important in order to be effective. People in Bolivia are very task oriented and managers must remember that each one has different role within the organization. People believe that those at the top positions are there because they have more experience than those in lower position. It is normal and accepted that managers and directors do not consult other people in lower position during the decision making process; in some cases, consulting other people is even considered as inappropriate( Multicultural Management).
Bolivia has a very hierarchical and structured society. Positions are well defined and nobody should take responsibilities or decisions that do not concern them. It is a common practice that manager’ s in Bolivia take a paternalistic attitude towards employees. Managers may be involved in employees’ life well beyond the professional environment.
APPROACH TO CHANGE
While Bolivians welcome change, it is usually difficult or slow to implement it; they prefer traditions. Managers must approach changes in policies, strategies, and procedures very carefully. Introducing rapid change can be harmful for the organization( Multicultural Management).
Time Management and Decision Making
Patience is highly important for Bolivians. Being on time is necessary, but it is not considered essential. Deadlines are flexible and managers need to understand this. Deadlines need to be established well in advance and managers need to constantly remind employees of such deadlines. Completing a simple task can take several weeks( Management Style)
Bolivians believe that business should be a win-win situation for all parties involved; thus, they try to find a solution that fit all the stakeholders involved.
Decisions are made at the top of the hierarchy and they should not be questioned by lower-ranking employees.
The management and decision making style is autocratic. Managers tell employees what they want and how they want it. Employees are expected to follow instruction without question. Challenging a manager’ s decision is considered rude and inappropriate and must be avoided at all times.
Communication and Negotiation Styles
Bargaining is common in Bolivia and should not be considered rude at any time. Bolivians are skilled negotiators and only deal with those they trust. They prefer to develop personal relationships with whom they negotiate. Changing personal during negotiations is counterproductive and can delay the process. Personal negotiations are the key for a successful outcome. Negotiations must be face-toface and the person is responsible for any problem that might occur, not the company.
CONCLUSION
Bolivia is a country shaped by its economy and culture. Its high levels of entrepreneurship is highly related to the current situations of the economy where many people live in poverty and are forced to look for other ways to generate income. On the other hand, the management style is very traditional, which is a clear sign of the deep roots of their culture; it dictates what is good and what is wrong in the business environment. Finally, the poor situation of the economy has caused profound chagrin among the population, which has translated into a leadership crisis where people do not trust their leader. The future generation of leaders has been compromised due the poor educational infrastructure and the limited access to training. This is a trend that the government should watch closely and take the necessary actions to correct it.
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