Israel Cultural Analysis
The purpose of this memo is to investigate the similarities and differences between the United States and Israel’s cultural and business aspects.
Differences Between the United States and Israel Primary cultural aspects of the United States The United States still has the idea of Manifest Destiny. The U.S. individualism; Individuals believe to have a control of the future, resulting in a systematic way of doing things. It is very important to be on time to any kind of meeting or event –Time is money ("Usa- language, culture,," ). Hard work and efficiency are also engraved in the U.S. culture. It is believed that with hard work one will accomplish their goals and objectives. The United States is very diverse and has a lot of different cultures that are very different within the same nation. Kids in the U.S. are expected to go to college after high school and then go on to graduate school or the workforce. Achievements are highly recognized and a great source of pride. Aspects of the culture of the United States and Israel Cultural Aspect | United States | Israel | Language | English, Spanish (second most common) | Hebrew, Arabic (official) | Religion | Mostly Christian | Mostly Jewish | Family | Nuclear family, typically small | Nuclear family, it mostly includes grandparents | Formality | Very informal, first name basis | Formal, title and surname | Work | High importance | High importance | Time | Time is money. Very punctual, use of agendas and timelines | No waste of time | Individualism | Individualistic | Individualistic | Non-verbal communication | Eye contact, confident hand shake | Touching and eye contact are not uncommon, hand shake | Communication style | Direct, high use of technology in communication, | Direct | Psychological Framework | United States | Israel | Power distance | Low | Low | Individualism-collectivism | Individualistic |
Differences Between the United States and Israel Primary cultural aspects of the United States The United States still has the idea of Manifest Destiny. The U.S. individualism; Individuals believe to have a control of the future, resulting in a systematic way of doing things. It is very important to be on time to any kind of meeting or event –Time is money ("Usa- language, culture,," ). Hard work and efficiency are also engraved in the U.S. culture. It is believed that with hard work one will accomplish their goals and objectives. The United States is very diverse and has a lot of different cultures that are very different within the same nation. Kids in the U.S. are expected to go to college after high school and then go on to graduate school or the workforce. Achievements are highly recognized and a great source of pride. Aspects of the culture of the United States and Israel Cultural Aspect | United States | Israel | Language | English, Spanish (second most common) | Hebrew, Arabic (official) | Religion | Mostly Christian | Mostly Jewish | Family | Nuclear family, typically small | Nuclear family, it mostly includes grandparents | Formality | Very informal, first name basis | Formal, title and surname | Work | High importance | High importance | Time | Time is money. Very punctual, use of agendas and timelines | No waste of time | Individualism | Individualistic | Individualistic | Non-verbal communication | Eye contact, confident hand shake | Touching and eye contact are not uncommon, hand shake | Communication style | Direct, high use of technology in communication, | Direct | Psychological Framework | United States | Israel | Power distance | Low | Low | Individualism-collectivism | Individualistic |
References: Cohen, Gad. (n.d.). Executive planet: israel. Retrieved from http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Israel Making sense of cross cultural communication. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-cultural-dimensions/long-term-orientation/ Salk, Emma. (2005, August 09). Israeli etiquette for business people. Retrieved from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6002/israeli_etiquette_for_business_people.html?cat=16 Usa- language, culture, customs, and etiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/usa.html Workman, Daniel. (2008, January 25). Risk averse trade cultures. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/content/risk-adverse-trade-cultures-a42761