Cross Cultural Country Analysis: Egypt, France and Australia

Written by: Yurik L. Lozano, Charles Gellman, Dustin Spieler, Kaylin Smallwood, Sallie Makar

Abstract

There are many religious and historical references that greatly alter a country’s values.  This essay will discuss Egypt, France and Australia. Ancient Egypt has changed dramatically as they experienced an invasion by the Arabs. The Egyptian population once spoke Coptic, but later transformed into Arabic, changing religion and society’s norms altogether.  The Arab language is sacred because it was how God revealed the Koran to Mohammed. As Arabic is the main language, Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt with Christianity having a 9% minority. The Arab Spring will be discussed and how it created more chaos than it did democracy for the already poor country of Egypt. Although the political sphere of Egypt has changed greatly, Egyptian people still value their family and their social lives above anything else. Thousands of years of colonization have occurred to transform France and Australia into the current democracies they are today. The French values have endured the past 200 years because they have had to defend themselves against foreign powers. This essay will make note that the more values are defended, the more deeply entrenched they become. France, Australia, and Egypt are not an exception. The cradle of organization began in Egypt, and although they were primarily ruled by pharaohs and royals, Egypt’s current position rests heavily on being more democratic, such as France and Australia. As a society’s norms spark social ease or unrest, recent changes to Egypt’s democratic institutional thought process has caused turmoil and political challenges.  Immigration will also be discussed and how these countries embrace or reject it. French history has caused them to be more accepting of Muslim immigration as opposed to the Egyptians and the Australians. Australia, now, has opened to being less racially discriminatory and they hope to be accepting of multicultural people. Cultural pride has been ingrained in the French people, and assimilation of the Muslim faith has created religious radical terrorists which have altered the world’s perception of the Muslim faith.

 Keywords: Egyptian Culture, French Culture, Australian Culture, Assimilation, Religion, Politics

 Cross Cultural Country Analysis: Egypt, France and Australia

Introduction

Assimilation may have unforeseen conflicts. As societies emerge from decades of instilled values and morals, generational fulfillment of each society is placed in the epicenter of everything grand and beautiful. Deviation from these values can place harsh demands on humanity’s self actualization, and disrupt in social chaos and political disembowelment. As with anyone traveling overseas, the harsh realities of conflict management regarding norm perspective, can be described as uneasy tension between the perceived native and the foreigner. Religion, politics and geographical position all have the power to greatly transform a nation and build the values and morals there within. This essay will discuss the key cultural values for Egypt, Australia and France and what factors are responsible for those inculcated values; moreover, what has caused or allowed those values to endure overtime; in addition, it will also discuss the current changes taking place that are affecting the current values—if any. This essay will aim to compare and contrast these three countries and explain how doing business in each country would very based on these key cultural components and how to better help employees working effectively in these countries. Organizational, judicial, political, economic, and social systems will also be discussed to better understand how these play a pinnacle role in the cultural values and the instilled norms.

Egypt

From the mountainous pyramids to the mythical sphinx, Egypt’s history holds splendors and magnificent anecdotes. Managing Cultural Differences, a book by Robert T. Moran, Neil Remington Abramson, and Sarah V. Moran denotes that Ancient Egypt was one of the five cradles of human civilization (Moran et al, p. 321).  “The great pyramids at Giza were built between 2,600 BC and 2,500 BC. Later, Egypt was a rich and prized possession for many empires including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and even the French under Napoleon, and the British in the twentieth century AD. Egypt gained its independence from the British in 1953” (Moran et al, p. 321). The culture and values of Egypt dates back all the way to the Pharaohs, however while Egyptians have kept some of their traditions and helped maintain their landmarks to the best of their ability, the culture has changed dramatically with the influences of other Arab countries and the introduction of Islam.

Prior to Arabic being the national spoken and written language of Egypt for the past 13 centuries, before the Arab invasion in AD 639, Coptic was the national language that descended from ancient Egypt.  “It was the language of both religious and everyday life for the mass of the population; by the 12th century, however, it had been totally replaced by Arabic, continuing as a liturgical language for the Coptic Orthodox Church” (commisceo-global). According to Moran, “for Arabs, their language is sacred because it was the means by which God revealed the Koran to Muhammad. Classical Arabic is used not only by religious scholars, but also the educated and the media. There are many forms of colloquial Arabic and these days radio, television, computers, and mobile telephones are spreading these other dialects” (Moran et al, p. 319). Most Arab countries understand the Egyptian-Arabic dialect as it was the center of media for decades.

