RMGT1143- INTRODUCTION TO CROSS-CULTURAL MANAGEMENT
GROUP REPORT JULY 2023: “VOLKSWAGEN COMPANY”
PROVIDED FOR:
MADAM YUSHARNIDA BINTI YUSOF
SUBMISSION DATE:
30 SEPTEMBER 2023
PREPARED BY:
NO MEMBER’S NAME MATRIC NUMBER
1 DHIYA DHAIFINA BINTI ZULKIFLY L21701025
2 SHUBASHINI A/P KRISHNASAMY L21701018
3 NEWAZ FAHAD L211102022
4 KESHAV A/L THANABALAN L211101031
5 YARSHINE A/P MAHALINGAM L211101030
1
TABLE CONTENT
NO CONTENTS PAGE NUMBER
1 COMPANY BACKGROUND 3
2 CULTURAL RELATED FROM THE 4
COMPANY
3 CROSS-CULTURAL ELEMENTS 5
INVOLVED
4 COMPANY OUTSTANDING 6
5 CULTURAL RELATED ISSUES 7
6 CONCLUSION 8
7 REFERENCES 9
2
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Malaysia is known for its multiracial country. We are listed as one of the countries with many public
holidays due to multiracial celebrations on occasion. Since birth, Malaysians have been surrounded by
different communities. Despite differences in race, culture, and religion, it does not stop Malaysians
from tolerating and adapting to each other culture respectfully. The culture around us defines and
influences everything we do daily such as food, languages, and social norms that are expected. The
culture of a company speaks volumes to its mission, values, and ideals of its production. One of the
company examples with a top-tier corporate culture is a Volkswagen company. Volkswagen tends to
have a culture that diverse the opportunities to innovate work in the digital future. The company focuses
on seven types of cultures one of it was through the freedom to explore and share strengths the company
does not only value a person as an employee but also as a person. Aside from that, the company also
focuses on building strong partnerships within and outside of the company to work in interdisciplinary
teams. Furthermore, one of the major things that an employee would look for in the Volkswagen
company is the benefits that came after. In Malaysia, working overtime is considered a cultural norm
the majority of the time. Yet, a German company is the opposite. They tend to take the working hours
seriously as they believe an employee deserves to be treated the same. The company also provided
flexible working hours for those who needed it. This may seem like a liability for a certain company,
yet ever since the Pandemic erupted, the majority of global chain companies tend to see the importance
and benefits of availability in flexible working hours. Everyone deserves to get treated the best out of
the best in Volkswagen, in return for the best output as a result.
3
CULTURAL RELATED FROM THE COMPANY
Volkswagen, a renowned German automotive company, embodies a rich cultural heritage that mirrors
various facets of German culture. Firstly, it is synonymous with German Engineering Excellence,
renowned for its unwavering commitment to precision engineering, epitomizing the German values of
quality, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail.
Secondly, Volkswagen is steeped in Heritage and Tradition, aligning itself with Germany's robust
history of automobile manufacturing. Established in 1937, the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, or Type 1, has
become a symbol of automotive heritage worldwide.
Moreover, the company is known for its Innovation, a trait that resonates with Germany's cultural
emphasis on technological advancement. Volkswagen has been at the forefront of developing eco-
friendly technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles.
Corporate Responsibility is another dimension of Volkswagen's cultural ethos, reflecting the socially
conscious values often associated with German culture. The company prioritizes reducing its
environmental footprint and enhancing sustainability in its operations.
Furthermore, Volkswagen values the German Work Ethic, emphasizing efficiency, punctuality, and
dedication to producing high-quality products, a hallmark of German companies.
The Global Reach of Volkswagen highlights Germany's role as a major global economic player. The
company's worldwide success contributes to the global dissemination of German culture and business
acumen.
Volkswagen's vehicle Design Aesthetics often embody minimalist and functional design principles,
synonymous with German design. Clean lines and practicality are staples of its vehicle design.
Additionally, Volkswagen has created Cultural Icons, such as the Volkswagen Bus, which became
emblematic of the counterculture movement in the 1960s. These vehicles have left an enduring cultural
impact, symbolizing freedom and adventure.
The use of the German Language and Communication in Volkswagen's branding and communication
reinforces its cultural roots and underscores the role of the German language in global business.
Lastly, Marketing and Advertising campaigns by Volkswagen often incorporate elements of German
culture, emphasizing precision, quality, and reliability to build trust and brand loyalty.
In summary, Volkswagen's cultural identity is deeply intertwined with German engineering prowess,
traditions, and values, reflected across its products, corporate ethos, and global presence.
4
CROSS-CULTURAL ELEMENTS INVOLVED
Volkswagen is a global car company with operations in various international locations and regions
around the sector. Like many multinational groups, Volkswagen operates in various cultural contexts,
that could cause cross-cultural elements within the enterprise. Here are two examples:
1. International Workforce: Volkswagen employs people from numerous cultural backgrounds in its
diverse places of work and manufacturing facilities internationally. For example, you can locate Asian
employees running in Western-fashion office settings in Volkswagen's offices in Europe and North
America, on the other hand, you may also discover European and North American employees running
in Asian-style workplaces in Volkswagen’s places of work in extraordinary Asian regions. This
international body of workers brings together individuals with different cultural views, painting
patterns, and conversation norms. Volkswagen in all likelihood promotes pass-cultural knowledge and
collaboration through educational programs and tasks to ensure powerful verbal exchange and
teamwork amongst its employees from exclusive cultural backgrounds.
