Question

With regard to cultural relativism, the old adage of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is often applied in order to help American companies navigate successfully in foreign markets...but what are YOUR thoughts about that approach to doing business overseas? For example, in Japan, women are still widely considered home bodies whose place in society is to maintain the home, raise children, etc. As such, some American companies may hesitate to send women managers to meet with Japanese companies to seal large, lucrative deals because of the fear that the Japanese companies may not respect, or faithfully negotiate with women. This is but one of many such examples.

So, how far should the principle "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" extend in the world of international business? Do you think it is acceptable to make small changes to a company's operating procedures in order to "fit in" with a new culture (and be fiscally successful) or do you feel companies should not conform with the foreign cultures they may operate in at the risk of losing millions of dollars (and possibly thousands of jobs if their competitors are willing to conform)? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

When In Rome do as the romans do means that u need to follow there rules & regulation when u visit a foriegn land

But According to the above context this may be applicable in the international business.

I think it is acceptable to make small changes so that it can fit the requirments of that country like for example diffrent countries follows difrrernt coustoums and ethics if u send any of ur delicates to the foriegn land like japan the have diffrent rules for the business so in order to be sucessful u need to adjust in that environment so that our business can perish if dont want to change this business ethics then we will loose millions of dollars