One of the key factors that affect Egyptian culture is religion.  As previously stated, prior to the Arab invasion in AD 638, Coptic Orthodoxy was the dominant religion in Egypt. Today, Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt with Christianity having a 9% minority. Islamic beliefs govern politics, culture, business and the personal lives of Egyptians.  Moran describes, “Islam views different aspects of the worldly life as interrelated parts that should be integrated into a person’s spiritual life. It offers guidance on family, social and political issues, economics, and education. Islam acknowledges the importance of business and/or trade” (Moran et al, p. 300).  While Egypt tends to be more liberal than other Middle Eastern countries, Islam still is still embedded in everyday aspects of life, including politics, despite the many attempts to become secular.

In addition to religious changes in Egypt, Egypt’s political climate is constantly evolving and is a major factor in Egypt’s cultural changes. In 1967, Israel defeated Egypt, Syria and Jordan in the “Six Day War.”  This gave rise to extremist organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood and created a decade of unrest in the Middle East, especially Egypt.  In 1979, Egypt did something no other Middle Eastern country would ever imagine doing in fear of retaliation: signing a peace treaty with Israel.  This gave rise to Egypt being, “for many years both the target of Arab economic reprisals and the recipient of significant foreign aid from the United States” (Moran, p. 321).  Many Arab countries were disillusioned and unsettled with this treaty and remain angered by it; however, Egypt still continues to remain cooperative and peaceful with Israel. This cooperation has caused Egypt to be a target of extremism by militant groups who do not agree with their alliance.  

Egypt has remained more liberal than other Middle Eastern countries and has attempted to implement true democracy through the decades. Today, the constitution provides for a strong president, vice presidents, prime minister, cabinet, and governors for 26 provinces (Moran et al, p. 322). Although the constitution is strong, true democracy has never really been practiced in Egypt. In 2011, what is known as the Arab Spring was an uprising of people who wanted just that: true democracy.  According an online article by the Huffington Post, “the Arab Spring represented a rejection of the secular, socialist, pan-Arabism, nationalist, military regimes that had come to power in the period from the 1950s through the 1970s, and which have since devolved into little more that corrupt, crony governments ruling by brute force and a pervasive security apparatus.” 

The Mubark government was overthrown in the Arab Spring; however, what was supposed to be a fight for democracy created chaos.  Muhammad Morsi, who was the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood, won in a somewhat democratic election that was opposed by the masses. He was then overthrown by the Egyptian army due to his attempts at changing the constitution of Egypt so that it was more Islamic focused (Moran, p. 322).  The Arab Spring created more chaos than it did democracy for the already poor country of Egypt with a GNP of $538 billion in 2012 and 20% of the population below the property line (Moran, p. 323).  According to an online article by CNN, “five years after Egypt's Arab Spring, the country is on shaky ground financially, unemployment is rampant and the people are angry. And an ISIS-linked insurgency is growing, the terror attacks becoming more brazen and frequent. Nothing seems sure in Egypt today, except that there's bound to be more fitful change ahead.”  Today, Egypt’s former Military Chief El-Sisi hopes to restore true democracy back to Egypt, defeat Islamic extremism, and restore hope back to Egyptians.  Time will only tell if Egypt will become stable; however, the people of Egypt will not settle for anything less.

Another aspect of the Egyptian Culture that has not changed throughout the ages, despite their shaky political climate, is the way Egyptians view family and social life.  Family is the most significant component of life to Egyptians.  They spend their time ensuring that, not only their immediate family, but extended families are part of their daily lives. They see all others, outside of the family, as insubordinate and not equally as important.  This cultural value is equivalent in both Christian and Muslim Egyptians (commisceo-global, 2017). Additionally, all Egyptians enjoy a more relaxed approach to life. According to Moran, “prepare for a slower way of life, including decision-making, and a lack of punctuality in keeping appointments. (Moran et al, p. 323)”

