The Promised Land Case

Introduction

We recognise that the business world today transcends language, nationalities, cultures, perceptions or behaviours. We also know that culture shapes values, attitudes and behaviour - factors that influence the way people conduct their lives and conduct business. Cross cultural capability is the key to success in the global business. This project has been written on the characteristics and skills of negotiation and also a number of issues of "The Promised Land" case in different circumstances.

Can Lauren solve the problem of cultural differences simply by learning what Israel cultures are like? Yes she can, she could learn to suspend judgement in order to function within the host country and be sure to learn how to distinguish between gender, cultural, ethnic, religious and non verbal communication differences. To find out more solutions and recommendations related to these case issues, it will be provided in this project.

Analyse and Explore Issues related to the theory

International HRM which assumes the crucial responsibility of managing expatriates should therefore be able to identify cross cultural training and overall effectiveness (Fisher & Hartel, 2003). On the other hand, there are several International HRM issues in "The Promised Land" case, such as religious practices, gender discrimination, non verbal communication, cross cultural negotiation between Israeli and British and also lack of participate in a group.

In the cross cultural context, Hughes-Weiner (1986, p. 132) qualifies the learning process describes by Kolb related to this case. Firstly, concrete experience where British cultures are likely to have different backgrounds and different experiences with Israel (Weiner, 1986). This theory can be related to the religious practices issue. One fact about Israeli culture is Israeli culture and religion is inseparable (Brake, Walker, & Walker, 1995, p. 122). Approximately 90% of the people living in Middle Eastern countries are Muslims and Jewish combines themselves all through the region (Rosential, 1997, p. 8). This is the reason why those religions become the primary cultural factor determining perceptions and influencing behaviour. Also, this is due to the fact that Religious in situations serve to in influence the nature, development by propagating norms, customs and prohibitions (Herbig & Dunphy, 1998).

The issues such as Boaz Abijah had not wanted to shake Lauren hand when she held it towards him; when Lauren had handed over a gift from her company, he had refused to take it; and also Boaz Abijah did not introduce his wife, these issues are related to the religious practices. Relationships and religion come before business. Any issues that relate to the family are given a very high priority (3, p.124). It communicates respect and mutual obligations. Therefore, because of the family is very important to Israeli, it is inappropriate to ask or find out about female members (Moore, 2004) of the family including Boaz Abijah's wife. So that is why Boaz Abijah did not introduce his wife to Lauren because privacy is very important in this situation. This fact is supported from AlanUnterman, Routledge & Paul (1981, p. 200) book said "In a traditional family the male householder is the dominant person, both in matters of religion and as the master of the house". That means Boaz Abijah's wife should not talk to Lauren before her husband introduces her to Lauren.

From the above fact can be related to the gender discrimination issue in Israel as well. The distinction between men's and women's roles is part of the value placed on structure. This is due to the fact that (Swaidan & Hayes, 2005) masculinity country stands for a society in which social gender roles are clearly distinct. Men are supposed to be assertive, and women are supposed to be more modest and concerned with the quality of life. Therefore, in general, women will not be involved in any business dealings (Brake, Walker, & Walker, 1995, p. 128). Israeli believed that women are related to the private life of home and family. Also related to the gift issue, gifts in Israel are not important (Rosential, 1997, p. 127) that is why Boaz did not take the gift from Lauren.

Secondly, reflective observation as a result of different behavior patterns (Hughes-Weiner, 1986, p. 133), socialization and work experiences. British cultures may make different assumptions about what they see and understand through their experiences (Weiner, 1986). Lauren had also thought their constant gesturing seemed aggressive. Among themselves they had acted very differently. They touched each other a lot, laughed much. This is because Israelis are often quite humorous. Sometimes, however, outsiders misunderstand their humorous point. (Brake, Walker & Walker, 1995, p. 75) For example: "American told the Israeli friend, "I will call you soon", the Israeli answered: "Don't threaten me". The American was offended. But actually, Israeli has thought terrorist attack as a joke.

Moreover, during the meeting, they might be touching someone else's hand or stand close together. It does not mean they want to do a sexual suggestion, but it is a compliment for them or builds their business relationship (Brake, Walker & Walker, 1995, p. 52) and they just want to make sure they are being listened to.

Thirdly, Abstract conceptualization (Hughes-Weiner, 1986, p. 133), this is because Lauren from different cultures have different cognitive frameworks, this may lead her to focus on irrelevant information in the business negotiation, thus drawing wrong conclusions in an Israel business situation (Weiner, 1986). As the two companies (English pharmacy and chain stores in Israel) have had previous negotiations and contact via telephone and email the English company had been hoping that Lauren would come home with an agreement. This is not a good business negotiation in Israel (Brake, Walker &Walker, 1995, p. 125). Face to face discussion or the interview and "getting to know you" approach or build relationship is the preferred approach.

Finally, Active experimentation related to the issue where Lauren behavior different to Israeli may lead to misinterpretations and misattributions outside her own cultures, leading to confusion and frustration (Hughes-Weiner, 1986, p. 133). This can be related to the communication issue between Lauren and Israeli clients, where the Israeli clients are talking so direct with a lack of consideration, rude, that Lauren had felt insulted or abused at some occasions. They had interrupted her presentation all the time and never had let

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