Are Cultural Differences Between Nations Narrowing with Younger Generations?

Globalization can be seen in every crack and crevasse of the earth now that we can communicate globally at unprecedented speed. To be a thriving, growing business, most would argue that once you are well established in your domestic nation, the next logical plan is to take your business internationally.

There are many studies that point to the idea of globalization and how many cultures are mashing together into one as the world becomes more technologically advanced. While technology plays a large part in this, do younger generations have an impact on narrowing the cultural differences between two nations?

There has not been a lot of data and research to support this theory, but I believe cultural differences are narrowing with younger generations. Recently, an International Management class at Michigan State University conducted a business case study with students from different universities from all over the globe. I happened to be the student representing the United States. In my team, we had two students from Italy and one from Hong Kong. The group collaborated unlike any multicultural team I’ve read on in the media. Usually, multinational teams have many problems with communication, cultural differences, and business standards. However, none of this was noticeable in this small case study where we had to pitch a business idea from the ground up. No lapse in communication, no largely different way of modeling a business, just collaboration across nations at its best.

Younger generations seem to be more adept to different ideas and ways of thinking. They have also grown up with cross cultural influences through media and have grown up using technological standards that have globalized the world. They are a natural “cross-cultural” people if you will. I believe this cultural gap will soon be so narrow, it will almost be non-existent. Don’t you agree?