Introduction
Inexpensive telecommunication, internets reach and advanced transportation enables globalization and overseas business expansion much easier. Not to mention, people living in different continents or even in different countries have major cultural differences. When conducting a cross cultural business engagement, it is important to have a deep knowledge of the culture for better communication and business success.
Steve Kafka, an American of Czech origin and a franchisor for Chicago Style Pizza, has decided to expand his business into the Czech Republic. Steve recognizes that there will be some challenges placed in his path of doing business overseas. Even though Steve was born in United States, he has some advantage because he is of Czech descent, speaks Czech fluently, has family and friends who live in the Czech Republic and he has traveled to the Czech Republic several times. Having said that, this does not mean doing business in Czech will be easy because Steve is an American business man. Also the distinct differences between the American and Czech culture makes the job harder.
Differences and Incompatibilities between U.S. and Czech Cultures
There are many differences between American and Czech cultures. Some of the key differences are general attitude, eating practice and diet.
Americans have the tendency to be more outgoing and vocal, whereas Czechs are more reserved. Czech culture focuses on indirect communication and politeness. Americans are usually upfront and to the point in business negotiations while Czechs prefer to do business over the course of several meetings.
There are some major differences between the diet of the Czech and the Americans. Americans are accustomed to an abundance of fast food. This may be due to the busy lifestyles Americans live. Americans enjoy foods adopted from the national cuisines of immigrants such as Indian, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese. Meats such as chicken, pork, beef and turkey are consumed in...