Traveling the world and learning about different cultures has always been one of my most important life goals. When I look back at how I grew up, it is obvious why. To this date, I have spent each third of my life in a different country, and as a result, I have been exposed to and adjusted to a few different cultures. I spent my earliest years in a large metropolitan area of China called Chengdu, and although I was quite young, I still remember many aspects of the busy Chinese life. When I was six, I moved to Canada, where I lived for six more years in an area of Winnipeg that was a cross between city life and suburbia. The adjustment took a while, but I finally became accustomed to the western culture, so when I moved to the US at age 12, the shock was of a much lesser degree. Other than the moving, I have traveled to several major cities in the US, some of which include Atlanta, Orlando, and San Antonio. I have also traveled back to China a few times to visit family members. With all this cultural and travel experience behind me, I look forward to participating in Plus 3 Germany for two major reasons. First, I have never been to Europe, so I believe it will be a great opportunity to explore a different culture. Second, I am interested in the lessons to be learned on a more professional level. As an aspiring doctor, I have to learn to balance science and societal interactions. Thus, this trip, with its focus on engineering and business, will aid me in finding this balance. Before being selected for Plus 3 Germany, I knew almost nothing about Germany’s cultural and professional background; most of what I knew came from popular culture and a little bit of education on Europe through my French classes. Thus, I have a lot to learn from this trip, and the opportunities are endless.
From the research I have conducted thus far, I believe there are many cultural issues that I will run into during the Plus 3 trip to Germany. A few general cultural differences between the US and Germany revolve around the value system and the standard attitude towards life. Americans are constantly on the go, and they seem like they are in a hurry to get everything done. Germans, however, make time in their day to relax. Thus, many stores are closed on Sundays and around lunch time for long lunch breaks [1]. This not only encourages Germans to take time to relax, but it also encourages them to spend more quality time with family members. Thus, in this aspect, Germans lead a less stressful life than do Americans. As for the basic value system, it is very similar between the American culture and the German culture. Both value hard work and family, although Germans may show it more. The value system for Americans and Germans are very close since they are both based on the Judeo-Christian/Western set of ethics.
Germans and Americans may differ in some everyday aspects, such as dealing with conflict and encountering foreigners. In dealing with conflict, especially in the workplace, Germans often like to talk things out; the whole process is kept very formal. While some Americans may do this, many Americans will also lose the formality once any type of conflict arises. The formality with which Germans deal with conflicts also carries over to their method of interaction with foreigners. Many Americans may think that Germans are very cold and unfeeling [2]. This is because Germans often do not act very friendly towards people they do not know; they will be polite, but not friendly. Friendship in Germany takes time to culture, but once it is established, it is very strong. Thus, Americans who do not take the time to establish real friendships with Germans may mistake them to be unfriendly people. On the other hand, Germans may view Americans as being too friendly. Other stereotypes may include fat, easily manipulated, and outgoing. Of course, stereotypes are only generalizations, and Germans realize this and so they judge mainly based on the individual. In addition, much of the negativity is focused towards the American government and not the American people. With this in mind, it is In addition to personal/cultural issues, I will also be faced with professional/business issues on the Plus 3 Germany trip. The business environment in Germany is very strict and organized, especially for bigger companies like Audi and Fujitsu-Siemens. Germans do not like exaggerations, so all claims must be backed up with facts and figures [3]. Likewise, they value punctuality; being late to a meeting is frowned upon. When arriving at a meeting, the most senior member must enter and be greeted first with a brief, firm handshake [4]. The meeting then proceeds immediately to business because Germans do not like small talk during business meetings; in other words, business is business and nothing else. Thus, personal issues should not be brought up. New business relationships with Germans mirror new friendships with Germans in that they seem very cold at first [2]. Just like the friendship, however, a business relationship can become more warm and intimate as it develops over time.
The standard protocol described above applies to all German companies, but specific rules may be more or less strict depending on the actual company. For example, Audi and Fujitsu-Siemens are both very large international companies, so the environment is probably much stricter than that of Riegele’s. Riegele is a company based more on tradition and history, so its work environment may be more laid back. Thus, even though German companies have a standard acceptable business environment, it can vary from company to company, and we, as visitors and students, will have to learn how to adjust to each one.
Finally, we will face national/societal issues as well as the personal and professional issues discussed above. Germany plays a huge role on the international stage, both politically and economically. On the economic side, Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the 5th largest economy in the world [5]. Its 2008 per capita GDP was $34,800, which is significantly higher than the world per capita GDP of $9,276 [5]. Germany also boasts a 7.9% unemployment rate [5]. Despite these impressive numbers, however, its economy has taken a hit recently due to its export-dependent nature. The strong euro, slowing growth abroad, and high oil prices have decreased demand for Germany’s main exports of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, and textiles. In addition, its aging population has placed a strain on its social security system, and the national debt is increasing due to federal stimulus efforts [5]. Thus, although it does have a strong economy, Germany is starting to feel the global economic downturn as well.
In other aspects such as politics, the environment, and human rights, Germany has had a great track record in the recent years. On the political topic, Germany elected its first female chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also only the second woman to chair the G8, after Margaret Thatcher [6]. In addition, the US State Department found very few human rights violations by the German government; the violations that were reported happened very rarely [7]. In the environmental arena, Germany is definitely a key player. By supporting renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, Germany has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 18% between 1990 and 2005 [8]. Germany’s focus on the environment also helps its economy by providing jobs; about 250,000 jobs were created as a result of the growth of the renewable energy sector [8]. Overall, Germany does not have very many serious national issues, and in fact, it is model for the rest of the world in areas like the environment.
After doing all the research on Germany’s people, companies, and society, I feel much more prepared for the Plus 3 trip. I now know more about the values of the German people and what they find to be acceptable behavior both in social and work settings. I also know how to conduct myself in business environments. Knowing about Germany’s national issues will help me understand the attitudes of the German people towards their country and the world. All of this knowledge will aid me as I try to learn more about the German people, their business standards, and their national issues on the Plus 3 Germany trip.
References
[1] Spiegel Online International article
http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,415714,00.html
[2] Dartmouth’s German Department
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~german/German%208/Typical.html
[3] Kwintessential’s “Doing Business in Germany”
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/etiquette/doing-business-germany.html
[4] How to Germany’s “Bumps and Jolts on the Cultural Road”
http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/living.html
[5] CIA World Fact Book-Germany
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.html#Govt
[6] Biography.com article on Angela Merkel
http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=9406424
[7] US State Department’s Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Germany
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61650.htm
[8] Time Article “Lessons from Germany”
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1730759_1734222_1734213,00.html
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