As businesses increasingly expand their operations and gain access to cross-border markets, cultural understanding is emerging as a fundamental consideration, which directly influences the firm’s potential for success. This implies that it is imperative for organizations to be comprehensively conscious and sensitive to the collection of attitudes, behaviors, values, beliefs, and habits that define and differentiate societies. In this regard, it is critical for Kaizer Consulting’s client to understand multiple cultural aspects of Mexico, their target foreign market.
According to Yong, the lack of cultural sensitivity leads to a wide array of challenges, including weak market share, expatriate failure, inability to cultivate competitive advantages and even contribute to total business failure. Szkudlarek et al. corroborate this view and argue that understanding such cultural dimensions as power distance, individualism, and collectivism helps to minimize the inherent uncertainties that accompany cross-border activities. For instance, Mexico is a hierarchical society with a high-power distance index and emphasizes collectivism and social interdependence.
Among the critical elements that Kaizer Consulting’s client should understand to work effectively in Mexico include the highly hierarchical nature of the society, robust social and individual ties, and the generally masculine culture. This implies that the community is highly reflective and satisfied with status and inequalities. Subordinates expect directives on what to do and prefer a benevolent autocrat as the ideal boss. Additionally, the client should understand that the Mexican culture is highly collectivist, indicating that people value social cohesion and group relationships.
Regarding masculinity, individuals in leadership positions are expected to be assertive and decisive, and people are generally motivated by the desire to be the best. Notably, Mexico is characterized by a distinct preference for masculine values, uncertainty avoidance, and short-term orientation. Consequently, the business venturing into Mexico should structure its operations in a way that reflects the society’s predisposition to group relationships and teamwork, rigid behavioral and belief codes, and a focus on attaining quick results.