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BUSM3005 Intercultural Perspectives_11013623

Comparing the Colombian versusthe German Culture

Introducing a cultural artefact: the Colombian Emeralds

The emerald stone is strongly linked to Colombias national identity and is an

item that the country is most proud about. It symbolizes the prestige and wealth

that Colombia offers to the world. Colombia is by far the worlds largest

producer of emeralds and is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records with

the largest emerald in the world at 7,025 carats (Fine Colombian Emeralds, LLC

2011). According to Bonnie Hamres article Emerald of Colombia, emeralds

from Colombia set the highest standard of quality worldwide. The unique beauty

of a Colombian emerald lies in its intense colour and visual recognition of

structure and size. The most important characteristics of these precious stones

are the purity of the emerald and the visual transparency. The more vivid its

green colour, the more valuable is the emerald.

The colour green also has significant meaning in many other cultures and

religions. For example, it is the holy colour of Islam and it also holds a high status

in the Catholic Church. Green is a colour that identifies Colombia as much as the

colours of its flag. It is the green of the native grassland, the mountains and

natural reserves, the Amazonian forest and the dense jungle (Proexport

Colombia 2012). The green colour of the emerald is so unique, that there is a

colour, which Colombians call emerald green.

Colombian emerald has been mined and traded across Central and South

America by the aboriginal Indians, long before the early Spanish settlersappeared. Tribes such as the Mayans, Aztecs, Toltecs, and Incas, as well as the

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Chibchas used the precious gemstones mainly for ceremonial ornaments (Roskin

2003). The emerald has been treasured as a symbol of eternal spring and

immortality. According to an Indian mythology, stated in the homepage of

Esmeralda Gems Inc, the name emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as

marakata, meaning the green of growing things. The name as we know it

now is believed to have come from an ancient Greek word, translated into Latin

as smaragdus, and eventually over time, evolved in to emerald. Before the

Colombian mines were discovered the only known source of emeralds for Europe

and Asia were Cleopatras Egyptian deposits. After the discovery the Egyptian

emeralds were considered to be only of historical significance (Esmeralda Gems

Inc 2010).

The emerald gemstone is a birthstone of May, and symbolizes Loyalty,

Faithfulness and Love. It is said to be a stone dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of

Beauty, and to give its possessor a power to express the sincerity of his/her love.

It is a traditional gift for weddings and anniversaries and thought to be essential

to everlasting love by couples, but are also said to change colour in times of

infertility (Wickell 2012).

The price of an emerald depends on the quality and rarity. The quality is

measured based on the 4 Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat), like diamonds. Theprice for lower quality emeralds can range from $10-$80 per carat. Emeralds of

commercial quality, those which can be found in most emerald jewelleries, prices

vary greatly and can reach a few thousand dollars per carat, based on the size

and the 4Cs. Beyond that, very fine emeralds are priced from $1,000-$50,000

per carat (Embassy Emeralds 2007).

Many of the gold and emerald encrusted items the indigenous tribes created are

displayed in the Museo del Oro and in the The International Emerald Museumin Bogota. There are three main Emerald mining areas in Colombia: Muzo,

Coscuez, and Chivor, in the north-western part of departamento of Boyaca and

Cundinamarca (Proexport Colombia 2012).

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Introducing the two countries (facts, figures and

history)

1.1 Colombia

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran

Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador, Venezuela). The country is located in

Northern South America between Panama and Venezuela and it is the only South

American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean

Sea (CIA 2012). Spanish is the official language and spoken throughout the

country, but there is also a variety of Indigenous languages. The main religion in

Colombia is Roman Catholic with 90% of the population, 9% includes Protestants,

Jewish, Muslim and Mormon. Only 1% of the population still follow Indigenous

religions. Colombias major ethnic group are mestizos (58%), following by 20%

white, 14% mulatto, 4% black, 3% mixed black-Amerindian, 1% Amerindian (CIA

2012).

Colombias government is a republic with one of the oldest democracy traditions

in Latin America (CIA 2012). With over 46 million people Colombia has the

second largest population of any Spanish-speaking countries in the world, after

Mexico. Colombia is a middle power, and now has the fourth largest economy in

Latin America, and the third largest in South America. (Caribean Islands News

2012).

1.2 Germany

Germany is a federal parliamentary republic and is located in west-central

Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,

France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland (CIA 2012). The

official language of the country is German. With 34% each, Protestant and

Roman Catholic are the main religion, but there is also 3.7% Muslim and 28.3%

unaffiliated or other. Germanys inhabitants consist of: 91.5% Germans, Turkish
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexicohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_powerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_republichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexicohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_powerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliamentary_republic

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2.4%, other 6.1% (e.g. Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian and

Spanish). With 81.8 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous country of

all the member states in the European Union. Germany is one of the major

political and economic powers of the European continent and a historic leader in

many theoretical and technical fields (CIA 2012). Germanys economy by

nominal GDP is 4th largest in the world and it is the third largest exporter and

importer of goods. The country has developed a very high living standard and

features a comprehensive system of social security.

Intercultural Communication

As per Halls Context Model, Colombia is classified as a high context-culture and

this is characterized by an indirect approach in communication (Costalas 2009).

Colombians care what others might think or how they may react whilst

communicating, so they are careful not to offend (Culture Crossing 2012).

