The purpose of this paper is to provide some basic guidelines and recommendations for doing business for a Bulgarian in Germany and a German in Bulgaria. The main focus is placed on the cultural aspects of both nations concerning the business environment. In the course of the writing some strong generalizations will be made which may not be valid for the particular individual from a given country. Nevertheless, I will try to be as objective as possible and rely on previously conducted researches wherever suitable. The aim is to create an understandable picture of the “average” Bulgarian and German which can serve as a starting point and ease the communication between two business parties from both countries.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Historical Development of Bulgaria and Bulgarian Culture Standards
2.1. A Very Brief History of Bulgaria
2.2. Bulgarian Culture Standards and their historical roots
3. Historical Development of Germany and German Culture Standards
3.1. A Very Brief History of Germany
3.2. German Culture Standards and their historical roots
4. Recommendations and Tips
4.1. A German in Bulgaria
4.2. A Bulgarian in Germany
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide foundational guidelines for business interactions between Bulgaria and Germany by analyzing their distinct cultural standards shaped by their respective historical backgrounds. The central research objective is to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate smoother business communication by fostering a better understanding of the "average" Bulgarian and German business partner.
- Historical evolution of Bulgarian and German national identities.
- Identification of core cultural standards (e.g., Particularism, Objectivism, Time Planning).
- Comparative analysis of workplace behavior and communication styles.
- Practical recommendations for Germans doing business in Bulgaria.
- Practical recommendations for Bulgarians doing business in Germany.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. German Culture Standards and their historical roots
How did the history of the formation of the German State and national identity shaped the culture? Schroll-Machl (2013, p. 34) identifies six culture standards that are important, even from the viewpoint of other cultures. These are: Objectivism; Appreciation for Rules, Regulations and Structures; Rule-Oriented Internalized Control; Time Planning; Separation of Personality and Living Spheres; Low context. In the following, each the culture standard will be presented and traced back historically.
In the workplace Germans communicate mainly on the objective level - they are task and goal-oriented. Showing emotions is considered a weakness. They go straight to the point and stick to it. They come to meetings well-prepared and bring often detailed written materials (Schroll-Machl, 2013, p. 47). Objectivism is typical for Western societies. The roots of this characteristic can be traced back to the Judeo-Christian tradition (Nipperdey, 1991, Cahill, 2000). Monotheism opened people to technical and scientific interests. Christianity further encouraged people to act in a rational way. During the Enlightenment irrational elements from the Middle Ages were further repressed and the modernity of Europe, which was the basis for Western “objectivism”, was founded (Schroll-Machl, 2013, p. 64). After the Second World War, “objectivism” was reinforced by the economic miracle in West Germany. In a market economy, where profit maximization has the greatest importance, the orientation to the “object” is more essential than ever before (Schroll-Machl, 2013, p. 66).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the strong economic ties between Bulgaria and Germany and sets the scope for exploring cultural factors that influence their business relationships.
2. Historical Development of Bulgaria and Bulgarian Culture Standards: Examines Bulgaria's historical path from its foundation to the post-communist era and identifies cultural traits like Particularism, Hospitality, and Pessimism.
3. Historical Development of Germany and German Culture Standards: Reviews the history of Germany, highlighting the roots of cultural pillars such as Objectivism, strict adherence to rules, and the separation of private and professional life.
4. Recommendations and Tips: Provides actionable advice for cross-cultural navigation, detailing how Germans and Bulgarians should adapt their behavior to succeed in the partner country.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of using cultural insights as a starting point while cautioning against over-generalization and emphasizing the importance of individual experience.
Keywords
Intercultural Management, Bulgaria, Germany, Business Culture, Cultural Standards, Particularism, Objectivism, Historical Context, Professional Communication, Globalization, Economic Relations, Cross-cultural Competence, Business Etiquette, Workplace Behavior, National Identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the cultural aspects of the business environment in Bulgaria and Germany, aiming to provide guidelines for better professional cooperation between the two nations.
What are the central themes covered in the study?
The themes include the historical development of both countries, the resulting formation of specific cultural standards, and practical advice for overcoming cross-cultural barriers in business.
What is the core research objective?
The primary goal is to create an understandable picture of the "average" German and Bulgarian to facilitate smoother communication and reduce misunderstandings between business parties.
Which methodology does the author use?
The author uses a historical and comparative analysis, drawing on existing academic literature, case studies, and personal professional observations to identify and define cultural standards.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the historical origins of specific behaviors in both nations—such as Bulgaria's "Particularism" versus Germany's "Objectivism"—and provides practical tips for navigating these different environments.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Intercultural Management, Business Culture, Cultural Standards, and cross-cultural communication between Bulgaria and Germany.
Why does the author consider Bulgarian history as "Pessimistic"?
The author argues that long periods of foreign rule (Ottoman Yoke) and the Soviet regime created a cultural trait where people often expect the worst and are critical of new ideas.
What is the significance of the "Separation of Personality and Living Spheres" for Germans?
It represents the clear border between work and private life, which increases professional efficiency but requires significant effort for others to build personal friendships with German colleagues.
How should a German approach public administration in Bulgaria?
The author advises patience and suggests that leveraging personal networks ("the right people") is often a necessary and accepted way to navigate the administrative landscape in Bulgaria.
Why is the "Low Context" communication style important for Germans?
Because Germans prefer explicit, direct, and unambiguous information, the author warns against searching for "hidden meanings" that are not intended, which can lead to misinterpretations.
- Quote paper
- Dimko Dobrev (Author), 2014, On Intercultural Management. Bulgaria and Germany Doing Business, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/300211
