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Global Business Cultural Analysis: Outline
Marlow, Annie
Liberty University
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history, culture, economy, and doing business in the island of
Barbados; including the results of a Hofstede and FDI analysis. The paper also discusses the
difference between the US and Barbados.
Commented [RFA(oB1]: Poor abstract.
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GBCA Comprehensive Outline – Barbados
Introduction
Barbados is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, this island has a rich history in immigration,
exploration, and slavery. The island has been known for its sugar cane plantation life and
beautiful beaches. Tourism brings in much needed funds to sustain the economy. Boasting a free
education system and a strong working government Barbados is leading the way in the
Caribbean. This paper will provide facts and example to support this and will provide an
example of the differences between the US and Barbados.
1. What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region?
In
“1625–1644. English Colonization – The first English ship touched the island on
May 14th, 1625 under the command of Captain John Powell. The island was
therefore claimed on behalf of King James I. On February 17th, 1627, Captain
Henry Powell landed with a party of 80 settlers and 10 slaves to occupy and settle
the island. This expedition landed in Holetown formerly known as Jamestown.
The colonists established a House of Assembly in 1639. People with good
financial backgrounds and social connections with England were allocated land.
Within a few years, much of the land had been deforested to make way for
tobacco and cotton plantations.” (Barbados.org/history para 8)
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This history lead to what is now Barbados, Barbados, island country in the
southeastern Caribbean Sea, the island measures some 20 miles from northwest to southeast and
about 15 miles from east to west at its widest point. The capital is Bridgetown and the home to
the main seaport on the Island. (Britannica, para 1) The Island was “Formerly British and French
colonies, this eastern Caribbean island of Barbados, was a major player in the early development
of European overseas empires dependent on African slave labor and the large-scale production of
sugar.” (Handler, J. & Wallman, D, para 1)
“Barbadian culture emerged out of the plantation slavery economy as a distinctive synthesis
of English and West African cultural traditions. Regional, race and class cultural variants exist,
but all residents identify with the national culture.” (Everyculture, para.9) Also known as
Bajans, (Myers, para 2) in the 1970 census the island consisted of 238,386 residents 112,592
male and 125,794 female (Byrne para 3) and has only grown to 277,821 as of 2010. (BSS Table
1)
1.1 Communication
1.1.1 Verbal communication
Barbados is an English-speaking Caribbean island, (Holder, Knight, Punnett, Charles,
para 6)
1.1.2 Non-Verbal communication
In Barbados’ history “the island has changed hands for the British, to the French, and then to
the Spanish, and now retains remnants of the influence of all three former colonial powers.”
(Betty-Jane Punnett, Dick-Forde, E., & Robinson, J. para 6) These influential factors propose
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that this English speaking country may be a very culturally diverse cultural consisting of values
from each of these mother countries. (Holder, Knight, Punnett, Charles, para 6)
1.2 Religion
1.2.1 Christianity and the Church of England
On the island of Barbados, 80 percent of the Bajan population is Christian, and half of
those Christians belong to The Church of England. Other religions practiced on the small island
are Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. The numbers of those who practice these religions are small
in comparison to Christianity, however, a growing number of people do practice Rastafarianism.
(Everyculture, para.8)
In addition the,
“The Apostolic Spiritual Baptists (popularly known as “Tie–heads”) occupy a
special place in Barbados’ religious spectrum as the island’s only indigenous
religion. Fashioned after other West Indian revivalist religions, the sect, founded
in 1957 by Bishop Branville Williams, combines Christian observance with the
foot stomping, hand clapping, and dancing characteristic of African religious
practices. Tie–heads, so-called because of the cloth turbans worn by both men and
women, sport colorful gowns in colors symbolic of particular qualities.”
(Everyculture, para.10)
Commented [RFA(oB2]: With each heading there must be
an discussion of the topic and a transition onto the following
subparagraphs
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1.3 Ethics
The Island of Barbados is a “Christian” nation and whereas some ethics are innate in
humanity, to quote Janel Gauthier from the International Association of Applied Psychology in
Canada,
“Psychologists from across the world may experience different ethical issues,
which may change over time due to geopolitical, social, environmental and
technological changes, to mention a few. Psychologists should therefore
consistently monitor their professional environment to identify and consider
emerging ethical issues. The presenters in this symposium, who come from
different parts of the world, will each identify and explore one or more burning
current or emerging ethical issue of concern to them in their country or region.”
Ethics are an individual choice and within the island of Barbados that is no different.
1.4 Values and Attitudes
Barbados’ values and attitudes are on display as “The island is characterized by a closely
knit, socially inter-related and conservative society, with hierarchical structures, acceptance of
the status quo and respect for persons in authoritative positions being the accepted norm”
(Alleyne, para 3)
1.5 Manners
“Barbadians are known for their politeness and civility, a legacy both of British
influence and of the island’s high population density—living in close proximity to
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others imposes pressure to avoid censure and unpleasant confrontations.
Describing his homeland, well-known Barbadian author John Wickham wrote,
“The inability of people to remove themselves from one another has led to
concern for public order, a compassion for others, and a compelling sense of a
neighbor’s rights and integrity.”” (Everyculture, para.9)
1.6 Customs
With different ethnicity comes different customs and Barbados
“Its population is predominantly black (about 90 percent), which is a remnant of
its African heritage. The majority of the economic wealth in the country is
