Communication Barriers Between Singapore And Italy Cultural Studies Essay

Communication Barriers Between capital of capital of Singapore And Italy heathenish Studies EssaySingapore is an amalgamation of 63 islands, and is the smallest country in Southeast Asia. The approximate distance amongst Singapore and Italy is about 9365.5km apart (Distance from Singapore to Italy), yet a lot of firms fructify up their flagships and as well as otherbusiness functions locally. Published on S marks Times-22 April 2009 titled Spore, Italian region ink deal, Both countries be looking at RD to boost their economic prosperity. We atomic number 18 trying to work together so hopefully we can find new patents, products that can be commercialized. Thats the value for Singapore, he added. Lombardys President Roberto Formigoni said Singapore is strategic for Italy, especially in leveraging on Singapores knowledge of, and relations with, China and Vietnam. This shows the strong bilateral relationship among both countries. (Spore, Italian region ink deal)However, cosmos said that, thither argon still problems occurring during day-to-day operations in terms of intercourse between Singaporean and Italians. This paper will focus on the inter-relationship communication barriers faced by both Singaporeans and Italians in a particular organization.Overview of SingaporeSingapore and europium had great fib links since 1869 when Singapore was a major trading and shipping port. (Who We Are).After nearly 150 years under the British Colony, Singapore emerged as a Nation in 1965. (Rogger, Year not stated) Thus, this may portray a deceptive imagine of Singaporeans as appearing more westernized. However, on the other hand, younger generations of business people in Singapore atomic number 18 usually more last in interacting with people and argon more tensile and open-minded to perform business with foreigners. (Katz, 2007)Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interactions among different races are commonly seen. Singapore h olds a diverse population due to immigrants of the past has given the place a mixture of 3 major racial groups consisting of Chinese, Malay and Indians who does not process a single dominant farmingal identity (Warnstam, 2007).In edict to do business successfully in a multicultural country like Singapore, it is primary(prenominal) for all to understand the different cultural traditions, customs, as well as background of individually race groups. This will prevent unnecessary conflicts.Langu grows Used in SingaporeEnglish, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the four official dictions that are commonly used in Singapore. Singapore also has its own brand of intercommunicate English, which is known as Singlish. It is quite different from English in its speaking accents and grammar.Religion in SingaporeSingapore generally allows religious bleakdom, although religious groups are subject to govern custodyt scrutiny, and some religious sects are restricted or banned. (http//www.state.gov/ r/pa/ei/bgn/2798.htm). The religion diversity in Singapore consists of Chinese temples (Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and tooth root worship), Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and others which comprises of Jews and Sikhs, etc (Lepoer, 1989).Culture and Society of SingaporeThe FamilyThe common traits of Singaporeans are that the concepts of musical harmony, mutual security and working in groups are more authorised than that of acting as an individual. The family represents the relate of the social structures which strongly emphasizes in unity, loyalty and jimmy for the elderly (Kwintessential, Year not stated).KiasuKiasu is a term often used by Singaporean to take up the social attitude of Singaporeans who are often afraid of losing in any(prenominal)thing or in any situation (Warnstam, 2007). According to Warnstam (2007), the term Kaisu refers to both positive and invalidating connotation some suggest the attitude of be Kiasu reflects the strong work ethics and competitiven ess within each Singaporean. Whereas, others might feel that being Kiasu leads to a graceless society.Concept of FaceMaintaining face plays an in-chief(postnominal) part of the Singapore culture. As per Craig (2004), the concept of face is being measured as of ones internal quality, status, satisfactory name, and good character. To prevent from losing face, Singaporeans tends to control their temper and behavior in public and will not criticize people directly on the face (Warnstam, 2009). Thus, communication is conducted indirectly. In Singapore, face does not involve purely on personal pride scarce involves the country and its whole population as it promotes group harmony and solidarity.DiversitySingapore values the diversity of its people and often stresses the importance of accepting difference amongst its diverse population of people from different races such as Chinese, Malay and Indians. patronage the evit able-bodied separation of some groups, Singapore serves as an umbre lla culture creates a sense of belonging among all Singaporeans (Warnstam, 2007).Singapore