Today the Study Abroad group for Costa Rica had a very interesting seminar with Professor Roberto Fernandez about Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension.

During this seminar, the Study Abroad Costa Rica group learned about Hofstede’s studies, and how efficient they are after more than forty years of its release. These cultural dimensions can be very efficient when applied to business decisions and can make a difference between a successful business decision or a total failure.

In order for any business professional to benefit from these cultural dimensions it is important to follow a process:

-Individual study of the culture that is subject of interest

-Group study of the subject of interest

-Management discussion about the results of the study

As a complement, we watched several instructional videos about how to do business in different countries,  etiquette and behavior during business transactions in  Germany,  Brazil, China and Japan.

-From Germany we learned that they are very punctual, they believe in contracts, and use professional business attire.

-From Brazil we learned that they are very proud of their culture and language. A visa is required to enter the country, which differentiates them from many other Latino counties, and they are very fashionable.

-From China we learned they believe more in long term relationship that are mutually beneficial than contracts.

-From Japan we learned they believe on saving face and making sure they are not exposed or embarrassed by their business partner.

After the seminar, the group got to go out to a karaoke restaurant, have dinner, and sing the night away.