Embassies and Cultural Competence
Embassies and Cultural Competence This is why it's important. In today’s connected world, embassies are key players in bridging both cultural and political gaps between countries. They not only handle government relations; they’re also at the heart of business,...
Sport and Culture; Why the Dutch Never Make it to the Finals
Sport and Culture; Why the Dutch Never Make It to the Finals I want to explain the main cultural (!) reason why the Dutch never make it to the finals or the end game. In other words, sport and culture. In this article, I will use a football match between the Japanese...
Doing Business in Colombia
Doing Business in Colombia? Why and how!? Colombia has become one of Latin America's hottest spots for international business, especially for American (US) companies. With a growing economy and a GDP of over $370 billion (2023), Colombia is now the fourth-largest...
Cultural Education: Tell me Something I don’t Know
The Importance of Cultural Education: Tell Me Something I Don’t Know As you’ve come to get familiar with my topic on culture and cultural differences within the association community, my statement is: “Nothing is culturally neutral”. So is the case with learning and...
Japanese versus Western Culture
Japanese versus Western culture; What are the differences? First: What is considered to be Western culture? First a list of what we (here at Culture Matters) consider Western countries (possibly skipping a couple): Canada USA UK Netherlands Scandinavia Belgium France...
Doing business in the UK explained (plus examples)
Doing business in the UK When it comes to international business, understanding the cultural differences between countries/regions is crucial for success. Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions will give you a framework for understanding these differences. This will...
Scandinavian Culture & Scandinavian People Traits
Understanding Scandinavian Culture & Scandinavian people traits Through Geert Hofstede's Model of Cultural Differences Scandinavian culture and the Scandinavian people traits are an interesting mix of rich traditions, history, and breathtaking landscapes. To gain...
A Culture of (Global) Compliance in International Banking
A Culture of (Global) Compliance: How Banking Differs (and Stays The Same) Around the World When it comes to banking and financial institutions, despite differences in regulations and currency, one common thread that brings together all wealth managers and banks...
The Hidden Depths of Cultural Differences in Business
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...
