SUMMARY OF CANADIAN CASE STUDY

1. The Case study discusses about Canadian Business Etiquette & Culture. The
study after a brief introduction about Canada’s general demography explains the
Business Etiquette & Culture prevailing in Canada. The Study explains in detail the
Canadian societal and business culture in Hofstede Cultural dimension theory. Finally,
the study outlines highlight Dos and Don’ts while interacting with Canadian Nationals.
2. The salient of the study is in ensuing paragraphs:
a. Canada has a population just less than 30 million people and has
rich culture diversity because of its French and English heritage. Its Constitution
Act prohibits discrimination against individual citizens on the basis of race, color,
religion, or sex. The great majority of Canadians are Christian. Although the
predominant language in Canada is English, there are at least three varieties of
French language alongwith Italian language spoken in Canada. Canada's three
major cities Montreal, Vancouver and Quebec are distinct from each other.
b. According to Hofstede Cultural dimension theory, Canada is a Low Context
Culture. Success is measured by personal achievement. Canadians tend to be
self-confident and open to discussions on general topics; however, they hold their
personal privacy off limits to all but the closest friends. It should be noted there is
tension between the French province of Quebec and other Canadian provinces.
Citizens of Quebec tend to be more private and reserved. Ethnocentrism is high
throughout Canada, but particularly in Quebec. Canada being an individualistic
society, the populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their
close family members. Privacy is considered the cultural norm and attempts at
personal ingratiating may meet with rebuff.
c. Success in Canadian Culture is measured by personal achievement.
Canadian's have Long Term Orientation which is indicative of societies' belief in
meeting its obligations and tends to reflect an appreciation for cultural traditions.
d. Canada has Low Power Distance which indicates a greater equality
between societal levels, including government, organizations, and even within
families. This orientation reinforces a cooperative interaction across power levels
and creates a more stable cultural environment.
e. Canadians are punctual for meetings and appointments, as promptness is
valued. In French areas, time is more relaxed. While meeting with a Canadian
national always maintain a reserved demeanor, and follow good rules of etiquette.
Traditions and gracious manners are part of the culture, even in more rural areas.
f. Personal space and body movement or gestures differ between the English
and the French provinces and cities. In English areas, body movement is minimal,
there is rarely touching other than handshakes, and personal space - how close
someone stands - is about two feet. In French areas, people stand closer together,
people will frequently touch, and gestures are more expressive. Both French and
English areas use and expect a firm handshake. Men will wait for a woman to
extend her hand for a handshake.