Cultural Challenges Of Doing Business Overseas
Starting up a company is risky and challenging, but starting up a company in a different country takes a great deal of guts and a lot of homework to know the ins and outs of international business rules and regulations. As Steve Kafka ventures out to start a new franchise in Prague, Czech Republic, Steve will be facing several challenges in his quest to be successful.
The eating habits and diet differ from the United States and the Czech Republic. According to the CultureGrams web site, The US as an abundant amount of fast-food restaurants serving hamburgers, French fries, chicken, and pizza. In the last decade, the Czech Republic has moved to a healthier diet however, hotdogs and pizza are becoming a popular snack. Most Czech Republicans do not eat out that often. (2007). Two risks seen here are getting the Czech Republicans to eat out at Steve's pizza place and the other risk is the healthier diet the citizens are taking. Another area Steve will have to get use to with his patrons is that the culture in Czech Republic is that they eat with a knife and fork and not with their hands, whereas in the United States, pizza and other foods are socially accepted to eat with one's own hands.
"In business endeavors, expect a lengthy decision-making process. Many countries in Europe, like the Czech Republic, have adopted the German tendency to use methodical and painstaking care with all business planning, and to consider all business dealings with meticulous specificity. One should be prepared for a lengthy timeline and attention to microscopic detail." (Country Watch, 2007, para. 7). With these lengthy meetings, Steve should allow himself for some extra time when dealing with the government and getting the correct paperwork to start up his business.
When Steve is deciding on decorating the inside of his restaurant, he should use roses for a more romantic feel and should definitely stay away from "lilies are often associated with funerals" (Country...
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