The Divide of the Coca Leaf: National Culture and the Drug Policies of Bolivia and the United States

While the United States and Bolivian cultures have different values, attitudes and norms, these differences have not been a major factor in determining the aid Bolivia receives from the United States (US). Now, President Morales, a former union leader for coca leaf growers, has refused to comply with US foreign policy to eradicate the coca leaf, creating political and cultural tension. This paper examines the US and Bolivian relationship as a case study through Schein’s organizational cultural theory and Adler’s culture theory to determine how Bolivia’s battle to save the coca leaf may affect the aid it receives from the US government and nonprofits