commandment SystemSingapore used to implement handed-down British based education system. Presently, the system has evolved to a broad based education with more flexibleness and diversity. The distinct feature of the Singapore education system is the bilingual policy. It was implemented in 1966. It was compulsory for students to take up the main median language-English to be able to communicate with other races and also with foreigners. This will help Singaporeans to communicate effectively with fellow Singaporeans that will prevent any unnecessary conflicts due to miscommunication. It also helps Singaporeans to be able to communicate efficiently wherever they are in the world as English is a widely used language internationally. Another language is the students traditional language, be it Chinese, Malay, Tamil, this is to maintain the values of the respective racial groups locally.Students will attend basic education for 6 years later pre-school. And follow on into secondary school and so on. However, education does not just end after graduating. Singaporeans throw away many opportunities for further trainings as the Singapore government is cogitate to develop its workforce so as to increase productivity. The government is also targeting in creating a skilled workforce to increase global competitiveness.Singapore governanceSingapore had her first elections in 1959 after being granted full internal self-governance. The dominating caller in the country is the Peoples Actions Party (PAP) that is lead by Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. He is also the present minister mentor, a slope created when his son, Lee Hsien Long became Singapores third prime minister. Opposition parties are namely the workers party (WP), Singapore democratic Alliance Party (SDA), Singapore Democratic Party (SDA), Democratic Party (SDP) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Singapore was recognized inter nationally through joining the United Nations, followed by the Commonwealth in 1965. (Singapore, Overview Politics of Singapore)The unicameral Parliament currently consists of 84 members elected on the basis of general adult suffrage, and up to nine nominated members of Parliament. A constitutional provision assures at least leash opposition members, even if effortfully a(prenominal)er than three really are elected. A non-constituency seat held by the opposition under this provision since 1997 was again filled after the last election held on May 6, 2006. In May 2006, general election, the governing Peoples Action Party (PAP) won 82 of the 84 seats. The president ap doses nominated members of Parliament from among nominations by a special appoint committee. Nominated members of Parliament (NMPs) enjoy the corresponding privileges as members of Parliament only cannot vote on constitutional matters or expenditures of funds. The maximum term of Parliament is 5 years. NMPs serve for dickens-and-a-half-year terms. Voting has been compulsory since 1959. (Background note Singapore)Singapore is a democratic society. However, Economist Intelligent Unit has classified Singapore as a hybrid country that comprises of both authoritarianism and democracy. The present Singapore enjoys governmental stability that attracts investors and foreign talents.Overview of Singapore EconomyDespite the small geographic size of the nation and small domestic market, Singapore not only has strong international trade links with many countries. Singapore Economy is also one of the closely prosperous globally. Singapore was ranked third in 2009 as being the most competitive parsimony in the world by the world economic forum. (Singapore keeps 3rd spot in competitiveness ranking).According to the World Bank Doing Business 2010 Report, Singapore economy is considered to be the easiest to do business in. Some approbatory findings about Singapore stated in the reportRanked No.1 for ha ving the most open and liberal economy for international tradeRanked No.2 as the economy with the bestinvestmentpotentialRanked 1 in Asia and 4 in the world for having low levels of corruption in the economy(Economy Rankings Singapore Economy)Singapore does not energise natural resources. However, due to its strategic location and government policies, it became a hub of foreign investment. The local government practices a pro-foreign investment and export-orientated economic policy. This helps to attract large scale of foreign investment despite its noble operating cost. For example United States have invested about $106.5billion worth assets in the service and manufacturing sectors. other(a) factor that attracts the foreign investors is skilled workers, advanced infrastructure, governmental stability and corruption free government. (Background Note Singapore)Hierarchy and Structure of Singapore CompaniesIn Singapore, companies operate in a top-down structure whereby the senior management in the company does all major decision-makings. Respect is given prior to the senior members of the group and is unceasingly being introduced first. It is always polite to stand when a higher-ranking official arrives at a venue, and