Latin europe cluster: from South to North

Abstract

The Latin europe cluster consists of Spain, Portugal, Italy, French Switzerland, France, and Israel. The cluster has a total population of over 170 million and has a gross National income of close to U.S.$3.5 trillion. The cluster scores close to mid-range on all the dimensions of societal practices except power distance, where it has a high cluster average of over 5. The cluster's values are particularly high on performance orientation, perhaps reflecting the participating managers' understanding of the implications of global competition. The key strategic dilemma for these societies seems to be how to balance the need for competitiveness with their traditional preference for a paternalistic and interventionist government.