Cross-Cultural Business Expansion Management Essay

Cross-Cultural Business Expansion Management - Essay Example The two countries where we can expand our business have been identified as China and Canada. Canada has certain similarities to America in terms of the legal, cultural and economic environment but the systems in China are significantly different (Bartlett & Ghoshal, 1998). However, an understanding of both is important for us if we are to make our international venture a successful one for all concerned parties. Being our old ally and neighbor, Canada is particularly important for America as a trade and resource partner and there are quite a few similarities in terms of culture, laws, the environment and business processes which connect the two countries. In terms of size, it is the worlds second-biggest country with regard to governed area and it stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The country was founded like America as a set of British colonies but it gained full independence from the UK in a peaceful process (Statistics Canada, 2007). Systemically, unlike America, Canada is a federal constitutional monarchy which is ruled by the Queen of England but it also has a parliamentary system of democracy. Culturally, Canada is a bilingual country since a significant population speaks French therefore both French and English are official languages (Statistics Canada, 2007). The levels of diversity in Canada are much higher than in America since a significant population segment is made up of immigrants to the country. In terms of doing business, it might be useful for us to have a French speaker or two if we really want our products to sell in the French-speaking regions of the country. However, the advantage of doing business in Canada comes from its technological base and high standard of living.