Egyptian management practices have also not changed much over the ages since it is based on Islamic teachings.  Moran denotes, “Islam focuses its attention more on the individual people who manage or are managed, and less on the methodologies and processes of management. This is because Islam believes that it is the individual people that guide and apply these management methodologies and practices through their motivations, enthusiasm, desires, and emotions” (Moran et al, p. 304).  According to Islamic business practices, work is an act of worship—putting family first, therefore fulfilling one’s worship to God.  Next, one must fulfill all contracts and obligations, failing to do so is a sin. In addition, it is more than imperative to keep one’s promises.  Moreover, additional good management qualities are loyalty, brotherhood, not receiving kickbacks, always being honest and optimistic, admitting mistakes and being just (Moran et al, p. 305). Furthermore, it is important to note that Egyptians enjoy taking advantage of their day, so typically a work-week schedule would be from Saturday through Wednesday, with no business conducted on Thursday and Friday—Muslim Holy Day (Moran et al). Business hours vary, but are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Summer; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Winter; and 5 to 7 p.m. all year (Moran et al, p. 323). Also, when doing business in Egypt, it is good to note that business is rarely a private event as “interruptions in the form of phone calls and visits from your counterpart’s friends and family are to be expected. Moreover, you may find other businesspeople present and several meetings occurring simultaneously” (Circlesofexcellence, 2017).

France

The nation of France is one that has had a special place in the unfolding of Western Civilization. The history of this nation comes to us from ancient times when it was called Gaul and acted as adversary to and later a member of the Roman Empire. France came through the middle ages to the modern era through the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s Imperial France, and to its current membership in a union of European nations. France has a lengthy and distinguished history and pedigree among Western nations, which has led to the development of key French values. Most famous of these are that of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which comes out of the French Revolution and is the current motto of France. Moreover, the French place great value on patriotism and the French language.

These values that are the hallmark of French culture were birthed from the Enlightenment period. Drawing on the writings of John Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau, the French embraced the idea that all men have rights and all men should be equal (Censer & Hunt, 2001). Only a few years after America utilized these ideals to successfully declare independence from England, France conducted their own revolution in 1789. It was there that the slogan, “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity,” first emerged. At the time, the vast majority of Frenchman (considered the Third Estate) were ruled by the upper classes of clergy and nobility (Britannica, 2017). With poor living conditions, poverty, increasing taxation, and debate over voting rules among the estates that gave more weight to the clergy and nobility, the people of France revolted, overthrew their government, and established the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens (Censer & Hunt, 2001).

Eventually, the revolution caught the attention of monarchies in other European nations. Fearing similar uprisings, these nations went to war with France (Britannica, 2017). France celebrated victories and suffered defeats in the following years. In 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte assumed power, and for the first time, French soldiers fought for their country rather than a King (South African History Online [SAHO], 2011). Patriotism emerged and became a strong sentiment among the French as they claimed victory over much of Europe, occupied the territories dubbed “sister republics,” and instituted regimes based on that of Revolutionary France (Britannica, 2017). Some of the reforms Napoleon instituted included the following: all feudal rights and privileges were terminated, people declared equal before the law, trial by jury guaranteed, and religious freedom introduced (SAHO, 2011). From enlightenment to fruition, the people of France won their liberty, equality, and the process developed their fraternity.

As discussed above, it was the crucible of oppression, deplorable living conditions, poverty, economic decline, and a sense of helplessness that gave rise to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity within the French. This is not a unique story. The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt, the American Revolution, and even the modern day Arab Spring follows a similar pattern. Group suffering is good at drawing people together and building strong bonds (fraternity)— modern militaries utilize it in their boot camps. When gross injustice is forced on a people, and all other avenues to resolve grievances are exhausted, the desire for liberty and equality will burst forth, and sometimes, violently so. The wars and battles that ensued for years only further solidified the bonds of fraternity, and the high cost made their freedom and equal rights sweeter.

These values have endured the past 200 or so years because each generation since the French Revolution has had to defend them against foreign powers.  “The more beliefs are defended, the more deeply entrenched they become. As humans become emotionally intense about their beliefs, they become more difficult to overcome with logic or even outright facts” (Hogan & Speakman, 2006, p. 19). This is why it is difficult to have someone change their mind on religion or politics. In the 19th century, after the Napoleonic Wars, France engaged in some colonial expansion, an invasion of Spain, the Crimean War, and the Franco-Prussian War. The 20th century brought World War I & II.  Post World War II era French generations have not had to defend their values from foreign invaders.

Patriotism is another reason these values have endured much. Similar to Americans, the French are proud they were able to stand up for themselves and forge their own destiny. In each generation, they instill this pride and patriotism in their children, which acts as a support for the freedom, equality, and brotherhood won by their forefathers. This pride also carries into their love of the French language. “When people use language, it is based on the way they process their thoughts, which are culturally learned. The French language allows the French culture to perpetuate its deep roots because it carries traditions from generation to generation” (March et al, 2001). Their strong love of country and language has allowed the French to successfully maintain and pass along their cultural values.

