Culture – An Essential Part of Business Development
Culture is the collective customs, beliefs, values, and practices of a society. It can also be seen as human behaviors, which can range from the level of individualistic to collectivism. People in different societies interpret the world around them differently. Each society has its own definition of culture. A key concept to note is that culture is not static, but changes over time. The meaning of culture changes with the passage of time, as new meanings are formulated by groups of people influenced by their history, environment, and experiences.
The value of culture is evident in the fact that it shapes many aspects of life. It determines the values that businesses and individuals adopt, the way they interact with each other, and the types of societal structures they create. The existence of a country’s culture is an essential aspect of its success. In order for a business to succeed in the global marketplace, it should incorporate the values of that particular country. In doing so, companies create a deep understanding of the target market, leading to enhanced competitiveness.
The value of culture can also be seen at the level of personal interactions between individuals. Cultural differences can greatly affect and influence interpersonal interactions. Individuals who belong to different cultures may interpret the thoughts and actions of each other differently. Furthermore, individuals have varying expectations when it comes to how communication is handled, perceived, and interpreted. In effect, the business world is deeply influenced by the values, beliefs, and behaviors of individuals within it.