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The German Symphony Cannon describes the German culture like a symphony. The Germans have a very rich history of symphonies and orchestras. They have produced some of the greatest conductors and composers of all time. Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and Handel are some of the few composers Germany has provided the world. Germans frequent the symphony regularly and many Germans play musical instruments as a hobby to carry on tradition. “German music is not only integral, it is serious; it is not generally an outlet for emotion and craziness as it is in the United States and other societies.
Music is foreground, not background. ” (Cannon 183). Cannon explains the crucial part symphonies have on the German culture and uses this as a way to describe the various culture dimensions. Just like a conductor at a symphony, German leaders have provided direction and guidance to the German citizens. The Germans have preferred visionary leaders who can divide responsibilities to subordinates throughout the government. This works Just like a conductor letting the symphony have its each individual section, but they work together and make a strong and great end product.
The symphony also is a great example for the German’s communication style. During meetings there is a steady progress through easily recognizable stages during which timing, speech, and emotions are critical. In business as in music sound, tone, and timing are key to a quality performance. The Educational system in Germany relates to a German symphony as well. In Germany the sequence of schools makes sure that the students take the necessary steps to help reach their occupational support of the German effort.
Just like symphony members, the order in the educational system lets the Germans excel individually to make the Germans successful. Germany and Austria have very different cultural dimensions for being in the amen geographical region, but both share differences and similarities to the U. S. Germany, for instance, scored a 43 on power distance, 67 on individualism, 67 on masculinity, and 29 on risk acceptance. Austria scored 11 on power distance, 55 on individualism, 70 on risk acceptance, and 79 on Masculinity. United States scores a 40 on power distance, 91 on individualism, 60 on masculinity, and 46 on risk acceptance.
Based on these numbers there are similarities and differences in each countries cultural dimension. The German society is represented by there privacy and respect for others and one great example of that is there homes. The typical German home is protected from others by fences, walls, screens, and blinds. The Germans are also extremely prideful of their homes and spend more time than the U. S. Making sure there homes are spotless. Just like Germany, Austria represents a desire for freedom and there privacy. They believe there home is a place for privacy. Even in business privacy is high valued.
Information flows less easily from one department to another because of there individualistic views and they believe what happens in there department should stay in there department. The United States is the same way, but on a much larger scale. They are even more individualistic than Germany and Austria and this is why quick business issues are difficult to reach. From the competitive individualism found in the U. S. ” (Cannon 191). The Germans, who are mainly an individualistic society, will sacrifice their individual skills at times for the greater good.
As we see in the U. S. The individual always wants to succeed. Germans want to succeed individually as well, but if there is a greater good for the team they will sacrifice themselves for the group. Austria is the least of the two groups on the individualism scale, but it is still considered an individualistic country. The Austrian employer/employee relationship is a contract based on mutual advantage. Austria, being a masculine country, has the attitude that we are here to live to work. Most conflicts are resolved by arguments and managers are expected to be very decisive.
In the business culture these three countries are very individualistic, but still have differences about being punctual, communication, and dress. In Germany and Austria tardiness is frowned upon and most of the time they will be at least five minutes early. In the U. S. Being on time is a good thing, but no necessarily too important. The German’s are also good at detail and slowly building there communication with people. They will gradually discuss and build up the topic, while Americans like to get right to the point whether it is in a meeting or Just a simple conversation.
There have been many current events that help display Germany and Australia’s various culture dimensions. For instance, In Austria Syllabus has been refusing to allow private ski teachers to operate on ski slopes in the region. The regional government has been denying access to private instructors even though Austrian court says it is legal. There have been numerous heated debates on whether or not this should be possible. These heated debates show you how Austrian choose to handle there situations and reflect their attitudes toward a topic.
In German current events there has been an up rise in private school enrollment in Germany. The private schools in Germany have taken a more globalizes approach to education and expand the students knowledge globally, not Just German topics. The Germans take pride in their education system and they want their children to succeed. Lately they see that private schooling curriculum has been giving students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and be more successful in the field of study in which they choose.
From being an individualistic country, to a masculine country, to a high to small power index, Germany, Austria, and the U. S. Have a wide variety of differences as well as some similarities. These are all countries with unique features and geographical differences but can still share some of the same cultural tendencies. Cannon explained Germany as a symphony and I believe this fit the German culture well. The Germans are individuals at nature Just like instruments and they all work for the greater good of Germany or the symphony.