Organizational Culture, Observations, and Theory
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SECTION I
Organizational Culture, Observations, and Theory
Religion
Understanding the role of religion in Greece and Italy is central to understanding their respective business cultures. Greece and Italy are renowned for the prevalence of religious influence within their art, culture, and day-to-day lives.
Greeces official state religion is Greek Orthodox Christian, with 98% of the population practicing (U.S. Department of State 2007). Italy, does not sanction an official religion, although 88% of Italians practice Roman Catholicism (U.S. Department of State 2007). Obviously, religion is an important part both cultures (Shwartz, et. al. 1995). Although the era where church and state were not separate have passed, religious nepotism still exists within the organizational cultures of Greece and Italy. (Shwartz, et. al. 1995). The strong religious favoritism of Greeks and Italians will serve as a foundation from which to build upon the “underlying assumptions” of their respective business cultures.
Greeks identify with the Greek Orthodox religion, making it the most religiously unified nation in Europe (U.S. Department of State 2007). Not only do Greeks identify with Greek Orthodoxy, but also their involvement within the religion is omnipresent. Only 3.5% of Greeks do not regularly attend church services (U.S. Department of State 2007). This dedication to their religion plays a significant role in the Greek business landscape (Shwartz, et. al. 1995). From this, an “espoused value” of religion will be present in Greek organizational culture.
Conversely, small numbers of Muslims, Jews, etc. are insignificant relative to the prevailing Greek Orthodox religion (U.S. Department of State 2007). This observation may begin to flesh out the diversity landscape of the business ethos.
Italians have obvious connections to Roman Catholicism. From Vatican City, to historical religious art, Italy has displayed a long Christian religious heritage. Similar to the Greek situation, the Pope no longer holds jurisdiction over Italy, however, Roman Catholicism plays a major role in shaping the organizational culture. (Azkoul, 1994). Like Greece, other religions do not constitute a significant portion of the population (U.S. Department of State, 2007).
Clearly, religion is an integral factor in the organizational cultures of both Greece and Italy. It is a shared “underlying assumption” of the cultures, and can be sensed within Greece and Italys “espoused values,” or philosophies within the workplace. Conducting business between the nations will not prove difficult noting both Greek Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism are based in the same deity and holy doctrine.
Furthermore, the Globe Project Dimensions show striking similarities between Greece and Italy with respect to their Masculinity Index. This partially explains the historically male-oriented Christian religion (Hofstede, 2009). Other Globe Project Dimensions also display similar results in areas that show religion to be a contributing factor, including individuality and power distance. Again, the similarities of the religious roles in the Greek and Italian cultures and the homogeneity of the religions themselves prove commerce between the nations will not be impeded by religious difference.
Tactful treatment of religious subject matter will be sufficient to ensure that members of these religions are not alienated while doing business. It is also important to note that due to the high place that religion has in the cultures of both Greece and Italy, major Christian holidays are observed in both countries.
Takeaway I: A wholesome belief or tolerance for Christianity will pay dividends when conducting business between Greece and Italy.
Family Life, Family Values, and Business Etiquette
Greeks and Italians share similar family lives, collective family values, and business etiquettes. These similarities are seen when consulting the Globe Project Dimensions of Greece and Italy. These dimensions reflect the propensity for citizens of these nations to share similar views on power distances, individualism, and fear of uncertainty (Hofstede, 2009). Greeks, however, are much more apt to favor collectivism (lower individuality score) and fear the unknown more than Italians, things that need to be considered when conducting business across the borders (Hofstede, 2009).
To formulate an intercultural business strategy between Greece and Italy, family life and values are to be primarily considered as they are the basis for social and business structure in each of the nations (“Italy,” “n.d.”).
Family Life and Family Values
In Greece and Italy, the family unit is viewed as extremely important, and is seen as the backbone of Greek and Italian social structure. First, loyalty towards ones family is held above all else; it is the family that is seen as the stabilizing influence in the lives of Greeks and Italians (“Greece,” “n.d”). In both countries, it is common for families to provide emotional and financial support to its members. Second, in Greece and some areas of southern Italy, it is normal for the extended members of families to lend a helping hand in times of need (“Italy,” “n.d”). Lastly, nepotism is a generally accepted practice in Greece. High levels of identification with family members are shown through the relatively low Individuality Index scores of Greece (35) and Italy (65) when compared to a highly individualistic society such as the United States (100) (Hofstede, 2009). These new “underlying assumptions,” built upon the collectivist ideal of Christianity are carried over into the workplace and can be witnessed through the organizational behaviors of Greek and Italian businesspeople.
Business Values and Etiquette
Business is conducted between individuals who know each other on a personal level and share a high level of mutual trust. Deep, meaningful, relationships are created through networking with family members and close friends in Greece and Italy. This is accepted as the predominant method of succeeding in the marketplace. Initial meetings are formal and must be scheduled in advance in both countries. Business matters are commonly placed on hold on until the second or third meeting in order to learn about the family and personal life of colleagues, further emphasizing the role of family and relationship building (“Greece,” “n.d”)(“Italy,” “n.d”).
Societies