Culture and Organizations

Abstract

Abstract We provide a review of recent theoretical and methodological advances in the field of culture and organizations. First, we review clusters of culture definitions and discuss major frameworks that have guided international business research. Complementary to these etic approaches, we highlight emic studies that provide culture-specific insights into effective work behaviors. We then describe recent advances in complex systems and evolutionary research that advance our understanding of both cultural similarities and differences, specifically focusing on explanations of why cultural differences may emerge in specific situations and points in time. We finish by discussing methodological and theoretical challenges for the next decade. Some of these challenges, such as the issue of cultural bias and equivalence, are well recognized but continue to pose significant challenges. Other areas, such as big data and massive improvements in statistical computing as well as increasing multiculturalism, offer new opportunities and challenges for organizational researchers.