to be seated after the important personnel is seated. impertinent other countries, women also play an important role in the work field and are given chances to hold managerial positions in the organizations. There is no prejudice against gender, age and race due to the fair employment law.Singapore Business PracticesIn Singapore business culture, building of personal relationships is considered more important that the company that you represents (ASAG-biotech network, Year unknown). During business situations, a light handshake is used (Warnstam, 2007). Singaporeans love to bargain and haggle during negotiations. (Katz, 2007) Whilst in business discussion, Singaporeans appears to be calm and merely reveals their emotions. It is also consider ed very rude to speak loudly or interrupt during a conversation.It is important that business cards are being inspected carefully forrader putting them away as it represents a form of respect and recognition of the person. Name cards should be held with both hands and present to the recipient with the compensate print facing to him / her. Name cards should be placed on the table instead of shoving into pockets or bags as a form of respect. It is also important to wait and be introduced by the host. Intensive eye contact with a senior management or an elderly is considered a sign of disrespect. In order to show a form of respect, it is important to know how to greet a person name based on his / her race. For example, greeting via surnames is necessary during the first clash with Singaporean Chinese. Gifts are acceptable in most organizations. However, gifts to government employees may be considered as bribery and is prohibited in Singapore (Warnstam, 2007).Singapore works Practice sIn Singapore Business society, punctuality is extremely important and efforts should be made to arrive early or on time. Appointments should be made in advance. Should there be any late arrivals, it is of basic courtesy to inform the other party and also to advise the latest arrival time. The typical spot hours are normally between 900a.m. to 500 pm from Mondays to Fridays that consists of an hour lunch break in between. Some offices will also operate on Saturdays especially in the morning.Overview of ItalyItaly used to be diverse culturally, economically and politically. However, today the Italians are largely homogeneous linguistically and religiously. Italy has the fifth-highest population density in Europe, with a approximate population of 60 million people (Italy Travel Guide). Minority groups are small, the largest being the German-speaking people of Bolzano Province and the Slovenes around Trieste. There are also small communities of Albanian, Greek, Ladino, and French orig in. Although immigration has been increasing in recent years, the Italian population is still declining due to low birth rates. (Affairs, 2010)Brief history of ItalyThrough the ensuing years, numerous rulers from beyond the Alps, with or without the consent of the papacy, failed to impose their authority. Throughout the fourteen and fifteenth centuries of campanilismo (local patriotism), only a minority of people would have heard the word Italia. Loyalties were predominantly provincial. However, there were elements that made a strong contrast to the world beyond the Alps that is a common legal culture, high levels of lay education and urban literacy, a close relationship between town and country, and nobility who frequently engaged in trade.There are three features, in particular, from this period that solidified the notion of a unified culture. First, it was the maturing of the economic discip landmark that was originated in the early centuries. With increasing urbanization, the n orthern and central Italian trade, manufacture, and pecuniary capitalism continued with extraordinary vigor and have remarkable influence throughout majority of the Mediterranean areas and Europe as a whole. It was a development that served as the necessary preliminary for the expansion of Europe beyond its ancient bounds at the end of the fifteenth century. Second, the extension of de facto independent city-states, which, whether as republics or as powers ruled by one person or family, created a powerful impression upon contemporaries and posterity. Finally, allied to the movements stated above, it was in the fifteenth and one-sixteenth centuries that civilization of the Italian Renaissance was born from this society, which was to be exported to the rest of Europe.Ethnic RelationsMany countries and peoples have conquered and occupied Italy over the centuries, and thus, causing the Italians to resent each of these conquerors. Even so, they intermarried with them and accepted a num ber of their customs. (Salamone)Culture of ItaliansEthnic Italians make up about 95% of the population, and the largest ethnics minority of the Romanians (officially 1%, however maybe effigy that). There is an increaseing wave of immigration from the EU countries of Eastern Europe and illegal immigration from the south-eastern Europe and northern Africa are increasing.Appearances matters in Italy and having a good contrive