Running head: GLOBAL BUSINESS CULTURAL ANALYSIS: ITALY 1

Global Business Cultural Analysis: Italy
Liberty University

ITALY 2

Abstract

This paper hopes to answer several research questions regarding the cultural perspectives of doing business in the country of Italy. The focus will be on discussing the major elements and dimensions of culture within this fascinating European country. It will also deal with how national locals conducting business integrate these elements and dimensions. Also discussed will be how these same items compare to the United States culture and business. Finally, the implication of these findings for US businesses conducting trade in this region will be reviewed. In answering these major questions, this paper will also delve into Italy’s local and international financial system, its business culture, types of corruption affecting business, the mafia, the country’s potential for improvement, and how international companies view investing in this interesting and diverse economy.

ITALY 3
Global Business Cultural Analysis: Italy Located at the southernmost region of Europe, Italy is a fascinating country full of contrasts and diversity. With Rome as its capital, this robust Republic is full of rich history and Christian heritage. Lead by a Prime Minister, Italy boast being the seventh largest economy in the world (Thomas White International, 2013). The Italian peninsula is wealthy in its diversity of business, including world renowned automotive companies, fashion, textiles, tourism, and of course, its bounty of world renown gastronomical wonders. Not without its share of drama, and a reflection of the people’s passion and vigor, business and trade in Italy is influenced and molded by the elements and dimensions of its varied culture and century’s old customs and traditions.
Major Elements and Dimensions of Culture in Italy Italian culture is renowned for its passion and love of life. Their rich history reflects their keen sense of business and includes the invention of many ideas used in business today, “including banking, insurance and double-entry bookkeeping” (Martin, 2013). There are various elements and dimensions within the Italian culture which affect and mold the way in which its people deal with and interact in life, and more specifically, in the business world.
History of Italy Italy has a rich and lively history which includes the ebb and flow of people groups, the rise and fall of great dynasties, as well as a pivotal role in the overall history of Christianity. This richness of history has added a continuous layer of customs, traditions, social structures and
ITALY 4 organizations, religion, and manners which has formed and molded their styles of communication, ethics, education, and values and attitudes. Early history. A variety of people groups have lived in what is now Italy for centuries. Greeks settled themselves in the southernmost tip of the peninsula; people groups from northern and central Europe begin to occupy the north and center of the nation. Eventually, the Etruscans took over most of central Italy, while the Greeks and the Phoenicians begin to grow and expand in the south, including Sicily. The Roman Empire. In due course, the Romans clashed with the Etruscans and won, creating the first Roman republic. Slowly but surely the Romans began to expand their domain, conquering and winning wars against the Greeks and many others. By the year 63 BC, most of the Mediterranean region was under Roman control. By 49 BC the Roman Empire extended from what is present day Great Britain all the way to the Holy Land and around to Egypt. The Romans brought the first solid ideas about business and trade. They created thousands of miles of roads which allowed for ease of trade between differing regions. Because of the vastness of said territories, though, the Roman Empire