Hiohio

Intercultural role cards Project


INDEX 1. Introduction:
norms, attitudes and values of the American and Spanish Cultures

2. Case Study: American and Spanish role cards

3. Analysis of the situation

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INTRODUCTION 1. The American Culture
The recent history of the United States as a nation formed by immigrants, searching for a better opportunity in the New World, is adetermining factor of the personalities of Americans. The two main qualities are worshiping work and personal achievement. Determination, excellence, ego strength, and occasionally the egocentric tendency towards their role in the world as a military and economic superpower, are characteristics that one can find in some individuals. At the same time, their moral values are influenced by religion, as many ofthe immigrants coming from Europe professed Christianity. Consequently, the majority of Americans profess Christianity to be an important topic within their families. Insomuch, it’s recommended to avoid themes centering on abortion, race, religion, or politics, unless we know the person with whom we are dealing. A firm handshake is a good sign for greeting before a negotiation. On the other hand,smoking is an action extremely frowned upon, based on the damages to health and others in the surrounding environment. In the country that founded capitalism, businesses are executed with great velocity, and it’s common to talk about these negotiations after a brief chat. At the same time, the history of one’s work in the past is considered more important than a long list of contacts orreferences.



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INTRODUCTION 2. The Spanish Culture
Inside of the values that can characterize the Spanish society, the sentiment of honor is elevated, and a sense of pride towards personal well-being is almost more important than concepts of business. In the majority of situations, it’s important to have a wide list of references from past work, as well as good relationships with clients.Sometimes it’s even more important to have the right flair or competence for the job. A traditional and deeply rooted role that one can find in some people in the Spanish society, independent of their social ranking, is their cheekiness. The Age of Gold writer, most especially in the novel Lazarillo de Tormes, adequately reflects this type of person. It is a person that makes the best of a situation ofothers in order to benefit in whatever form, a fundamentally economic mentality. In other terms, the person would be a thief of little importance, who finds no fault in using mischief and shrewdness for his benefit, having a little or no values. Spanish people are typically open to information from all topics, but it is very difficult to change their point of view about a topic, if they alreadyhave an opinion. They normally process information subjectively and associatively. The form the have to get personally involved in topics doesn’t allow them to use abstract rules nor rules to solve problems. Negotiations are typically long and its normal to being them immediately at the beginning of the meeting. Spaniards are not normally punctual. During negotiations, a warm and personal climateexists, if not at the beginning, then when the relationship has already been established.


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CASE
1. The American Militar Family Role
You’re a retired admiral from the American Navy, the best position in the American Navy. After serving your country for 35 years in the American Naval base in Rota (Cádiz, Spain), you and your wife have decided to buy land in a costal village with a smallpier, to spend your retirement. You have bought the land, the project for the house, and the services of an architect to direct the work. You will pay 500,000 Euros in total for all the costs of the project. According to your desires, the project will be listed as a module of living for one family with five bedrooms, four baths, one kitchen, one living room, one dining room, a terrace, and a...