bella figure is very important. And you will likely be judged not only by the smartness of your clothes and accessories, but also by the general modal value and demeanour. Social etiquette is generally energetic but also somewhat formal. (Italy)Economy of ItalyItaly started to industrialize rapidly after 1945, moving away from the traditional agriculture, until a point where less than 5% of the population is engaged in agriculture. The majority of these populations live in the south of Italy, which is substantially poorer than the rest of the country. Their main crops are sugar beet, wheat, tomatoes and payoff (especially grapes. Majority of the grapes are used for wine, which Italy is a leading producer).Italy continues to rely heavily on the export of manufactured goods, although the tourism industry is enjoying a major position alongside other service industries such as financial services, along with most western European economies. Their strengths are particularly in advanced manufacturing techniques and systems, high-quality use and precision engineering.Most of the industrial raw materials and more than 75% of energy requirements are imported. The Italians economy has been sluggish since 2000 with growth in 2009 of 5% and is expected to go off further. The inflation in 2009 was just under 1% and the unemployment rate is 7.5%.Despite doubts about the size of its growing budget deficit (public debt is 105% of GDP) in Europe, Italy was among the initiation members of the Euro-zone in 1999. The current government has enacted some re forms to improve competitiveness and growth. (Italy Travel Guide)LanguageThe official language in Italy is Italian, and majority of the population (about 93%) are native Italian speakers and about 50% of population speaks a regional dialect as mother tongue. As many of the dialects are mutually incomprehensible and are considered by linguists as a separate language, thus it is not officially recognised.Religion90% of the populations are Roman Catholic, and the remaining of the populations comprises in general of Jews, the growing population of Muslims, Orthodox and Eastern Rite Catholics.PoliticsThe type of government in Italy is parliamentary democratic republic. The major political parties People of Freedom (Popolo della Libert), Democratic Party (Partito Democratico), Northern League (Lega Nord), Italy of Values (Italia dei Valori), Union of Christian and Centre Democrats (Unione dei Democratici Cristiani e di Centro), Communist Refoundation Party (Partito della Rifondazione Co munista). (_)Political PhilosophyThere is different types of political philosophy that existed in Italy are mainly egalitarian socialism / communism and nationalistic fascism.One of the examples is Benito Mussolini. He ruled as a dictator of Italy from 1922 to 1943 and his political philosophy, which he called fascism, was based on the total domination of the government in all spheres of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The Italians regards him as a hero in the initial point until he was driven by the government before the end of World War II. (Benito Mussolini)EducationAt present the Italian school system is shared into four levelsKindergarten / Preschool (Scuola Materna)For children aged three to five, the scuola materna provides optional education for children and every child is entitled to a place. It is not compulsory for a child to attend preschool but most parents enrol their children in a scuola materna. Preschool in Italy is free except in private schools.P rimary school (scuole elementare)School in Italy is compulsory from the age of six onwards. Recent legislation alternates kernel that children may start scuola primaria from the age of five and a half onwards (this is to bring Italian schools in line with European schools regarding school leaving ages). Primary school lasts for five years. Student had to pass an exam at the end of fifth year before they could onward motion to secondary school.Lower secondary (scuola media)Attendance at lower secondary school (scuola media) is compulosry for all children between the ages of 11 to 14. Students are required to attend 30 hours of classes per week, though some schools may offer additional classes if there is demand (up to 40 hours).Every term, each student receives a teachers report outlining their aptitude, behavior and achievement. At the end of the third year, pupils sit a standard examination consisting of written papers in Italian, as well as exams in mathematics, science and a f oreign language.An oral exam is also administered in all subjects except religion. Successful students are awarded their lower secondary school diploma (diploma di licenza media) and move on to upper secondary school.Upper secondary school (scuola superiore)Upper Secondary School (scuola superiore) involves between three and five years of attendance. Students do an obligatory two years (biennio) of general studies follow by an optional three years (triennio) of specialised education. Students have to choose at this time which type of course they lack to study, depending on whether they are thinking of