The Cultural Challenges of Doing Business Overseas

An American of Czech origin and a franchisor for Chicago Style Pizza, I have decided to expand his business into the Czech Republic. This is a risky decision; when I became a franchisor, I had to overcome a lot of difficulties.  I anticipate I will face some of these difficulties again at a new location in Prague, Czech Republic. Although I was born in the United States, I have family and friends in the Czech Republic, speak Czech fluently, and have visited the country of my origin several times. Although I do not feel that I know the people welll enough to know what they really want.

Are there major differences and incompatibilities between the U.S. and Czech cultures? Will these differences create major business risks for Steve? How might Steve mitigate these risks?

     Will Hofstede's has  four primary dimensions to  help evaluate the Czech business environment? What are the likely results of this evaluation?

      Is individualism or collectivism prevalent in Czech culture? Will this help my entrepreneurial endeavors?

       What can I do to attract more conservative Czechs who prefer the Czech Republic's gastronomic traditions to the convenience of fast food?

    How can I turn the cultural challenges into opportunities for this Czech venture?