Cross-cultural Management Research Articles

A study of the attitude of generation z to cross-cultural interaction in business

Background and Purpose: In a digitally globalized world cross-cultural interaction in social and business environment has become more widespread than ever before. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitude of Generation Z representatives to different aspects of cross-cultural interaction.Design/Methodology/Approach: We used an online questionnaire to collect data for our study. A sample of 324 young adults from three countries: Germany (n=113/34.9%), Romania (n=107/33.0%) and Ukraine (n=104/32.1%) participated in the online survey. The sample consists of university students aged less than 23 years to match the criteria of being representatives of Generation Z. Different statistical tools were used to check the hypotheses.Results: The results of the study indicate that Generation Z representatives consider cross-cultural communication skills as highly important both in their private and business life. The main motivation factors to work in a multicultural business environment have been identified as well as major barriers for effective cross-cultural interaction.Conclusion: This paper illustrates that Gen Zers are willing to work in a multicultural business environment; moreover it can give them additional motivation. This trend along with ongoing processes of globalization and digitalization fosters further interconnection of countries and regions of the world, making cross-cultural communication and cross-cultural management techniques even more important.

THE INFLUENCE OF INTERCULTURAL FACTORS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OF THE ENTERPRISE

The article considers the influence of globalization on foreign economic activity, international relations and competition, examines the essence of cross-cultural management as a factor of competitiveness for effective foreign economic activity of the enterprise in modern conditions, examines the positive experience of introducing cross-cultural management in the activities of international companies. The position of Ukraine in the cultural environment is analyzed in accordance with model of Gerd Hofsted. Modern conditions of functioning of enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity require the knowledge and understanding of each other by the participants of this process. Cultural differences in economic activity can be both positive and negative influences. Globalization at the present stage contributes to the formation of the effective intercultural dialogue in the implementation of foreign economic activities. Cross-cultural management is an integral part of the human resources management system, which provides the development of training technologies for effective business management in a variety of cultures in order to prevent cross-cultural conflicts. The more diverse the cultural field of foreign economic activity, the higher the reputational risks, the more cross-cultural differences are manifested, the higher communicative barriers and critical requirements for the manager's cross-cultural competence are formed. Therefore, when developing corporate strategies of enterprises engaged in foreign economic activity, it is necessary to take into account cross-cultural factors. It is important for the manager to take into account different aspects of management practice in different countries. The current state of implementation of cross-cultural management is rather weak. It is necessary to study and implement international cross-cultural management to strengthen them. For the effective implementation of cross-cultural management in the practice of Ukrainian enterprises it is necessary: to comprehensively study the cultural diversity of nations; to create and maintain an atmosphere of respect for another culture; to take full advantage of international partnership; to research their specifics on consumer demand before entering foreign markets.

Adjusting to Indonesia’s Culture: The Case of Expatriates in the Education Industry

A bstract Globalization has resulted in an increased number of foreign workers in Indonesia. Nevertheless, not all foreign workers can easily adapt to the culture, business, and social situation of the host country. According to cross-cultural literature, the cultural adjustment has been considered as the prerequisite for the success of the expatriates overseas. This study aims to investigate factors that affect the success of the international assignment. Using a qualitative case study approach, this study interviewed five expatriates working in the education industry in Central Java based on the U-curve cultural adjustment theory. The result of this study demonstrates that the inability of an expatriate to adjust with the host country was due to the lack of preparation toward the culture of the host country, resistance with the new culture, conflict-avoiding behavior, and the lack of two-way communication between the expatriate and the local staffs. Keywords : Cross-cultural adjustment, cross-cultural management, expatriate, international assignment, U-curve.

Exploring culture as a paradox: complementary QUEUE analysis of cultural values and practices

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the proposition that culture in international management has been dominated by a “Western dualism to measuring culture” (Caprar et al., 2015, p. 1024), which has resulted in severe problems and persistent limitations. The suggestion is that cultural research can be more productively conceived as a paradox involving a duality between two contrasting yet co-determined spheres or domains.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides an outline of culture as a paradox and an outline of a research approach to address the dualities of culture.FindingsA cultural duality is described, which involves a paradoxical “yin-yang” relationship between two contrasting yet mutually constituted aspects of the collective mind. One domain, which involves conscious cognitive elements has dominated research characterized by positivism and empirical cross-cultural explorations of phenomenological cultural values. The second, more recondite domain, involves unconscious and embodied cultural phenomena, which are more tacit and hidden in indirect expression through communicative interaction, exchanges of symbolic representations and embodied behaviour in context.Research limitations/implicationsA methodological duality of qualitative and quantitative mixing in order to provide a bi-focal understanding of both tacit and explicit aspects of culture is proposed as a research agenda.Originality/valueThe suggestion is that these cultural shadows have been relatively neglected thus far in cross-cultural management research. This means that in order to better comprehend culture as paradox, an equalization of approaches sensitive to both sides of the duality is prescient. In pursuit of this idea, a complementary qualitative analysis directed at more nebulous cultural phenomena is proposed in order to provide a balanced analysis of culture as paradox.

