Individualism in Arab Countries

Individualism culture focuses on goals of individuals and not social goals. Western countries have individualistic cultures while Arabic countries have collectivist cultures. Arab culture is a collectivist culture. Here, individuals’ commitments focus on their nuclear and extended families and close friends rather than on themselves.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Individualism in Arab Countries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Loyalty is the pillar of collectivist culture in Arab nations.  Hofstede’s studies on national cultures provide the best point of views in understanding behaviours and cultures of people across the globe. According to Hofstede’s previous studies, he argued that all Arab countries had similar cultural characteristics. Hofstede gave the Arab world a score of 38 percent on individualism because he viewed the Arab world culture as collective. This score reflects general isation of the Arab culture. This might be true based Hofstede’s studies. However, we have to note that different nations operate in diverse realities. In addition, these states have different communities and cultures. Hofstede’s view on the Arab culture of individualism provides a valuable tool for people who are new in the Arab world and need quick judgements and decisions. This knowledge can help us respond to situations appropriately. Alkailani, Azzam, and Athamneh claim that generalisation of Hofstede’s study in Jordan is not scientifically valid (Alkailani, Azzam and Athamneh, 2012). These scholars note that generalisation of findings from one culture to another culture leads to misleading results. This is because of variations among cultures. We have to recognise similarities, such as language and religion among Egypt, Iraq, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. However, these countries have differences in relation to social, economic, and political statuses. We must al so understand that Arab countries lack stable conditions, which may create cultural dynamism. Based on such results, it is fundamental for Hofstede’s dimensions to focus on every country of the Arab world. Further, cultures are dynamic based on prevailing circumstances in the society. Therefore, such studies need constant revisions and updates.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this context, Hofstede should review his work and treat every country within its context. At the same time, Hofstede should consider proximity of various Arab countries rather than a broad generalisation. Honour is a crucial part of Arab culture. Arabs, especially men must strive to guard their honour at all costs. Some scholars have noted that Arabs must â€Å"fight, lie, or kill to protect their honour and that of their family† (Berman, 2008). On the other hand, the failure to protect one ’s honour results to shame. Regaining a lost honour may involve revenge with severe consequences.  In the business environment, visitors must be careful about the importance of honour in Arab world. Public criticism among Arabs can lead to a loss of honour. This can lead to serious consequences. According Arab Cultural Awareness guide, there are several cultures and societies in the Arab world. It has rich and diverse groups, cultures, and communities. Therefore, differences exist in cultural practices. This implies that the culture of honour varies from one Arab country to another. What leads to generalisation of honour culture is the broad consideration of the Arab world. This is because it is difficult to consider a culture of a nation or nations without generalisation. Therefore, accuracy of honour culture in the Arab world depends on a given context and circumstance. In all, generalisation of honour culture in Arab world provides us with an insight of what to expect. R eference List Alkailani, M, Azzam, I, and Athamneh, A 2012, ‘Replicating Hofstede in Jordan: Ungeneralized, Reevaluating the Jordanian Culture’, International Business Research, vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 71-80. Berman, L 2008, ‘Understanding Arab Culture’, Small Wars Journal, pp. 1-10.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Individualism in Arab Countries specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Individualism in Arab Countries was written and submitted by user Kristen W. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Haber De and Haber Que in Spanish

