Paper long abstract:

This paper is a contribution to the exploration of social change in Kyrgyzstan since the collapse of the Soviet Union and analysis of current business environment in the context of globalization. The concepts of globalization impact on culture, cultural identity, business culture, and intercultural business communication were utilized as a theoretical framework for this study. The mixed-method approach guided the data collection process. Primary qualitative data included observations and interviews that were conducted in Bishkek and three smaller towns in Issyk-Kul region. The researcher utilized the role of an Observer-Participant while visiting local businesses, public places and events, and several homes of local residents. Twelve individual interviews were conducted and analyzed to explore Kyrgyz people perceptions regarding global diversity of businesses, religions, and cultural identity. Quantitative data were collected from 34 pencil-and-paper cultural Value Survey Module (VSM) 2013 developed by Dr. Geert Hofstede. These surveys were analyzed on the six cultural dimensions identified by Hofstede. The researcher suggests that along with homogenization and westernization of certain aspects of Kyrgyz culture, the impact of globalization can be seen in the increase of self-consciousness and cultural identities. Both adoption of new values and their rejection were observed in the social and business settings. Kyrgyz people are open to foreign businesses; however, they are concerned and suspicious toward the goals of the foreigners of visiting and/or running their businesses in Kyrgyzstan. There is a growing conflict between traditional Kyrgyz Muslims and the Islamic influence from the Arabic world and the increase of gender traditional roles expectations. This study requires more both qualitative and quantitative data to triangulate the information and gain the power analysis.