Cultural Dimension as a Factor of Success

Abstract

The purpose of the thesis was to find out if and to what extent a Chamber of Commerce abroad can overcome effects of cultural differences in business and how obstacles can be avoided.

In the theoretical part the main issue was to define culture, discuss cultural theories and describe the development of international business. The empirical part of the thesis starts with an introduction of the German Chamber of Commerce network, and then concentrates on the German-Russian Chamber of Commerce in Moscow and its service providing department (IZDW). A survey among German companies, that have received service from IZDW, was carried out to analyze if the Chamber of Commerce abroad can be a solution as a mediator to overcome obstacles in cultural differences and communication. Furthermore, the Russian market, its business culture and obstacles foreign companies can face were discussed.

Contrary to expectations, the results indicated that the Chamber of Commerce abroad cannot help in avoiding the described obstacles. It is not possible to have influence on all cultural issues. Suggestions for improvement have been found and explained.