The document provides an overview of German lifestyle, including general information, business etiquette, and cultural analyses based on Hofstede's and Hall's criteria. It highlights key aspects such as the importance of formal titles, conservative dressing, and the reputation for high-quality products in Germany. Additionally, it addresses historical context, the political structure, and offers practical business tips for engaging with German counterparts.

1. Order, Nature
& Work
A short introduction to
the German lifestyle
© Michaela Strobel

2. Overwiev
1.) General information
2.) Business Tips according to the book
„Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands“ by Terri
Morisson
3.) Analysis based on Hofstedes 5 cultural
criteria
4.) Analysis based on Hall„s criteria
5.) Sources

3. Location
• Federal Republic
16 “Länder”
• Capital:
Berlin
• Inhabitants:
~ 82 Mio

4. Government
• President = Chief of the state
• Chancellor = Head of government
• Parties:
CDU/CSU, SPD, FDP, Grüne, Linke, …

5. History
• Proud of having never been conquered
by the Romans
• Still has to deal with the developpement
of the former GDR
• National socialistic past is a big issue

6. Economy
• Reputation of
high quality products
• Germans don„t like to share information
• Restrictive laws & high taxes
 Foreign investors hesitate

7. Business Tips
• Invitation to private homes is an honor
• Gifts:
– no German wine or any beer
– Flowers, Music from your country
• Topics:
– Sports, Education &Politics
– No personal questions
• Negotiation:
– Directness, no exaggeration
– Trade fairs
• Dress:
– Discreet & conservative

8. Hofstede„s Criteria
Germany
World
IDV
MAS
UAI
PDI
LTO

9. IDV - Individualism
Low
High

10. MAS - Masculinity
Data &
Facts
Emotional
involvement
unacceptable
direct, when
something is bad
Compromises
= personal failure
Women are often denigrated
Women get payed less

11. PDI – Power Distance Index
Business leaders tend to come from upper class
Eldest enters the room first
Hallo, Herr
Dr. Müller
Hallo,
Fräulein Müller
Use title & Last Name when adressing
never say „Fräulein“(= Miss)
BUT: Education is considered very important

12. UAI – Uncertainty Avoidence
Index
Insurance (household, travel, unemployment,...)
Written and unwritten rules for everything
Decision-making is methodical
Once a decision is made, it is considered final

13. LTO – Long-term orientation
Long
Short

14. Hall„s criteria

15. Merci pour votre
attention
Des questions?
© Michaela Strobel

16. Sources
• Kiss, bow, or shake hands: The bestselling guide to doing
business in more than 600 countries; Terri Morrison
• International Management: Cross Boundary Challenges;
R. F. Wondrak, Paul N. Gooderham Odd Nordhaug
• http://www.clearlycultural.com/geert-hofstede-culturaldimensions/power-distance-index/
• http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/germany.htm
• http://www.geerthofstede.com/hofstede_germany.shtml
• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/globaletiquette/germany-country-profile.html