Global Business Cultural Analysis of Singapore

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1. What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in this region/nation? 2. How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in the nation?
The Singapore population is made up of almost fifty percent Buddhists. The next thirty percent is almost equally Muslim or Christian/Catholic. In each of these, harmony, family, and security are all important and are the basic elements of the culture. Groups are more important than the individual, as it is in most other Asian countries. Respect for elders is important in the family and in business. There are four languages in Singapore, business (the primary business language), Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. The family is also the basis of support for the population; it is the center social structure and values loyalty, unity, and respect, all face elements and very much the Asian practice. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/singapore.html)
Face is the primary aspect of the culture and of the business dealings. The Singaporeans value face and personal dignity. It marks them as good with a good name, good character, and means they are held in high esteem in personal and business dealings. All business is done to the satisfaction of face. Harmony, fairness, and good relations are the hallmark of face.
While business and free market trade are important and the foundation of the Singaporean economy, they still retain their hierarchical elements. Relationships are still respectful and still consider the placement of the person in the societal hierarchy. Parents, employers, teachers, leaders are still the upper level of relationships. Elders are always treated with dignity and respect. This includes those unknown to the person. This is so important in the culture that in 1996 a law was passed to make children assume responsibility for their elders when necessary.(Ting & Woo, 2009)
In Singapore, one may be dealing with Chinese, Malaysians, or Indians as well as Singaporeans. It is a cosmopolitan society, but maintains elements of each of the three major groups. This mixture of Asian cultures defines the communication. The groups rely ...