going on to university afterwards, or if they are looking at obtaining a vocational qualification. State school in Italy is free until the end of primary education. School in Italy is compulsory until the age of 16. (Italian Education Schooling in Italy)Next, we will be making cultural differences comparison on Italy and Singapore using Geert Hofstede model.Geert Hofsted Cultural Dim ensionsPower Distance Index (PDI) that is the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed un evenly. It suggests that a societys level of variation is endorsed by the followers as much as by the leaders. Power and inequality are fundamental facts of any society and anyone with certain working experience or interaction will be aware that all societies are unequal. individualism (IDV) is the opposite of collectivism. Ties between individuals are loose everyone is expected to look after him or herself and his or her immediate family. On the collectivist side, we find societies in which people from birth onwards are usually cohesive in groups and often extended families members continue in protecting them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. The word collectivism may has no political meaning but it is referring to the group, but not the state. Again, the issue addressed is fundamental, regar ding all societies in the world.Masculinity (MAS) is the opposite of femininity and it refers to the distribution of roles between the genders which is also a fundamental issue for any society to which a range of solutions are found. Studies revealed that womens values differ from mens values which mens values from one country to another contain assertiveness, competitiveness whereas womens values on the one other side tend to be modest and sympathize with. The assertiveness and competitiveness pole has commonly been referred as masculine while modest and caring is commonly referred as feminine.dubiety Avoidance Index (UAI) deals with a societys tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity it ultimately refers to mans search for Truth. Uncertain situations are novel, unknown, surprising, and different from usual. Uncertainty avoiding cultures try to minimize the possibility of such situations by strict laws and rules, safety and security measures. People in countries which face uncertai nty are also more emotional while people whom are receptive of uncertainty are more tolerant of opinions different from what they are used to. There are few rules to adhere to and people within these cultures are more phlegmatic and contemplative.Long-Term Orientation (LTO) versus short-term orientation this fifth property was found in a study among students in 23 countries around the world, using a questionnaire designed by Chinese scholars it can be said to deal with Virtue regardless of Truth. Values usually associated with Long Term Orientation are thrift and perseverance while values associated with Short Term Orientation are respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and saving one from embarrassment. Both the positively and the negatively rated values of this dimension are found in the teachings of Confucius, the most influential Chinese philosopher however, the dimension also applies to countries without a Confucian heritage.http//www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede _italy.shtmlGeert Hofstede Cultural DimensionsThe World Factbook 2002 The Buddhist-Shinto societies also have an additional Dimension, that of Long Term Orientation (LTO). Geert Hofstede added this Dimension after the original study, and it was apply to twenty-three of the fifty original countries in his study. The Buddhist/Shinto Countries of Taiwan and Japan have LTO as the most closely correlating Dimension.Comparisons between Singapore and Italy Hofstedes Cultural DimensionsCountryPDIIDVMASUAILTOSingapore742048848Italy50767075N.A base on the statistics above, there are several differences between Singapore and Italy which will be discussed in as of the following.Power Distance Index (PDI)Power Distance (PD) refers to the degree of inequality that exists, which is being accepted, among the people with and without power. A high PD score indicates that the society accepts an unequal distribution of power and people would not go beyond their place in the system. A low PD means that power is shared and equally dispersed. This means that society members view everyone as equals.Application According to the Hofstedes model, in a high PD such as Malaysia (PD of 104), employees from the lower management position would probably send reports to top management, who will have a closed threshold meeting where only a few leaders attends. In a low PD country such as Austria (PD of 11), the power are equally distributed among the lower and top management.CharacteristicsTipsHigh PDCentralized companies.Strong hierarchies.Large gaps in compensation, authority, and respect.Acknowledge a leaders power.Be aware that you may remove to go to the top for answersLow PDFlatter organizations.Supervisors and employees are considered almost as equals.Use teamworkInvolve as many people as affirmable