Nowadays, many of American entrepreneurs step into international markets. Opening the branch or subsidiary overseas has brought about the need for in-depth understanding of culture differentiation, the law and commercial customs. It is very important to understand the local cultures, languages, business practices and regulations.
Steve Kafka, an American of Czech origin and a franchisor for Chicago Style Pizza, is considering growing his franchise into the Czech Republic. He had to overcome a great deal of difficulties when he became a franchisor. Steve anticipates he will face some of the difficulties again at the new location in Prague, Czech Republic. The analysis will focus on the general attitude, diet, and eating practice for both cultures.
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the cross cultural challenges of doing business overseas; evaluate the differences and determine the opportunities, the special attention is being placed on the Czech Republic.
The Differences and Incompatibilities between the U.S. and Czech cultures
According to CultureGrams (2007), in general attitude Americans tend to be frank and outspoken. People voice their opinions and share their views on a variety of subjects; there are few subjects they will not discussing certain issues. Americans value innovation, industry, and integrity. They enjoy a good sense of humor, including sarcasm. Czechs are individualistic in that they may be stubborn in stating opinions or wishes. Czechs value education, cleverness, social standing, modesty, and humor.
Eating styles and habits vary among people of different backgrounds. The abundance of fast-food restaurants in the United States would seem to indicate that the national foods ar ...