Cross-cultural perspectives on collaboration: Differences between the Middle East and the United States

Abstract

Cross-cultural collaboration is critical for tackling many complex issues of the modern-day, yet can be challenging, particularly when it includes collaborators with a history of conflict, such as Middle Eastern countries and the United States. To explore how collaborators might have unique conceptualizations of collaboration that could ultimately contribute to this challenge, this research leverages comparative structural analysis of interview data from 113 participants across four nations in the Middle East and the United States. Several key differences in conceptualizations emerged. Middle Eastern samples emphasized (1) who is involved, including a spiritual element, (2) interpersonal aspects, (3) higher levels of motivation, and (4) equality of resources, more so than American participants. However, not all conceptualizations were different. These cultures all agreed collaboration is challenging and requires effort to be successful. Findings provide important insights for informing future research, as well as practical approaches to managing cultural differences in collaborative settings.