Australia and New Zealand

1. Using this case and the cultural dimensions explored in this chapter, discuss some of the ways in which citizens of Australia and New Zealand are members of cultures very different from any other in Asia?

One way that Australia and New Zealand differ from the other Asian countries is how they develop relationships. In Indonesia and the other Asian countries, they value building long term relationships that produce a profit rather than short term relationships that make a quick dollar. Another difference that Australia and New Zealand share from that of the other Asian countries is that the Asian countries believe that Western countries should respect their culture, taboos, and language. Most of the time we, as Westerners, believe that our style of living is more superior to that of others and not being able to understand, or care to understand their cultural beliefs and customs really affects how they look at us. In some Asian countries the managers look after their employees just like a mother and father would do

2. In what respects is the Indonesian archipelago unique in Asia?

Amongst the 17,000 islands, there are many different types of geological features; on some islands, they have fertile volcanic soils, while in other regions the land is rich in mineral resources like oil, natural gas, and coal. These 17,000 islands also share extremely different climatic conditions, some areas experience annual heavy rains and floods, while others suffer from regular droughts that lead to famine.

3. What characteristics of Indonesian workplaces are referred to in this profile?

I believe most of the workplaces that the article refers to are that of manual labor/minimum wage jobs that do not include much education or little training, if any. The article refers to reasons why most businesses have not succeeded in Indonesia and includes lost orders or down time on production lines, labor problems between foreign management and local management. Another indication of my belief is that out of all the business opportunities listed in the article are those of types of businesses that are looking for a cheaper, outsourcing type of employee.

4. How does the population appear to be socially stratified?

The country of Indonesia includes more than 17,000 islands, has a population of more than 230 million people, and is the fourth most populated country in the world. The island with the largest population, about 60%, is Java. Amongst the fourth largest population are a great imbalance in population and an obvious socioeconomic disparity in all regions of the country. The impoverished class makes up the majority of the country, the demanding middle class continues to increase, and then the elites who travel the world.

5. What are some business opportunities in Indonesia for foreign direct