National Cultural Dimensions System †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the National Cultural Dimensions System. Answer: Introduction: Thomas Friedman in his concept of globalisation highlighted three distinct stages. First stage focussed on expansion of companies(Christopherson, 2008). Second stage of globalisation focussing on countries globalising and third phase on individual globalising. At each stage of globalisation, focus is on extension of capabilities and gaining from resources of others. The most important phase of globalisation is now, which is expected to continue in the future. This last phase has individuals wanting to explore the world for the purpose of their benefits. If an idea exists and there are possibilities to explore and develop on those ideas then individuals will do so instead of waiting. Waiting on an opportunity can lead to significant wastage of time, hence the iron rule is to get things done or opportunities turned into business ideas. In case an individual waits for an opportunity for a time period then another individual might pick up on that idea and implement it to reap benefits fr om it(Rugman, 2008). There are several instances of businesses in the flat world that have been borne out of ideas, concepts or perceptions. Thus, the major drawback or risks living in a flat world can be losing out on a substantial time period, which will in turn lead to losing of the business opportunity in itself. There is immense competition amongst individuals, who are exploring new set of ideas, concepts which can be applied to create sustainable advantage for business growth in the future. Major drawback in a flat world can include not implementing a preconceived idea or thought that could turn into a possible opportunity for the future(Friedman, Retrieved on 25th August 2017). Friedman explains that in a flattened world each factor comes together for spreading their roots to create an environment that is conducive to flattening of the structure. Creation of complementary software and internet in political environment of developing countries have created perfect ambience to k eep up with pace of globalisation. Globalisation has changed and transformed from a historical era of the day of Columbus to the present state. Globalisation has been further seen to be understood while diagnosing the concepts of outsourcing and offshoring. Friedman in his work focussed individuals involvement for forming a part of the whole. Competition is important in this flat world as it has trickled down from countries, to companies and now extending to individuals. Individuals in this globalised world acts on their own, instead of associating themselves with specific country or company(Jones, 2010). Imaginations and concepts are transformed at a more rapid rate in a faster, deeper, father and cheaper means than it was earlier. Primarily the concept was focussed on shaping business and competition in technologically driven global environment. Individuals are planning ways and means such that they can stay ahead of the competition. There is presently immense and rapid flow of in formation that is being exchanged online, which depicts effect of businesses to perform responsibilities from across varied locations, tax preparations and other methods. Friedman has visualised the world to be moving at a much faster rate than anyone can cope up with, providing a fast-evolving economic platform. Individuals are becoming more collaborative, competitive and are able to share different cultures, educational background and religions(Friedman T. , 2007). There are however various potential threats that could inflict harm on the flattened world, which primarily includes threats from terrorism as from Al-Qaeda operations which drives scare and panic amongst individuals. Friedman identifies the ten forces that has led to flattening of the world. they are, collapse of the Berlin Wall, Netscape, Work Flow Software, Uploading, Outsourcing, Offshoring, Supply-Chaining, Insourcing, In-forming and Steroids(Cieslik, 2009). The myth of national culture Professor McSweeneys view of national cultures are divided and sub-divided into sub-cultures. His study established that countries have cultural sub-sets and hence every country is an integration of various micro-locational cultures(McSweeney B. , 2002). Hofstedes view on a national having a culture in totality cannot be accepted and according to me McSweeney offers a more compelling thought of each country having a culture of its own. In Australian alone there is culture of Aboriginals and Islander Strait people, Westernised culture, culture of immigrants settled in the country(Hofstede, 2010). Hence, assuming that Australias entire culture is Westernised will not be acceptable. In case feedback regarding any specific topic is obtained from people of different sub-cultures there is bound to be difference in opinion and thought processed. Geert Hofstedes view on national culture was obtained from a group that was mentally prepared to deliver results. Further, the dimensions proposed by Hofstede as individualism versus collectivism, masculinity versus feminity and so on can be applied onto sub-cultural sets(McSweeney P. B., Retrieved on 25th August 2017). A nation is bound to have a population of varying cultures, as in Australia Indigenous people have varied individualism index as compared to westernised Australian population. Conclusion Thomas Friedmans globalisation concepts are highly accredited across organisations and individuals wanting to extend their core competencies. Emergence of flat world has led to creation and generation of innovative business concepts that are applied to gain advantage from market opportunities. The second activity, is regarding agreeing to Thomas Friedmans idea of the flat world. It can be assumed that world has become flattened with establishing of core competencies and capabilities across various domains from individuals. Extensions of individual capabilities have led to emergence of creating the world in a flattened manner. Hofstedes study thus provides a broad based views for cultural analysis compared to McSweeney. Views on national cultures as proposed by McSweeney are much more compelling and can be applied onto various sub-cultural groups. Thus, McSweeneys views are much more applicable and hence acceptable. Reference Lists Christopherson, S. G. (2008). The world is not flat: putting globalization in its place. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 343-349. Cieslik, T. F. (2009). Greater China in an era of globalization. . Lexington Books. Friedman. (Retrieved on 25th August 2017). Globalisation Era. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp4znWHvsjU . Friedman, T. (2007). The world is flat 3.0. A World History. Hofstede, G. (2010). 'Geert Hofstede.', National cultural dimensions. Jones, A. (2010). Globalization: key thinkers (Vol. 1). Polity. McSweeney, B. (2002). The essentials of scholarship: A reply to Geert Hofstede. Human relations, 55(11), 1363-1372. McSweeney, P. B. (Retrieved on 25th August 2017). National Cultures. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_l84Dj2eXY. Rugman, A. . (2008). Friedman's follies: Insights on the globalization/regionalization debate. Business and Politics, 1-14.