(Solution) 70S05 Question 2 (AC 2.3) Fitter Threads Ltd managers relocating to Bangladesh, India and Vietnam

Solution

70S05- Managing People in an International Context

Question 2 (AC 2.3)

Fitter Threads Ltd managers relocating to Bangladesh, India and Vietnam will experience significant differences in workplace culture and societal norms. These differences are as a result of hierarchical structures, communication styles, and broader cultural values (Balante et al., 2021). The understanding of these variations is of paramount importance in order for expatriates and their families to experience a smooth transition and to lower the level of culture shock. Culture shock occurs since an employee origin country could be operating in a different culture with the country they venture. The alignment of their cultures is therefore important for maintaining competitiveness and dominating their industry of operations.

Work-Related Differences

Hierarchical Management Structures and Decision-Making

Workplaces in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam are hierarchical in nature and managers tend to wield substantial authority over employees (Zafarullah & Sarker, 2021). These countries have high scores on Hofstede’s Power Distance Index, which means its employees expect clear leadership and rarely challenge superiors (Sengstschmid & Leong, 2023). On the other hand, workplaces in the UK stress egalitarianism with an environment that promotes an open dialogue and participative decision making (Valverde-Moreno et al., 2020). These Asian countries rely heavily on seniority and employees could be reluctant to speak up or make decisions independently without a manager’s approval (Zafarullah & Sarker, 2021). For example, in India, leadership takes more of a paternalistic approach, where employees look to their seniors for direction and in the professional growth. This is similar in Vietnam, where respect for hierarchy means employees do not question authority, and hence decision making is slower (Le et al., 2021). This top-down approach may be challenging for UK managers, who are used to delegating tasks and encouraging proactive problem solving. To integrate effectively, they must gradually build trust, encourage feedback through informal discussions, and balance their leadership style to align with the local expectations and maintain Fitter Threads Ltd’s commitment to ethical management.

Communication Styles and Conflict Resolution

The direct style of communication in the UK is characterised by clarity and assertiveness (Valverde-Moreno et al., 2020). In Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam, communication is generally indirect and context-dependent…….

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