Because of this, it is common that you may have to read between the lines to

understand what is being communicated as Colombians are often reserved

about sharing their opinion. Often it is recommended to use a similar indirect

approach when dealing with Colombians in order to avoid a negative perception,

like being rude or pushy (Katz 2008). Once a strong relationship has been

established, communication may become more direct and honest. Katz (2008)

also adds, that in business situations people tend to be more direct than in

formal or social environments and if they dont like a proposal, it is not a problem

to say no. Colombians often use lively gestures and body language in order to

underline what is being said and depending on the region it can be stronger. Eye

contact should be very frequent, as this conveys sincerity and helps build trust.

As per Mead et al. (2009), Germany is classified as a low-context culture that

follows the ideal to be honest, even if it hurts. Honesty is appreciated and

expected. Germans have the most direct communication in the world and dont

use much context surroundings. They like to be very clear and tend to talk about

facts all of the time. They try to avoid being misunderstood in any case.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Unionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union

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Cultural differences according to Hofstedes Cultural

Framework

1.3 Power Distance

Colombia shows a large degree of power distance on the scale of Hofstedes

Power Distance Index (67). Inequality of status and wealth in Colombian society

has long been tolerated as a social norm and therefore accepted as a way of life.

These inequalities created a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place

and which needs no further justification (Hofstede 2012). For example, most

Colombian companies tend to be very hierarchical, and people are expected to

work within clearly established lines of authority. Germany on the other hand isamong the lower power distance countries (scored at 35), as a highly

decentralised society and supported by a strong middle-class. Germany does not

have a large gap between the wealthy and the poor, but have a strong belief in

equality for each citizen (Law Teacher 2012). In Germany, subordinates are

expected to be consulted. A direct and participative communication is common.

1.4 Individualism vs. Collectivism

Colombia is among the most collectivistic cultures in the world, hence belongingto a group and aligning yourself with that groups opinion is very important

(Hofstede 2012). Before closing any deals, Colombians often find it highly

essential to establish strong bonds, build lasting and trusting personal

relationships. People in Colombia usually want to do business with people they

already know, like and trust (Katz 2008). Looking at the German society on the

other hand, it is an individualistic one. Hofstede explains that families in

Germany tend to be small and more focused on the parent-relationship rather

than aunts and uncles and extended family. In Germany people focus more on

personal achievements and individual rights. Germans expect that each person

fulfils his/her own needs. Group work is important, but everyone has the right of

his/her own opinion and is expected to reflect those.

1.5 Masculinity vs. Femininity

Colombias society is a very masculine society. Colombians are driven and

competitive, success and status orientated. Likewise, Germany is a masculine

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society. Performance is highly valued and required from early on in education

(Hofstede 2012).

1.6 Uncertainty Avoidance

Colombia's highest Hofstedes Dimension is Uncertainty Avoidance, ranked at 80. The

country has adopted strict rules, laws, policies, and regulations in order to minimize or

reduce the level of uncertainty and to avoid the unexpected. However, rules are not

necessarily followed, depending on the opinion of the group, if the rules are applicable to

their members (International Business Centre 2012). Germany is also among the

uncertainty avoidant countries, scored at 67 (Hofstede 2012). Germany favours stability

and avoids risk. In order to avoid the uncertainty, Germans like to plan everything

carefully and rely strongly on rules, regulations and laws (Law Teacher 2012).

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner: The Car Accident

Trompenaars and Hampdens case scenario The Car Accident leads to the

identification of whether a country represents a Universalism or Particularism

Culture. According to Meadow et al. (2010), the Universalist approach is: what is

good and right can be defined and always applies. Whereas the particularists

approach, gives far more attention to the obligation of relationships and unique

circumstances. In the Car Accident scenario, you will be confronted with the

dilemma of whether to follow the good and right way or to bend the truth put

your friendship first.

According to Trompenaars and Hampden-Turners research, Germany has been

classified among the countries with a Universalistic cultural approach. In

Germany there is a strong connection between laws/regulations and practices.

Rules and discipline give stability to life and reduce uncertainty; however work

and career tend to be over regulated. Sticking to the rules is seen as

professional behaviour in the world of work and career. In general, Germans

display compliance to the authorities; they are reliable, with a strong sense of

responsibility and expect others to behave the same. They are often serious in

nature and in business and tend to be ridged in their mannerisms (especially in

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careers, demanding power roles). Because of this, Germans are often perceived

as being uptight.

The opposite can be said for Colombians, the reason being that Colombia a

particularistic culture. Judgments in Colombia tend to focus on the nature of thepresent circumstances, rather than the general rule. Colombians would not think

twice before helping a good friend.

Trompenaars and Hampden-Turners Dimensions of Culture help us to

understand the difference in cultures and why some people behave or react in a

certain way.

References

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2012].
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CIA (2012) The Worldfactbook: Colombia. [Online] Available from:

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[Accessed 5th November 2012].

Cleary Cultural (2009) Making Sense of Cross Cultural Communication:Individualism. [Online] Available from: http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-

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Costalas, G. (2009) Profile Issues in Theachers Professional Development: Intercultural

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07902009000100011&script=sci_arttext [Accessed 6th November 2012].

Culture Crossing (2012)A community built guide to cross-cultural etiquette &understanding. [Online] Available from:

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[Accessed 6th November]

Embassy Emeralds (5th September 2007) How much are emeralds worth per

carat? [Online] Available from:

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per-carat.html [Accessed 14th October 2012].

Esmeralda Gems Inc. (2010) History of Emeralds. [Online] Available from:

http://www.colombian-emerald.com/historyofemeralds.aspx [Accessed 14th

October 2012].

Fine Colombian Emeralds LLC (2011) Emerald: the Queen of the Gems. [Online]

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[Accessed 8th October 2012].

Hamre, B. (2012) Emeralds of Colombia: Magical green fire - often more valuable

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