Today, the greatest threat to French heritage and cultural values is the failure to nationalize or assimilate immigrants to France, mainly Arab Muslim immigrants. Within the borders of a nation, the people develop a definition of what makes them who they are. According to Vladescu (2016), “many originally French citizens argue that, in the context of the assimilation of immigrants, being French entails learning the French language, adopting French cultural and societal norms, being able to accept a strictly secular state and developing the desire to integrate on a psychological level.” It seems that European and Asian immigrants have been able to successfully integrate; however, Arab Muslims have had considerable difficulty. “Today, Arab Muslims make up, by far, the largest portion of France’s immigrant population. This group also happens to represent one of the highest birthrates in France, contributing to the country’s future generations…but France’s Muslims find few precedents for cultural adaptation” (Vladescu, 2006). It seems to be a vicious cycle, non-radicalized Muslims wish to live their lives and integrate with the home culture; however, radical Muslims perpetrate attacks on the home culture and neighboring states. These attacks provide reason to fear the Arab Muslim community and erect barriers to integration. “Unfortunately, the reputation of the majority of law-abiding Muslims is tarnished in the public eye and fears of fundamentalism operate in a vicious circle with Muslim accusations of discrimination on the basis of religion and ethnicity” (Vladescu, 2006). With this group being the largest immigrant class and having the nation’s highest birth rate, it is vital that France successfully integrate them into their society. Otherwise, their Arab Muslim culture will eventually overwhelm the native French culture.

Cultural values are reflected in the institutions of a society, and France is no different. In line with their values of freedom, equality, and fraternity, the political and judicial system in France is structured in a manner to grant these ideals, as well as protect them. France operates as a Representative Democracy under the Constitution of 1958 which established a system of checks and balances via executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government (Ministere de la Justice, 2017). Public officials are elected by the citizenry or given appointments by those who have been elected. This form of government gives power to the people to decide the direction their country will go and to change course if necessary. The judicial system is such that anyone can have their day in court to have a grievance heard and decided on. Those accused of crimes are considered innocent until proven guilty. All of these come from the will of a people to direct their own destiny, be free to live their lives, be protected from harm, and receive fair treatment before the law.

In business, the French culture is placing great pressure on private and public sector organizations to reform their models. Currently, the organizational structure in France is centralized and top-down, but workers are beginning to push back against this system (Moran et al, 2014). Published books like Absolument Dé-bor-dée! (Absolutely Snowed Under!) and Bonjour Paresse (Hello Laziness) show how employees essentially do nothing at work (Schumpeter, 2011). This is not because the French are inherently lazy; rather, it is a demonstration of discontent and cry for change. According to Schumpeter (2011), “in fact studies suggest that the problem with French employees is less that they are work-shy, than that they are poorly managed. According to a report on national competitiveness by the World Economic Forum, the French have a much stronger work ethic than American, British or Dutch employees. They find great satisfaction in their work, but register profound discontent with the way their firms are run.” Instead of top jobs being given based on merit and performance, they are often given to a group of elites that graduate from top universities, which stymies upward mobility for everyone else (Schumpeter, 2011). This is not in line with French values, and public and private sector organizations are beginning to realign themselves with them.

In general terms, France is currently in a state of great unrest organizationally, politically, and economically. In April 2017, France will elect a new president and, much like the most recent American election, France is being faced with two extremes that will bring about two very different futures for the country. The French will decide if their values either stand as traditionally held or be redefined to fit their changing society.

Australia

Australia has a history unlike many countries of how it became what it is today. Over 40,000 years ago, Aboriginal people inhabited the country when there was still a land bridge between Asia and Australia. Aboriginal culture was that of the hunter, gatherer. They believed that they were one with the land, rather than themselves owning the land. These customs are still apparent today among the Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders. But it is important to note that other than the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders, their customs are not widely used in Australia. In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip led a fleet of 11 ships carrying convicts. This was the start of today’s Australia.

