Hofstede Analysis

BUSI 604

Hofstede Analysis Comparison between the USA and “…” Example

Title: Hofstede Analysis Comparison between the USA and <Insert Nation Selected>

Outline Example

Introduction

Seriously relevant graduate school research requires a question for which no ready answer is available. The research is conducted, to answer specific questions regarding a topic, problem, or issue for which the answers are not yet known. Let us focus on the concept of a topic. What do you want to know about a topic? Asking a topic as a question (or series of related questions) has several advantages:

Questions require answers. A topic is hard to cover completely because it typically encompasses too many related issues; but a question has an answer, even if it is ambiguous or controversial.

Questions give you a way of evaluating the evidence. A clearly stated question helps you decide which information will be useful. A broad topic may tempt you to stash away information that may be helpful, but you are not sure how. A question also makes it easier to know when you have enough information to stop your research and draft an answer.

A clear open-ended question calls for real research and thinking. Asking a question with no direct answer makes research and writing more meaningful to both you and your audience. Assuming that your research may solve significant problems or expand the knowledge base of a discipline involves you in more meaningful activity of community and scholarship.

In this course, the required research questions are open-ended and require a variety of accumulated data to develop answers. Your topic is a Business Cultural Dimensions Analysis of the nation you selected. You have been provided two specific research questions to guide you in the study of this topic which, if done well, will demonstrate you have attained an advanced measure of expertise in the topic. The research questions provide the framework of your analysis.

1. From the perspective of a Hofstede Analysis, what are the differences and similarities between <insert nation> and the USA?

2. What are the implications for USA businesses that wish to conduct business in <insert nation>?

The example begins on the following page. Be sure to use the exact wordings in this outline for your APA level-headings.

EXAMPLE OUTLINE Comment by Satterlee, Brian C (School of Business): Focus your research on the nation you selected at the beginning of the course. As you begin to research your paper, think of it as writing two highly inter-related papers. Remember, what you are really doing here is breaking the research assignment into smaller, more manageable components.

1. Research Question 1: From the perspective of a Hofstede Analysis, what are the differences and similarities between <insert nation> and the USA? Comment by Satterlee, Brian C (School of Business): The first “paper” is a report of the similarities and differences comparison regarding Hofstede Analyses of the nation you selected for Project 1 and the USA

· Hofstede Analysis of <insert nation>

· Hofstede Analysis of the USA

· Similarities

· Differences

2. Research Question 2: What are the implications for USA businesses that wish to conduct business in <insert nation>?

· Conclusions regarding the similarities and differences

· How could USA managers use the above information to create and sustain competitive advantages when doing business with <insert nation>

· How might a Christian manager/leader prepare to address the differences and similarities while working in that nation?

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