2. Product Localization: Volkswagen adapts its merchandise to fit the preferences and requirements of
various markets. This includes not simplest making technical changes to cars but also considering
cultural elements. For instance, in Asian markets, Volkswagen may also offer models with functions
that are famous or essential in the Asian regions. This could encompass adjustments to the car's design,
size, or functions to align with nearby tastes and wishes. This approach displays a knowledge of the
significance of cultural sensitivity in marketing and product improvement, which is crucial for
fulfillment in an international marketplace.
5
COMPANY OUTSTANDING
I can give you a more detailed explanation! Volkswagen sets itself apart from its competitors based on
cultural aspects in several ways. Firstly, the company places a strong emphasis on efficiency, striving
to optimize its processes and operations to deliver high-quality products and services. This focus on
efficiency allows Volkswagen to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
Secondly, Volkswagen values integrity in its organizational culture. The company promotes ethical
behavior and transparency, ensuring that employees uphold high moral standards in their work. This
commitment to integrity helps build trust and credibility both internally and externally.
Effective communication is another cultural aspect that distinguishes Volkswagen. The company
recognizes the importance of clear and open communication channels, fostering an environment where
ideas, feedback, and information can flow freely. This enables effective collaboration and problem-
solving within the organization.
Volkswagen also values cultural diversity and promotes intercultural communication. By embracing
different perspectives and experiences, the company benefits from a wide range of ideas and innovative
thinking. This inclusive approach contributes to a positive and dynamic work environment.
Furthermore, Volkswagen has a distinct set of values and beliefs that guide its actions and decision-
making. These values shape the company's culture and define its identity, setting it apart from its
competitors.
In summary, Volkswagen stands out from its competitors based on its cultural aspects of efficiency,
integrity, effective communication, cultural diversity, and a strong set of values and beliefs. These
elements contribute to the company's success and help it maintain a unique position in the automotive
industry.
6
CULTURAL RELATED ISSUE
Religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, education, and generation are just a few of the many topics that
fall under the category of "cultural issues." We use the word "culture" to describe the values and
traditions of a specific community. Differences in views towards health, oneself, personality, and family,
as well as problems relating to battles with identity and a sense of belonging, all have an impact on
mental health. When you are a minority in one of these realms, it can be challenging to feel welcomed
and to find your place in both.
Many people's identities are rooted in religion, which has an impact on attitudes both intentions and
actions at work. Disparate moral and ethical standards might lead to animosity amongst coworkers or
even religious prejudice. To guarantee that everyone is considerate of one another's religious
convictions while maintaining a high level of business behavior for customers and clients, your
organization must have rules and religious accommodations.
A social group that identifies with one another based on similar characteristics such as heritage,
language, identity, and origin is referred to as an "ethnicity" as well. Each has distinctive social
mannerisms, communication techniques, and conduct patterns. People behave in ways that, depending
on their ethnicity, may appear commonplace or normal to them but may come off as unpleasant, strange,
or improper to their coworkers. Respectfully discussing the matter and making sure that everyone's
limits are considered are crucial.
Additionally, problems at work resulting from sexual orientation are frequent. LGBTQ populations
frequently experience harassment, antagonism, offensive jokes, or improper comments that cause
disengagement among staff members. Many employees conceal their names out of concern for
discrimination. There are laws protecting workers from discrimination based on their sexual orientation
in several U.S. states.
Another aspect of a person's history is their degree of education, which impacts how well they fit in
different work contexts. diverse responses to issues and circumstances at work result from diverse
educational backgrounds. Employees who are working on the same tasks but using different techniques
based on their education may become at odds as a result.
Finally, employees may have various perspectives, attitudes, and views about business and
professionalism depending on their generation. Older generations, for instance, sometimes have long-
term job ambitions and are hence more devoted to their employers. On the other side, Millennials are
more likely to move on to another firm or better jobs since they frequently seek growth opportunities
and tend to place a higher importance on work-life balance.
7
CONCLUSION
Each company has its originality in its culture depending on where it came from. Choosing a company
based on its cultural benefits seems to be taken lightly. A company culture could also contribute to our
mental health with its pros and cons. For instance, Asian companies tend to push their employees to the
maximum would has a bad impact on mental health as a result of higher suicide cases. On the other
hand, European companies tend to push employee ability and skills with benefits and healthy work-life
balance in return. In summary, Volkswagen's corporate culture is proven enough to be taken as one of
the successful cultures, and I hope Malaysia can follow suit.
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REFERENCES
1. Volkswagen Group. (n.d.). Cultural Engagement. Retrieved from https://www.volkswagen-
group.com/en/cultural-engagement-17291.
2. Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Sage
Publications.
3. Johnson, M. B. (Year). Adapting to Global Markets: Cultural Considerations in Volkswagen's Product
Localization Strategy. International Marketing Review, 38(4), 567-582
4. Smith, J. A. (Year). Cultural Diversity in Multinational Corporations: A Case Study of Volkswagen.
Journal of International Business Studies, 42(3), 345-362.
