s evidenced by the fact that Donaldson’s wife is distressed and Donaldson’s daughter is failing school. Donaldson is not the only one guilty of causing problems in the Zurich office. Frank Waterhouse has also added to the woes of the company.2.1.4 IndividualismAccording to Hofstede (1980) there are four value dimensions, the third of which is individualism. This looks at whether the culture is more focused on the good of the individual or the good of society. Through Hofstede’s study we see that highly individualistic countries, like the United States typically look out for themselves, with Waterhouse being no exception. Being raised with an American culture, he is continually concerned with how Donaldson could help him, or how Donaldson’s problems would reflect poorly on him, “Waterhouse had been enthusiastic. Donaldson could help him reach the top.”2.1.5 MasculinityRelates to the degree of masculine values - assertiveness, materialism, and a lack of concern for others. Feminine values represent a concern for others, for relationships and for quality of life. (Hofstede 1980) Coming from a masculine society (USA) Donaldson is unaware of the different value placed on activities within the work environment by his European subordinates. European workers are concerned with Donaldson working late. “He must be having problems at home. Why else would he work until midnight?” Workers in Germany would be happy with him saying what he has to and then leaving, while workers in Portugal would prefer a long lasting conversation. Uncertainty avoidance and Power Distance also come into play, as the four are interdependent and interactive.2.2 CommunicationIn order for any company to be successful it relies on competent management and in order to be competent, the manager must possess effective communication skills. Furthermore, according to Samovar, Porter and Jain (1981), “Culture…is the foun...
