia, Afghanistan, and Burma? The list is far from complete. In the...
Humor in Different Countries
In a previous post on Humor in Different Countries (2012), I tried to make a point about humor not being culturally neutral. (Click here to read it). I don't think there are many people who will disagree with the above point. In order to illustrate the...
