UBUNTU

UBUNTU Is a philosophic system that can be defined as humaneness, a pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, respect and responsiveness that individuals and groups display for one another; which most important attribute is the high degree of harmony and continuity throughout the system.
Several South African companies have begun to embrace the guidelines of Ubuntu and to introduce them in their corporate practice with notable success. The guidelines are meant to provide a good starting point for managers wishing to incorporate the principles of Ubuntu in their organizations.
· Treat others with dignity and respect, everything hinges on this canon, including an emphasis on humility, harmony, and valuing diversity.
· Be willing to negotiate in good faith, being acknowledgment is a very important first step toward agreement and cooperation. Transparency and trust replace suspicion and hostility.
· Provide opportunities for self expression, honoring achievement, self-fulfillment, and affirmation of values are all important aspects of creating good will among employees.
· Understand the beliefs and practices of indigenous people, implementing strategies that can lead the company to success.
· Honor seniority, especially in leadership choices, seniority adds value trough experience, connections and the wisdom that older employees have form their record of past experiences.
· Promote equity in the work place; fairness is a value that is upheld in most cultures.
· Be flexible and accommodative, a carefully balanced blending, with flexibility and accommodation, holds the promise of greater value added to corporate performance.

taken from: http://www.usafricaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Nelson-Mandela-World-Cup2010.jpg

(Mangaliso, P. Mzamo, (2001) Building competitive advantage from ubuntu: Management lessons from South Africa, Academy of Management Executive, vol 15 no 3, pag 24)

If a Diamond could have a smell... how would it be?

This metaphor is a strategy to internationalize a Colombian perfume for men throughout the world. The metaphor uses a diamond which is one of the most valuable objects in the world, these precious rocks have incredible high prices, and some of them don’t even have a monetary value. Comparing the majesty of the diamond that lack of a possible smell with a identity that the perfume can bring or represent for the essence. The perfume represents the fragrance of a diamond and the conception of value and elegance that the people have respecting this jewel. The perfume is produced in Colombia with elements that are only obtainable in this area, getting a very unique and special essence.

The marketing represent a very important factor in the success when commercializing a product anywhere. For this case the company is expecting to expand markets throughout the most recognized cities in the world. The strategies include visual publicity with influential people such as sportspeople, actors and music singers, creating a culture in the people that admire those personalities and follow them in terms of style.

image taken from: "http://www.vanitatis.com/fotos/noticias/2007120415perfume_int1.jpg"