Scenario
Quantigration Incorporated logo
You work for Quantigration, Inc., a semiconductor manufacturing plant headquartered in the United States. Quantigrations main fabrication plant produces microchips used in mobile phones and laptops around the world. Capitalizing on advancements in its product, Quantigration has aggressively expanded and recently acquired two fabrication plants and workers from around the world.
Due to these acquisitions and partnerships, Quantigration must develop a plan to assist employees of different nationalities in understanding each other and working well together.
Interior view of a semiconductor plant featuring high-tech machinery and a complex ventilation system.
Yesterday, the plant supervisor, Gregory, called you into his office. He has some concerns about these cultural differences and is worried that the acquisitions might not go smoothly. The culture of a manufacturing plant in one country could be noticeably different from one in another part of the world. Gregory realizes that these differences could lead to conflict. To handle this issue, he has decided that Quantigration needs to update its company values to be more culturally inclusive.
Aerial view of a manufacturing complex, including buildings and parking areas.
Directions
Gregory would like you to begin by doing background research and analysis. He would like you to take stock of the current culture at Quantigration and then compare it to the national cultures of the two new acquisitions.
Part 1: Cultural Analysis
First, examine your own national culture as a representative sample of the current Quantigration workforce. Think about how your own nationality relates to your culture. Consider the ways that your culture views interactions with others, workplace culture, teamwork, and communication.
Then, select two countries different than your own. You may select two countries from the e-book, or, you may choose others that you have a particular interest in. You can find more information about some of the countries in the A to Z World Business resource and the Hofstede Insights Country Comparison Tool in the Supporting Materials section.
Using what you have found, write a cultural analysis containing 250- to 500-word summaries of each of your selected cultures. Also include a summary of your own culture in this document. In these summaries, pay particular attention to how members of each culture interact with others, what values they consider important, and how they view work, family, and obligation.
Once you have completed your summaries of your selected countries, write a 500-word summary comparison to help Gregory understand the major difference and similarities between the cultures. In your comparison, identify three major cultural differences and three similarities between the cultures youve analyzed. As you write, consider common cultural dimensions that these cultures share, and the ways that they differ most.
Cultural Analysis of Quantigration and Acquired Companies
Quantigration’s National Culture
United States:
- Individualism: Americans tend to value individual achievement and independence.
- Direct Communication: Americans often prefer direct and assertive communication styles.
- Time Orientation: Americans generally have a short-term orientation, focusing on immediate goals and results.
- Work Ethic: Americans value hard work, efficiency, and productivity.
Cultural Analysis of Quantigration and Acquired Companies
Quantigration’s National Culture
United States:
- Individualism: Americans tend to value individual achievement and independence.
- Direct Communication: Americans often prefer direct and assertive communication styles.
- Time Orientation: Americans generally have a short-term orientation, focusing on immediate goals and results.
- Work Ethic: Americans value hard work, efficiency, and productivity.
