The Cultural Environments Facing

Business
Case:- The Java Lounge- Adjusting to
Saudi Arabian Culture
Introduction
Some introduction about:-
Learning objective
Culture
Cultural diversity
Cultural behavior
Cultural variables
Factors influence cultural stability and changes
Case:-




Learning Objectives

To understand methods for learning about cultural
environments
To analyze the major causes of cultural difference and
change
To discuss behavioral factors influencing countries
business practices
To understand cultural guidelines for companies that
operate internationally


Culture
Integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior
that is both a result of and integral to the human capacity for
learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding
generations. Culture thus consists of language, ideas, beliefs,
customs, taboos, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works
of art, rituals, ceremonies, and symbols. It has played a
crucial role in human evolution, allowing human beings to
adapt the environment to their own purposes rather than
depend solely on natural selection to achieve adaptive
success. Every human society has its own particular culture,
or sociocultural system.
Cultural diversity
Cultural diversity is the variety of human societies or cultures
in a specific region, or in the world as a whole. The term is
also sometimes used to refer to multiculturalism within an
organization.
Eg:- such as language, dress and traditions, there are also
significant variations in the way societies organize
themselves, in their shared conception of morality, and in
the ways they interact with their environment.
Cultural behavior
Cultural behavior is behavior exhibited by humans (and,
some would argue, by other species as well, though to a
much lesser degree) that is extrasomatic or extragenetic, in
other words, learned.
Cultural variables
Individualism v. Collectivism
Individualism
Goals are set with minimal consideration given to groups
other than immediate family
Tend to define people by what they have done
Collectivism
Emphasize relationships
Stress interdependent activities

Cont.
Power Distance
High Power Distance
Power and influence are in the hands of a few
People are expected to display respect for those in higher
status
May have severe limitations on interactions
Subordinates body tension is more obvious
Low Power Distance
Power and influence are distributed more or less equally
throughout the population
Tend to be northern or colder climates where technology
and cooperation are needed for survival
Children are less dependent upon authority and learn from
people other than immediate authority figures

Factors influence cultural stability
and changes

Case:- The Java lounge- Adjusting to
Saudi Arabian Culture
Introduction- This case study totally saying
about the cultural environments, which, In
the current scenario Business are facing. In
this case The Java Lounge restaurant faced
many problem when it open in Saudi Arabia
due to different culture of Saudi Arabia.



Facts:-

Different culture of Saudi Arabia
Java lounge Faced cultural problem when it open in the city
of Jeddah
Strict rule for mail and female
Female uses Garhas Saudi Arabia
Most of the men only use Java Lounge without women
Religious proscription prevent the Java Lounge from serving
pork product or alcohol and live music also prohibited.
In the time of Ramadan, restaurant is allowed to serve
customers only in the evening
McDonald, suspended service



Cont..
Punished cut off hands and heads, Moderate women & men
Due to interaction of foreigners Saudi Arabia little change
their culture
Four partner opened the Java Lounge, 250 seats established
Finally, Java Lounge understood domestic culture of Saudi
Arabia
Very good service, outdoor deck, range of cocktails and 20
different coffees. Good breakfasts, light meals.
Case Analysis:-
In this case Java lounge is highlighted about their problem
when it open, in the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia due to
culture of Saudi Arabia.
Four partner opened the Java Lounge in 2003 in city of
Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Because it was port and many
foreigners use this place. Many women use Garhas on her face
for cover and men was restricted for intoxication. Most of the
people of Saudi Arabia belief on Islam, there dress code are
totally different, Government are also strict about Islam
religion when Java Lounge restaurant opened that time many
restaurant opened they worked very well. French chef
prepares different- different kind of menus of finest
restaurants in Europe or North America.
Cont..
Many employee of Java Lounge was men that was the main
problem and also menu was differ. In 2000, Government of
Saudi Arabia make a rule that women can or can not be work
with men. But after passing a time 20% women takes place in
many areas of work (Saudi teachers, Doctors) which was
totally great for the Saudi Arabia culture but if they work
where men also work, they must use separate entrance. In
Java Lounge there were different place for the men and
women. Mixed shopping was allowed at upscale department
stores like Saks Fifth avenue and Harvey Nichols (US & UK), but
main problem was men manager can go women floor after
closed shop due to separation. Its product was pork and
alcohol so people cant purchase so it was black market for it.
Cont..
If any women or men caught during illegal activity they
punished. During Ramadan, restaurant was allowed for
customers serve. From this reason many company was
affected and they closed there business. But when women and
men stared to take some action on it, some flexibility, style
entered business start get success. Foreigner were also consult
with Java Lounge.
Finally, the owner of Java Lounge also realized that, as
more Saudi interact with foreigners and the country strives for
economics growth, there will be change in domestic culture
and social values.
Conclusion
As we know that culture is nothing but identity of state or
country which makes a different image about the present
value of country. As Java Lounge faces many problem but after
survived it got place of success in Saudi Arabia.