LEGAL ISSUES CUSTOMER SERVICE, CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, & THE BIG 5 IN LEBANON, SPAIN & THE UNITED STATES.

When comparing Spain and the United States, the cultural differences are significant, although they are similar in some aspects. Although individualism is supported in Spain, unlike America, the Spanish tend to be relatively collectivist when compared to Europe and the United States. However, when compared to countries such as China and India, their cultural is far more individualistic. Collectivist cultures who usually view individualistic cultures as blunt and selfish, tend to relate better to the Spanish culture. Individualistic cultures tend to believe the Spanish are far more independent compared to collectivists. As a result, Spain reaches a balance on individualism. However, in terms of masculinity, Spain falls on the opposite side of the spectrum from the United States of America. The United States is considered a relatively masculine society because the competitive society is driven is rewards and success. However, the Spanish are considered as almost feminine because traits such as harmony and sympathy are valued. Moreover, the masculine trait to stand out from the crowd isn't as valued within the Spanish society. Consensus and agreement are what motivate Spanish society, allowing for the growth of stronger relationships. Lastly, Spain differs drastically from the United States when analyzing Long Term Orientation. Spain is a society that is relatively laid back without much concern for the future. With a love for both "siestas" and "fiestas," Spain is a fun-loving country. Although the United States is a country that embraces that fun-loving mindset, there are set clear rules and structures that run the society. The United States values development and progress, so the Long-Term Orientation is relatively high. As a masculine society, the United States values success and as a result, the future. Overall, both cultures are unique in their own way. Understanding these differences allows for better management skills through a sense of cultural awareness and empathy Spain and Lebanon are two very diverse countries that exhibit varying personalities, cultures and customer service strategies. Hofstede's cultural dimensions display an elaborate study of Spain and Lebanon. Spain demonstrates a high score (57) in the power distance dimension, which means that Spain has a hierarchical society. This means that people accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification. Hierarchy in an organization is seen as reflecting inherent inequalities, centralization is popular, subordinates expect to be told what to do and the ideal boss is a benevolent autocrat. Lebanon scores relatively higher in this dimension (score of 75), which means that people are more accustomed to hierarchical societies. Spain, in comparison with the rest of the European countries (except for Portugal) is Collectivist (because of its score in this dimension: 51). However, compared with other areas of the world it is seen as clearly individualist. This has made Spaniards quite easy to relate with certain cultures - mainly non-European- whereas other cultures can be perceived as aggressive and blunt. On the other hand, teamwork is considered as something totally natural, employees tend to work in this way with no need for strong motivation from Management. Lebanon, with a score of 40 is also considered a collectivistic society. This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member 'group', be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group. In collectivist societies offence leads to shame and loss of face, employer/employee relationships are perceived in moral terms (like a family link), hiring and promotion decisions take account of the employee's in-group, management is the management of groups. Spain scores 42 in the Masculinity dimension and is a country where the key word is consensus. So polarization is not well considered or excessive competitiveness appreciated. Spanish children are educated in search of harmony, refusing to take sides or standing out. There is a concern for weak or needy people that generate a natural current of sympathy. Regarding management, managers like to consult their subordinates to know their opinions and, according to it, make their decisions. In politics, it is desirable to have participation of all the minorities, trying to avoid the dominant presence of just one winning party. It is the country opposite to 'the winner takes it all'. Lebanon scores 65 on this dimension and is thus a Masculine society. Managers are expected to be decisive and assertive, the emphasis is on equity, competition and performance and conflicts are resolved by fighting them out. If there is a dimension that defines Spain very clearly, it is Uncertainty Avoidance, as is reflected in a high score of 86. Spain is considered the second noisiest country in the world. People like to have rules for everything, changes cause stress, but, at the same time, they are obliged to avoid rules and laws that, in fact, make life more complex. Confrontation is avoided as it causes great stress and scales up to the personal level very quickly. There is great concern for changing, ambiguous and undefined situations. Thus, for example, in a very recent survey 75% of Spanish young people wanted to work in civil service (i.e. a job for life, no concerns about the future) whereas in the USA only 17% of young people would like it. On the other hand, Lebanon scores 50 on this dimension and there shows no clear preference. Despite an intermediate score of 48, Spain is a normative country. Spanish people like to live in the moment, without a great concern about the future. In fact, Spain is the country that has given the meaning of 'fiesta' to the world. In Spain, people look for quick results without delays. Moreover, there is a need for clear structures and well defined rules prevailing against more pragmatic and relaxed approaches to life, particularly, in the long term time. The very low score of 14 on this dimension shows that Lebanese culture is normative. People in such societies have a strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth; they are normative in their thinking. They exhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity to save for the future, and a focus on achieving quick results. With a low score of 44, Spain is not an Indulgent society. Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and pessimism. Also, in contrast to Indulgent societies, restrained societies do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong. The score for this dimension for Lebanon is 25 which means that the culture of Lebanon is one of Restraint. Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and pessimism. Also, in contrast to Indulgent societies, Restrained societies do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]