In times of globalization, countries all over the world have transformed to an interdependent economic system. Especially rising economic powers, such as Turkey, and the largest economic powers in the world, like the USA, face an increasing collaboration due to their economic importance to each other.
The aim of this paper is the improvement of the cooperation of a mixed US-Turkish team by giving the reader an understanding about these two apparently very different countries.
In order to understand the foundation of a cultural comparison a definition of culture is given. Then, some general information about the countries is provided. After explaining Hofstede’s cultural theory the Turkish and US American culture are analyzed according to three of Hofstede’s dimensions. Due to the scope of this paper and because of the aim of giving not only surface information it focuses on the dimensions ‘Power distance’, ‘Long-term orientation’ and ‘Individualism vs. Collectivism’ which are most important to a project team. These dimensions show not only differences but also similarities as a common base. Personal experiences and quotes from scientific literature underline the differences or equalities.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Definition of culture
3 General information about the USA and Turkey
4 Hofstede’s cultural theory
5 Analysis of the Turkish and US American culture
5.1 Power Distance
5.2 Long-term Orientation
5.3 Individualism vs. Collectivism
6 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to improve the cooperation within mixed US-Turkish project teams by providing a deep understanding of the cultural differences between these two nations. By applying Geert Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the study aims to identify potential conflict areas and offer actionable advice for smoother intercultural collaboration.
- Cultural comparison between the USA and Turkey using Hofstede's framework.
- Analysis of Power Distance in workplace and family environments.
- Examination of Long-term Orientation and traditional customs.
- Investigation of Individualism vs. Collectivism and its impact on communication.
- Practical recommendations for fostering effective teamwork in cross-cultural settings.
Excerpt from the Book
5.1 Power Distance
Even in their everyday life Americans endorse a low power distance through their ‘Pledge of allegiance’ by saying ‘[…] with liberty and justice for all’. Saying this pledge every morning in school, American children are raised from the beginning with this statement. This way, the striving for equality and liberty is firmly anchored in the mind of American people. Subsequently, the American culture emphasizes “on equal right in all aspects of American society and government”.
However, there is a rather high power distance between American parents and children. Arguing about a decision that was made by an American parent is not an expected and accepted behavior of a child since children are not assumed to have an own founded opinion. Thus, many decisions in adolescence, such as the decision which college a student goes to, are still influenced by the parents. Once students arrive at college or graduate from it, children break away from the paternal guards and the power distance shrinks.
Later at work, strategies such as ‘Management by objectives’ prevails in which workers only get goals from their supervisors and workers can decide on their own how they achieve them. In this case supervisors only give advices but do not dominate over their subordinates.
Chapter Summary
1 Introduction: This chapter highlights the necessity of cultural understanding in an increasingly connected global economy and defines the scope of analyzing US-Turkish team dynamics.
2 Definition of culture: This section provides a foundational understanding of culture, defined by Hofstede as the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes groups.
3 General information about the USA and Turkey: This chapter offers a brief overview of the political and social structures of both nations to set the context for the cultural comparison.
4 Hofstede’s cultural theory: This section introduces Geert Hofstede’s framework of cultural dimensions as a scientific tool for analyzing differences in values and work behaviors.
5 Analysis of the Turkish and US American culture: This main part examines the differences and similarities between both cultures across three selected dimensions: Power Distance, Long-term Orientation, and Individualism vs. Collectivism.
6 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes that success in intercultural teams requires a balance between maintaining one’s own culture and adapting to the foreign one, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and training.
Keywords
Intercultural cooperation, US-Turkish project team, Geert Hofstede, Cultural dimensions, Power Distance, Long-term orientation, Individualism, Collectivism, Globalization, Management by objectives, Cross-cultural communication, Team dynamics, Cultural sensitivity, Business strategy, Traditional customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on improving cooperation within mixed US-Turkish project teams by analyzing cultural differences and providing strategies to avoid misunderstandings.
What are the central thematic areas covered in the work?
The primary themes include the comparison of American and Turkish societal values, the application of Hofstede's cultural dimensions to a work context, and practical approaches to team collaboration.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to help team members navigate the differences between US-American and Turkish cultural backgrounds to ensure smooth interaction and successful project completion.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author utilizes the empirical model of cultural dimensions established by Geert Hofstede to scientifically compare the value systems of both countries.
What topics are discussed in the main part of the paper?
The main part analyzes Power Distance, Long-term Orientation, and Individualism vs. Collectivism, linking these theories to real-world examples and project team behaviors.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Intercultural cooperation, Hofstede's dimensions, US-Turkish business relations, and cross-cultural team management.
How does the author characterize the difference in Power Distance?
The author explains that while the US tends toward low power distance and equality, Turkey exhibits a higher power distance, which reflects in hierarchical expectations within the family and workplace.
Why is the concept of 'çay' (Turkish tea) highlighted in the study?
It is used as a specific example of cultural tradition; understanding its social significance is crucial for American team members to show respect and avoid potential conflicts in Turkey.
How does the author compare Individualism in the US with Turkey?
The US is described as highly individualistic, whereas Turkey is characterized by a collectivist structure where societal and familial bonds significantly influence professional and personal life.
- Quote paper
- Maike Seifert (Author), 2015, Improving the cooperation of a mixed US-Turkish project team, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/306383
