Culture defines the behavior patterns that are distinguishing characteristics of members of a society. It gives the individual an anchoring point, an identity, and codes of conduct. Culture has 164 definitions, but all of them accept that culture is learned, shared, and transmitted across generations. Cultural awareness in business has been recognized over several centuries. When the East India Company came and initiated the spice trade in India in the 17th century, its members embraced Indian cultural values in order to integrate with society and promote business. To be effective marketers across cultures and borders, companies must recognize that cultural differences exist and then adapt their approach to marketing accordingly.
As many parts of the world embrace globalization, there is also a growing fear that cross-border products threaten one’s cultural heritage. Without the understanding of cultural norms, marketers face the risk of invading local traditions and customs. Some of the elements that marketers need to be sensitive to are religion, language, and values. One must adapt to different cultures and respect traditions before making important business decisions in the international market. The process of acculturation—adjusting and adapting to a specific culture other than one’s own—is one of the keys to success in international operations.
To compete with the local companies who are advantageously armed with the knowledge of dealing with local customers, international marketers need to win the trust of locals by respecting their culture when selling products. Pizza Hut continues to be a big success in the South Asian market. Their top-seller pizza flavors in India and Pakistan are Veggie Supreme and Chicken Tikka. This shows that the brand has not only addressed the cultural preferences but also the religious sentiments by adjusting to local markets. Today, Pizza Hut is recognized and trusted more than even local pizza brands because of its earnest efforts to appeal directly to its market.
Culture is one of the most challenging elements of international marketplace. However, once successfully accepted, the journey can become extremely rewarding. Factual knowledge can be learned but the interpretation of culture comes only through experience. Cultural awareness continues to be the cornerstone of marketing in expanding beyond local borders. Pizza Hut is just one example of a company that has successfully navigated its operations abroad through understanding its competition, audience, and culture. This proves that cultural awareness and acknowledgment in conducting business internationally can shape the destiny of companies.