Haber De and Haber Que in Spanish Two of the most common phrases using haber are haber que and haber de, both of which can be used to express obligation or the need to perform certain actions. Keep in Mind Haber que, usually in the form hay que, is used in the third person to say that an action is necessary or essential.The more formal haber de  can be used to say that a person or entity needs to take  an action.Both haber que and haber de are followed by infinitives. Hay Que and Other Forms of Haber Que Haber que is the more common, although it is used only in the third-person singular, which is hay que in the indicative present tense. In the present tense haber que is often translated as it is necessary, although in context you might also translate it with phrases such as you need to, you should, you have to, or we need to. Note that the phrase hay que doesnt explicitly state who or what needs to take the action, only that its necessary. But if the intended meaning points to who needs to take the action, that can be specified in the English translation as shown in some of the examples below. The phrase is followed by an infinitive, the most basic verb form. A veces hay que perder para ganar. (Sometimes it is necessary to lose in order to win.)Para ser doctor, hay que estudiar mucho. (In order to be a doctor, you need to study a lot.)No hay que comprar un mà ³vil a un nià ±o antes de los 12 à ³ 13 aà ±os. (It isnt necessary to buy a cellphone for children before theyre 12 or 13.)Se queremos hijos felices hay que enseà ±arle a navegar en tempestades. (If we want happy children, we need to teach them to navigate through turmoil.)Hay que comer solo cuando tengamos hambre. (We should eat only when were hungry.)Hay muchos libros que hay que leer. (There are many books that need to be read.)No es suficiente criticar al presidente,  ¡hay que votar! (It isnt enough to criticize the president - you need to vote!) Haber que can also be used in other tenses and the subjunctive mood: Esta vez habà ­a que ganar. (This time it was necessary to win.)Hubo que esperar 30 aà ±os. (It was necessary to wait 30 years.)Tarde o temprano va a haber que pagarlo. (Sooner or later it is going to be necessary to pay it.)El gobierno cambiar lo que haya que cambiar. (The government will change what needs to be changed.)Nunca pensà © que hubiera que decir eso. (I never thought it would be necessary to say this.) Haber De Haber de can be used with a similar meaning, although this use is usually fairly formal or literary. Haber is conjugated fully, not confined to the third person in the way haber que is.  ¿Quà © he de estudiar para poder escribir libros? (What do I need to study in order to be able to write books?)Has de pensar en tu vida. (You need to think about your life.)Hemos de determinar el nà ºmero de gramos de nitrà ³geno que hemos de obtener. (We have to determine the number of grams of nitrogen we need.) In some areas, haber de also can express probability in much the same way that have to (or sometimes must) in English can express likelihood rather than obligation: Aquà ­ ha de caer la lluvia. (Rain must have fallen here.)La solucià ³n al problema ha de ser difà ­cil. (The solution to the problem must be difficult.)Has de ser rica. (You must be rich.) Finally, haber de in the conditional tense can be used, especially in questions, to express the idea that something doesnt make sense:  ¿Por quà © no habrà ­a de darle la mano a la reina? (Asked not to get information, but to express amazement: Why shouldnt he shake hands with the queen?) ¿Por quà © el universo habrà ­a de tomarse la molestia de existir? (Why would the universe go to the bother of existing?) ¿Por quà © habà ­an de creer la verdad, si la mentira resultaba mucho ms excitante? (Why should they have believed the truth, if the lie turned out to be much more exciting?) ¿Quià ©n habrà ­a de hacer eso en Panam? (Said in an incredulous tone: Who would do that in Panama?)

The Current Economic Performance of Brazil Essay

The Current Economic Performance of Brazil - Essay Example The United Kingdom is one of the most important members of the European Union due to its political as well as economic significance. In order to initiate a Greenfield project in the UK, following factors may be taken into consideration: UK is going through one of the toughest economic periods in its history due to the credit crisis which emerged from the US. However, its performance in the recent past has been credible due to its consistent growth rates achieved over the period of time. From 2003 to 2007, it achieved an average growth rate of 2.7% whereas inflation has remained under 2% during the period. (Economist.com, 2008). The exchange rate parity between the US dollar and UK pound has remained under control too as the average exchange rate during 2007 remained at 0.5GBP per US Dollar. The upcoming forecasts regarding the performance of the UK’s economy are not favourable as many analysts have projected a negative growth in GDP for the year 2009. UK’s population is over 65 million with an average age of 39 years. Out of this population, 65% of the population belongs to the working class in which almost 52% of the population lives in the age group of up to 40 years. (The Times 100, 2008) What is also important to note that a larger chunk of the UK’s population is ageing, therefore, it has been anticipated that there may be a shortage of young employable population. It is also critical to note that the UK has adopted a very lenient immigration policy which allowed it to enjoy one of the largest immigration population in the region. This also, however, provides it with a readily available pool of employable population at relatively lower cost.