Romanian and Swedish Culture Analysis Based on Hofstede Model
Romania and Sweden are two countries which differ in so many ways that it is sometimes surprising that they are part of the same continent, even if there are a few similarities, also. We tried to make a comparison between these two countries’cultures, even if we know so much about Romanian culture and less that about the Swedish one.
Like other countries in the region, Romania has worked to create a legal framework consistent with a market economy and investment promotion. Gradually it is moving to strengthen tax administration, enhance transparency and create legal means to reach expeditious resolution of contract disputes. In spite of progress, the unpredictability of the legal framework continues to undermine investor confidence. It is, therefore, recommended that any prospective investor consult appropriate legal counsel to get the most up-to-date information. Successful foreign companies tend to share a common approach to investing in Romania. Firstly, they establish themselves in Romania so that they are able to analyze the local situation and develop the most effective corporate strategy. Secondly, they come with a strategy that communicates long-term commitment to the Romanian market and government. This often paves the way for successful negotiations with economic ministries, the Privatization Authority, labor unions, and local partners. Investments that involve the government of Romania, either through sovereign guarantees or by the involvement of entities such as the Privatization Authority, are generally more complicated than Greenfield investments or joint ventures with private Romanian companies. Large deals involving the government of Romania frequently become stymied by vested political and economic interests and bogged down by indecision within governmental ministries. Greater success has been encountered with less complex deals involving small to medium-sized private and state enterprises. Also, Romanian businessmen think from the
Like other countries in the region, Romania has worked to create a legal framework consistent with a market economy and investment promotion. Gradually it is moving to strengthen tax administration, enhance transparency and create legal means to reach expeditious resolution of contract disputes. In spite of progress, the unpredictability of the legal framework continues to undermine investor confidence. It is, therefore, recommended that any prospective investor consult appropriate legal counsel to get the most up-to-date information. Successful foreign companies tend to share a common approach to investing in Romania. Firstly, they establish themselves in Romania so that they are able to analyze the local situation and develop the most effective corporate strategy. Secondly, they come with a strategy that communicates long-term commitment to the Romanian market and government. This often paves the way for successful negotiations with economic ministries, the Privatization Authority, labor unions, and local partners. Investments that involve the government of Romania, either through sovereign guarantees or by the involvement of entities such as the Privatization Authority, are generally more complicated than Greenfield investments or joint ventures with private Romanian companies. Large deals involving the government of Romania frequently become stymied by vested political and economic interests and bogged down by indecision within governmental ministries. Greater success has been encountered with less complex deals involving small to medium-sized private and state enterprises. Also, Romanian businessmen think from the
Bibliography: Hoftede, Geert “Cultures and Organisation: Software of the Mind” Charles Hampden-Turner and Fons Trompenaars “Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business” Andreea Maruntelu “Cross-cultural differences in Romania” Sweden - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture; http://sverigeturism.se