in decision making.http//www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htmBased on the PDI, Singapore has a higher PDI than that of Italy. Even though, Singapore and Italy shares the same asp ects of hierarchy and a common trait of downward communication, Singaporeans tends to be more respectful to the senior management and elders. On the other hand, Italians are more outspoken in their speech and they love to make fun authority and with people who are in positions of power (http//students.depaul.edu/jborger/Individualism). To Italians, breaking petty rules are a form of entertainment. However, breakings of rules are uncommon in Singapore.Individualism (IDV)Individualism (IDV) refers to the strength of ties people have to others within the community. A high IDV score indicates a loose connection in the society. Countries with a high IDV score there is a lack of interpersonal connection and little sharing of responsibility, beyond family and perhaps a few close friends. A low IDV scores means the society have strong group cohesion, and there will be a large amount of loyalty and respect for members of the group. The group itself is also larger and people take more respo nsibility for each others well being.Accordingly to the Hofstedes model, countries such as America have high individualism/collectivism dimensions and they are more individualistic. (http//www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/2005/905/essentials/p62.htm) There are collectivistic dimensions countries in Central America such as Panama and Guatemala where the IDV scores are very low. Marketing adjure that emphasized benefits to the community would most likely be understood and well-received.CharacteristicsTipsHigh IDVHigh valuation on peoples time and their need for freedom.An enjoyment of challenges, and an expectation of rewards for hard work.Respect for privacy.Acknowledge accomplishments.Dont ask for too much personal information.Encourage debate and expression of own ideas.Low IDVEmphasis on building skills and get masters of something.Work for intrinsic rewards.Harmony more important than honesty.Show respect for age and wisdom.Suppress feelings and emotions to work in harmony.Respect tr aditions and introduce change slowly.http//www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htmAs individualism is being defined as societies connecting people are considered loose, individuals in Italy are only responsible for themselves and their immediate family members (http//students.depaul.edu/jborger/Individualism). However, Italians have also minimum views on collectivism in such whereby under people collective cultures are born into a group and they will remain the same members of that cohesive group for their entire lives. (http//students.depaul.edu/jborger/Individualism). On the other hand, despite the similarities of Singaporeans on their views on individualism, being a multi-racial society, Singaporeans are more on the side of being collective in such whereby man is to be judged not by his own character, actions or race. (http//freedomkeys.com/collectivism.htm)Masculinity (MAS)Masculinity (MAS) This refers to how much a society sticks with, and values, traditional male and fe male roles. High MAS scores are found in countries where men are expected to be tough, to be the provider, to be assertive and to be strong. If women work outside the home, they have separate professions from men. Low MAS scores do not reverse the gender roles. In a low MAS society, the roles are but blurred. You see women and men working together equally across many professions. Men are allowed to be sensitive and women can work hard for superior success.Application Japan is highly masculine with a score of 95 whereas Sweden has the lowest measured value. According to Hofstedes analysis, if you were to open an office in Japan, you might have greater success if you appointed a male employee to lead the team and had a strong male contingent on the team. In Sweden, on the other hand, you would aim for a team that was balanced in terms of skill rather than gender.CharacteristicsTipsHigh MASMen are masculine and women are feminine.There is a well defined distinction between mens work and womens work.Be aware that people may expect male and female roles to be distinct.Advise men to avoid discussing emotions or making emotionally-based decisions or arguments.Low MASA woman can do anything a man can do.Powerful and successful women are admired and respected.Avoid an old boys club mentality.Ensure job design and practices are not discriminatory to either gender.Treat men and women equally.http//www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htmBased on the model of Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions, Italy has a higher level of Masculinity than Singapore. Many Italian men are still treating women with gallantry and value machismo. (http//students.depaul.edu/jborger/Individualism). Despite women entering the workforce, the numbers are kept minimal and only a few are in a higher management. Responsibilities of Italian women are mainly to cook, clean and care for the children