According to Cultures in refuge: seeking sanctuary in modern Australia (2012), in Australia, if one wishes to become a citizen, upon their 18th birthday their citizens must sign a values statement. The value statement addresses the following:

Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good, Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background, and the English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society. (pg. 54)

Multiculturalism in Australia is something that started negatively and has changed throughout history. According to Dictionary.com, multiculturalism is defined as “relating to or representing several different cultures or cultural elements” (Multicultural, n.d.). When British settlers arrived in Australia, they “brought with them bigotry toward the natives” (Kershner, n.d.). At one time, between the years of 1901 and 1971, “the Australian government removed Aboriginal children from their families to civilize them in white Australian homes. More than 100,000 children were transplanted in the so-called Stolen Generation” (Kershner, n.d.). Over time, multiculturalism became less about race. However, before that time in 1901, they implemented The Immigration Restriction Act. “The overall aim of this and other related legislation was to limit non-white immigration to Australia, particularly Asian immigration, and thereby preserve the predominance of the British within Australia” (Australian Government, n.d). In 1958, Immigration Restriction Act was overturned. Part of the reason for this is because of “the way that Germany had fused race with national identity, which in turn caused many Australians to reflect on the way race had been fused with national identity within Australia since Federation in 1901.

At the political level, the consequence was a dismantling of the Immigration Restriction Act and an undefined policy of multiculturalism” (Convict Creations, n.d.). 17 years later, in 1975, the Racial Discrimination Act was signed into law. The Racial Discrimination act makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, color, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status. While there have been revisions, this act is still used in Australia today. “ In 1989, the Australian federal government launched the National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia. The very phrase ‘multicultural Australia’ suggest that multiculturality has now been enshrined as a recognized essence of Australian national identity” (O'Regan, 1994). This today is something Australians take pride in.

Australians have what they call mateship which is described as providing unconditional support for one another in the toughest conditions. Today the term ‘mate’ is used to address friends and colleagues. Doing business in Australia today includes mateship. Australians are known for being very laid back. According to Moran, “Australians are generally easy going, friendly, and relatively informal” (Moran, et,al,2014).  

Comparison & Conclusion—Egypt, France & Australia

Geographically, Egypt, France & Australia are separated by thousands of miles of land, water and large mountain ranges. Even with the cradle of civilization starting in Egypt, the migration of people took thousands of years to colonize France and Australia into the current democracies they are today. All countries have both thrived and been challenged with revolutions, wars and internal conflict to shape the current civilization and social norms. Political structures, religion, immigration tolerance and workplace norms varies widely among the countries. Work hours are impacted due to religious ideals, amendments to work law and the socialized forty-hour work weeks among western cultures.  

France and Australia have long supported democratic institutions whereas Egypt has been recently ruled by royals until 1952 and has transitioned into republicanism and parliament.  The transition of government structure has led to dire consequences resulting in political turmoil and social unrest.  Egypt has had a difficult time maintaining political security for elected officials as well as providing a platform for the people to thrive.  The economics of Egypt and the rapid growth of the population has made the country reliant on growth through the oil industry as well as tourism and agriculture (Apache Sees Egypt Growth with Fracking Wells Amid Unrest, 2014).  France and Australia have diverse economies which are highly service based resulting in the number 6th & 12th largest gross domestic products in the world (France Economy, n.d.).

Immigration of foreigners has been widely accepted by France whereas Egypt and Australia are not as welcoming. In fact, very recently in 1975 Australia has put forth the Racial Discrimination Act resulting in a policy similar to France as accepting multi-cultural people versus banning non-white Europeans as the previous government policy (Complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act: Australian Human Rights Commission, n.d.). The French people believe in assimilation of foreigners which has been widely adopted by many people except people from the Middle East.  Many Muslims are having difficulty within France due to the strong sense of French pride that Arabs do not wish to replicate for the country (Wadham, 2015).  As population growth accelerates among the Arabs within France a divide has occurred causing social unrest and tense relations.  Australia and French people have not migrated to Egypt in the same numbers due to the intolerance of religious freedom and strict accordance to Muslim norms.  

Islamic business practices impact work resulting in acceptable norms that are counter to western business norms. In Egypt if a family member, friend or obligation to worship God takes place during the normal work environment that is an acceptable practice whereas in Western standards this would be viewed as not acceptable. Work weeks in France and Australia are similar to a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, but in Egypt the times vary depending on the season, and no business is conducted Thursday and Friday due to Muslim Holy Days.  The French place high values on equality and patriotism of the French language and a deviation is frowned upon.  Australia is open to due business with most countries and is a culture who is direct and typically uses humor in most situations (Business Communication Styles in Australia and Successful Communication with Australian Businesses and Colleagues: World Business Culture.  n.d.).

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