Background
You work for an importer of leather footwear, that supplies consumers in two market segments:
(1) the walking/hiking markets (walking boots), and
(2) riding boots and leather saddles

Up until now, your suppliers were in Italy, Portugal, and Spain, but since the UK left the EU, it has been decided that you can longer rely on these suppliers due to complications with Brussels. Consequently, just before the end of last year, the Senior Management undertook a strategic market research study to identify new suppliers. One supplier has been found, based in Bogotá, Colombia, and next month the MD and Production Director will travel to Bogotá to spend two weeks with the company, viewing their production line and seeing whether you could go into a partnership arrangement with this company.

You are required to write a 2,000 essay that addresses the following question:

“How might you use the Hofstede theory of Cultural Dimensions to prepare the two senior managers for their stay in Bogotá?

Presentation
You MUST present your report in the following format:

Section A) The Hostede Theory (25% of total mark)
Critically analyse the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Model

Section B) Comparison of Colombia and the UK (40% of total mark)
Within the theoretical framework in section A, undertake a comparative analysis of both Colombia and the UK, in terms of the six dimensions mentioned by Hofstede: Power-Distance Index (PDI), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), Long-term Orientation (LTO), and Indulgence/restraint (IND)

Section c) Differences and Potential Problems (25% of total mark)
Show how the major differences you have identified (in section B), might present problems when working together, and what you would do to minimise/eliminate these problems

Section d) References and Presentation (10% of total mark)

Style
Your report should use the following style for BOTH of the above sections:
• Font: Times New Roman
• Font size: 12
• Line spacing: 1.15
• Referencing: use the Harvard style (eg, Swift, 2021) in the text, and then present the full references in alphabetical order at the end.
• Do not use footnotes