Business Case

BUSI 310

ASSIGNMENT 5

REBECCA BANKS

Should one compare the country clusters of Anglo-American and South

American cultures, they will discover that the two groups have many differences. It has

been stated that cultures where the focus tends to be on one's self is an individualistic

one. Anglo-American culture tends to lean toward the nuclear family and personal

wellbeing. However, South American cultures tend to be driven by cheaper labor costs.

This is due to the wealth of natural resources found in this country cluster.

American culture refers to the English speaking non Hispanic people of the region. The

relationship between the work load and the time spent with family is stronger in the

cluster. Individualistic societies tend to depend on the immediate family members for the

families survival. The lack of support from the extended family has required more time

spend away at work to become a necessity for those with dependent children. (Spector 2007)

People of South American Clusters tend to have a stronger family bond with

extended family members. These family members provide tangible and social support

for the responsibilities of the group. These collective societies have more people

available to help with the domestic responsibilities. Studies have shown that the majority

of Latin American elderly reside with their children. Compared with only 5-15% of

American families who live with elderly children. (Spector 2007)

Another key factor of difference in these two country clusters is the fact that

working outside the home is viewed differently due to the cultural differences.

Individualist cultures tend to be more concerned about their personal needs. This

means that if they are not happy in the work environment they will be more apt to quit or

make some type of changes. Collectivist will view this behavior as immature or self

serving. They will understand that the purpose of the job is to provide for the entire

family and that everyone must play their part. (Spector 2007)

The collectivist is also more likely to remain loyal to coworkers and employers

despite excessive work demands or undesirable conditions. There will be no negative

feelings about the job because they will look to coworkers