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Hoftede's cultural dimensions 1. POWER DISTANCE: The extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally. India scores high on this dimension, 77, indicating an appreciation for hierarchy and a top-down structure in society and organizations. 1. Dependent on the boss or the power holder for direction 2. Acceptance of unequal rights between the power-privileged and those who are lesser down in the pecking order. 2.INDIVIDUALISM: The degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members India, with a rather intermediate score of 48, is a society with both collectivistic and Individualistic traits. A. The collectivist side means that there is a high preference for belonging to a larger social framework in which individuals are expected to act in accordance to the greater good of one’s defined in-group(s). B. The Individualist aspect of Indian society is seen as a result ...

Just like in Colombia where the country has different cultures by region, India is also geographically divided and each place has its own culture and traits: Colombia's categories are: Costeños, from the Caribbean region. They are known for being joyful are carefree. Some of the country's most known cultural expressions are born in this region like vallenato music, cumbia, and other dances. Paisas and cachacos from the Andina region, are known for being serious and center-minded. They are very focused and considered to be good at business. People from the Pacific region is known as well for their joyful attitudes, their delicious food and their influence in the evolution of salsa dance. The population of the Orinoco region is known for its knowledge of nature and its many characteristics.  People from the Amazon region, are still holding onto their ancestor's traditions, is one of the purest cultures in the country.  India's categories are: Sindhis:...

The Lewis Model of dimensions classifies global cultural variations based on body language, reactions, and interactions in everyday situations and can be really useful in intercultural business relationships. These model categories are Linear - active, Multi-active and reactive: According to this graphic, Colombia falls into the Multi-active category while India is halfway between the Multi-Active and the Reactive categories. Colombia Multi-Active: not interested in schedules or punctuality. Talkative, emotional. Reality is more important than man-made appointments. Multitasking.  Do not leave conversations unfinished. Adapts to the present situation. India's Multi-Active and reactive: Prefer to listen carefully but still make their point when is their turn. Multitasking. Prefer dialogue face to face. Body language is very important.  Values punctuality but is not very strict about it.

Unfortunately, it can be said that Gender Stereotypes are a feature many cultures around the world share.   Colombia and India are not exceptions, gender stereotypes are present even today and its impact on, people's lives is an everyday struggle. Both India and Colombia are considered very conservative, devoted countries where religion has an important influence on many social matters, as we can see in the first stereotype: "Men are the only ones suitable for positions of power. Women should limit their sphere of influence to the home". For the most conservative individuals, these precept is law. They even use passages from the holy books to support these arguments. Although India was the second country in the world to elect a female head of state, Indira Gandhi in 1966, she was murdered by members of the Skih religion. She has been the only female prime minister India has ever had. Today's situation is not hopeful, according to The Diplomat Magazine, 9 ou...

 For western society, both India and Colombia are considered exotic, bright, strange places with colorful cultures and odd behavior. But there is more these countries relate about when we look closely in the vast spectrum of culture. In this post, I am going to compare India's and Colombia's cultures, look for our differences and similarities, stereotypes and other features that would make intercultural communication between these two countries easier. To achieve that we are going to look into some specific subjects on these countries' social and cultural structures but first, let's get to know them: Colombia is located in the north-western corner of the South American continent. Home of almost 49.8 Million people, the world'st best coffee and Shakira, and according to The CIA World Factbook, the world's 26th biggest country (2017).  India, on the other hand, is ranked number 7, housing almost 1.3 Billion people, being the second most populated country in t...

As in many societies in the world India is consider to be very sexist, especially toward women and young girls. In the more traditional areas is even considered that having a daughter is a shame and a waste and some families prefer for the mother to have an abortion when they find out they are having a baby girl. If they decide to keep her then she is raised to be a wife from a very young age and they married her in exchange of something, usually to some older men. They don't go to school and get pregnant really early. When it comes to men they are very religious, they are always hating on progressive ways and say they are hurting their traditions. They are so Interested in keeping this traditions because they benefit them even above the law.