Regional Influence on decision making

Got a Joke in my email titled as the modest Indian:

An American, a Brit and an Indian went for a hike one day. It was very hot and they were sweating and exhausted. When they came upon a small lake in a fairly secluded spot,they took off all their clothes and jumped into the water. Feeling refreshed, the trio decided to pick a few berries while enjoying their absolute “freedom”. As they were crossing an open area, suddenly a group of ladies from town appeared. Unable to get into their clothes in time, the American and the Brit quickly used their hands to cover their privates,but the Indian covered his face while they ran for cover! The men got back into their clothes as soon as the ladies left…The Brit and American asked the Indian why he covered his face rather than his private parts.

The Indian replied, “I don’t know about you guys, but in my country, it’s the face that people recognize.”

Apart from being funny, I found the above mail an apt example to decision making and the influence of ‘reference criterion’ in this case, the geographic upbringing.

On a lighter note, the American and the Brit accepted nudity as a part of their upbringing, hence decided to cover vital parts!
The Indian on the other hand, was more concerned about him being recognized! And that was a bigger threat to his modesty!

Compare this with another Industry example and you will see a lot of regional influence in decision making. Google around for Harley Davidson ‘killing’ Buel, and Bajaj ‘killing’ the Chetak. Both iconic brands.
Ironically, HD got Buell, to expand out of the cruiser lineage (its original brand identity); whereas Bajaj ‘killed’ scooter (its original brand identity) to focus on Motorcycles!

HD talked business about let Buell die, as it was bleeding them. Bajaj made it an emotional affair and it went to an extent of a visible public spat between the Father and Son regarding the same.

Phew! More to come, sometime else!