Ethics

The world is becoming an ever smaller place as globalization of business and technology takes its toll on it. In the modern world, doing business successfully has to include some aspect of international trade deals because not only has globalization afforded business people the right to expand their investments indefinitely and without any undue restrictions to other parts of the world but has also meant that maintaining a predominantly local outlook in business will sooner rather than later prove hugely unpopular due to its unprofitability. Given this order of events, Excel Learning Center has decided to venture into the overseas market to offer its unique products and services, particularly based on the fact that international business is the wheel that drives the economy of most successful businesses.

Given the fact that the local market of Excel Learning Center is more than exhausted, the foreign venture is unavoidable. The Research and Development Department of Excel Learning Center has considered many countries and come up with Colombia as a possible starting point for its overseas investments. The choice for Colombia will, however, be based on whether or not its dominant business culture and the organizational culture of Excel Learning Center are closely linked, providing preliminary chance of success. In order to have a clearer, more succinct understanding of the country, a research was conducted and the following are the specific findings. They cover areas as diverse as the way the people of this country view Colombians as noted in stereotypes, the countrys customs and traditions, its peoples way of behavior towards foreigners, the business and social practices, among many other considerations.

Stereotypical Issues
Unlike many other countries in Latin America, the political, economic, and social relations between the United States and Colombia have been cordial for a very long time. The country is perhaps the only one in Latin America with which the US has managed to establish and maintain such along standing relationship (Scullion, 2010). This is in spite of much opposition from states like Venezuela. In spite of the cordial relationships between the two countries, most Americans view and treat the people of Colombia in the same manner they view Hispanics and American Latinos in their own country. They consider them to be very poor, the ones most likely to engage in antisocial behavior like social delinquency, gang violence, armed robbery, drug abuse, and many similar activities. The people of Colombia are treated by Americans as being ever-needy, and as being illegal immigrants and terrorists (Scullion, 2010).

While some of these stereotypical allegations are untrue and even unfounded, others have a significant degree of truth. The latter includes the long history of Colombians as people prone to poverty, violence, and general social delinquency. They are also among the largest group of illegal immigrants to the US. That Colombians are war-hardened people is also no mere stereotype. The countrys long history has been marred with violence and armed civil strife, with armed groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) being very active and effective. Poverty levels in the country are very high and income disparities are greater there than in any other country in Latin America. What is untrue about the country as is contained in the stereotypes is that the people engage in drugs and the young people are prone to delinquency (Communicaid Group Ltd., 2007).

Traditional Customs and Values
Colombia is steeped in Spanish culture, and except for a few exceptions, every culture traces its roots in Spaniard culture (Advameg, Inc., 2010). This is because the country was a Spanish territory for a long time until it achieved its independence. Language and popular culture are based on Spanish traditions, and although English is spoken in some major cities like Bogota, Spanish is almost the only language (Scullion, 2010). To the business traveler, therefore, one has to learn the language to reap maximum benefits from the country. Learning is far more important than using an interpreter because Colombians do most of their activities in very informal ways, and any attempt at having an interpreter will not go down well with them as it will be indicative of a foreign intervention (Advameg, Inc., 2010). They do not like foreign cultures. Besides, learning Spanish is advantageous in that it will ensure the trainers are able to relate well with the students or trainees once such a center is incorporated in the country. Finally, learning Spanish will almost certainly make one to become like a native as every Colombian understands and speaks Spanish. Learning it will endear one to the people and remove or reduce the cultural barrier. Since even the business cards and any other invitations the business will require to make ought to be done in Spanish, learning the language is paramount (Advameg, Inc., 2010).

The people of Columbian are divided into three ethnic classes, the interior, the coastal, and the countryside. Each ethnic grouping has its own culture but they unite for the common good of the country during key national events. The country is just beginning to modernize, with old Spanish-type structures fast disappearing to give way to new, modern ones. This modernization has meant that the rich culture developed over the years is greatly threatened. Colombians do business with other local people, exchanging goods for other goods. With modernization, however (Scullion, 2010). This is fast changing and more foreign trade is being embraced. It is good to get to know the people well before trying to reach any deal with them, and one should avoid rushing to make a deal. It is ideal not be so aggressive while dealing with the people. Do be polite and do not hurry for they care less about time and punctuality. Social events are ideal setting for developing business deals and it is advisable to accept invitations to such events. Failure to observe popular etiquette will portray not only the offender but even hisher business in the negative light (Advameg, Inc., 2010). It is therefore advisable to follow their etiquette in order to win their approval and hope that they will give their children for training.

Business Transactions
Business transactions are strictly in line with popular culture, and as such, it is essential to follow some procedures. First of all, people or business partners are addressed formally with titles that depict them and what they do (Scullion, 2010). Courtesy is very much valued a failure to observe it can lead to great business losses. To have them bringing their children for training and learning, communication ought to be done their way. Business is conducted largely to serve family interests, and the profit motive is not so much the drive. This has made the people to lag behind as they would rather donate their possessions than sell them at a profit. Business transactions are very much indicative of the great value that is placed on the family unit. Ties exist between extended families and in undertaking any business deal, it is important that these ties are safeguarded (Communicaid Group Ltd., 2007).

It is not right to communicate in a very vocal way but suggestive and more often nonverbal. One should always aspire not to offend others in any way and remarks such as No and Never are never tolerated (Graces, 2008). One is to act as politely as possible, and communicate as subtly as it can get. Perceptions are more discerned than verbalized communications. Given this trend, Westernstyle communication will likely be viewed as aggressive and blatant, and might be less appreciated. Conflicts are resolved using a family approach and it is expected that the need for family values prevails over any other business interest. In settling business conflicts, therefore, the conflicting parties are treated on the basis of their roles in the family. Women and men are treated differently, with the latter given more respect for their role in family (Graces, 2008). They are honored and even revered, and they play a critical role in the family. This is unlike in the US where gender equality is the norm (Graces, 2008).

Foreigners are not very much tolerated but are treated based on their ability to get accustomed to the local practices and culture. Religion is very important, and most Colombians subscribe to the Catholic faith which was introduced by the Spaniards (Communicaid Group Ltd., 2007). However, there has been an allowance since 1991 for freedom of worship and any person is free to worship as one pleases. It means a foreigner can easily cope and manage in the country. Religious requirements emphasizes the aspect of giving, and any business in the country ought to be done with this in mind. The people will expect to be charged not exorbitantly but with consideration and a giving spirit. This might affect business dealings, no doubt (Communicaid Group Ltd., 2007).

Conclusion
Seeking to set a business base in Colombia is an endeavor which can only be possible if a set of cultural, social, ethnic, and religious factors are considered. The country is steeped in Spanish cultural practices which are extended to the business environment, making a potential investor to have no choice but to embrace this culture. Culturally, therefore, the investment in the country is sure to grapple with many issues, although it should be very easy once cultural barriers are overcome. To this end, Excel can be sure to enjoy business opportunities in the untapped Colombian market, but not before overcoming a kind of culture shock, starting with learning the local language.