ENTERPRENEURAL ENVIRONMENT & CROSS-CULTURIAL MANAGEMENT: A ROAD MAP FOR SUSTAINING AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

For African operations to succeed in Western countries, African entrepreneurs must embrace entrepreneurs’ environmental management competencies as part of a strategic focus for crosscultural management. This article examines entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management as a road map of sustaining African development. The specific objectives are to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management; to examine why cross-cultural orientation is important in African entrepreneurs; and to determine the effect of globalization on entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management. This paper argued that entrepreneurial culture, environmental turbulence and global network competencies improve the relationship between entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management. Therefore, by drawing insights from the existing review of the literature, our purpose is to improve understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management under the moderating effects of entrepreneurial culture, macro environment and global network competence. A model of entrepreneurial environment and cross-cultural management is also suggested to provide useful insights in the context of African entrepreneurs.

Cross-cultural Management of Chinese Enterprises: A Review of the Literature

Culture has a profound impact on multinational enterprises. Especially under the strategy of “one belt and one road”, the Chinese enterprises’ “going out” step is accelerating, and the business management problems caused by different regional cultural conflicts have become a pressing problem at present. This paper reviews the literature of cross-cultural management in Chinese enterprises, mainly analyses the connotation of cross-cultural management, discusses the differences between eastern and western enterprise management cultures and the status quo of cross-cultural management in Chinese enterprises, and gives the mode and strategy of cross-cultural management in Chinese enterprises. For our multinational enterprises, we should establish the concept of cross-cultural management, attach importance to the coexistence and development of multiculturalism, and use cross-cultural management methods to prevent and solve the crisis caused by cultural conflicts.

Universities and Cross-Cultural Management: Opportunities and Technologies for Improving the Quality of Services in Education

The relevance of the research topic is due to modern trends in world development, which indicate the need for the readiness of higher education for intercultural cooperation and cross-cultural interaction, contributing to the emergence of new elements and forms of cultural activity and correcting values, behaviors, and lifestyles (both universal and culture-specific). The purpose of this article is based on the justification of the theoretical foundations of the research problem to establish the conditions for the development of cross-cultural interaction and methods of university management associated with the formation of readiness of pedagogical process participants to cross-cultural interaction. The relevance of the search for new approaches to the organization of university cross-cultural management is noted in the article. The rating of readiness components for cross-cultural interaction, conditions of development of cross-cultural interaction, and methods used for the formation of skills of cross-cultural interaction are defined.

Cross-cultural management: The context is our content

Cross-cultural management: The context is our content

The Internationalization of Business and Their Approach to New Markets: A Focus on US Wine Consumer

The paper develops an exploratory research. It aims to understand the elements considered by a wine company to enter the US market and the characteristics considered to be important for US wine consumers when choosing a wine. For this purpose, the paper conducts two different steps of study: (1) it analyzes the US wine market, through a secondary data set; and (2) it studies a random sample of 4,560 reviews of US wines consumers found on CellarTracker. After a reflection on cultural issues related to the internationalization of companies, the paper presents briefly the theme of cross-cultural management, which is fundamental for the approach to new markets, and then it focuses on the wine industry. The focus will be on the peculiarity of the production of Italian wine companies and their choices of internationalization, particularly in the US market. The analyses show that (1) the US market ranks first in terms of consumption and represents, among other things, the first destination area for Italian sales and (2) the US consumer is strongly focused on the organoleptic properties of the wine.

Rethinking solutions for re-balancing the education–job mismatch

Purpose In the international graduate job market, education–job mismatches are affecting recruitment, and consequently efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to identify a widening gap in “global operating skills”, then put forward a structure for addressing the education–job mismatch, based on data gathered from higher education teachers and graduate recruiters. Framed as a case examining the contemporary context in Russia, the objective is to identify a cross-cultural management (CCM) skills set for graduates who are pursuing a career in an international environment. The study therefore has implications for managers and educators who work in this sector. Design/methodology/approach The study identifies a number of factors that need to be taken into account for developing CCM competence among graduate job seekers. Set in the specific case of a Russian higher education institutions and one of its international partners, stakeholder theory is used for theoretical underpinning and data collection. A qualitative-oriented mixed-methods approach was designed to: explore the education–job mismatch by using documentary sources and direct observations; collect data in a three-step sequence (focus groups, interviews and interactive seminar). Findings The key findings revealed the extent of the education–job mismatch. Specifically: a lack of transferable CCM skills, mismatch between the provision of CCM skills development in higher education and the needs of recruiters, and curriculum shortfall in terms of CCM skills. Furthermore, areas such as cross-cultural communication and cross-cultural awareness require urgent attention; new approaches are needed to enhance the knowledge transfer of CCM skills to students, in order to better equip them to work in an increasingly international workplace. Research limitations/implications The enquiry provides a snapshot of knowledge transfer regarding CCM skills based on a particular case, from the perspective of teachers and recruiters. While care was taken to respect the language and cultural norms, the interview guide captured only a narrow dimension of the subject area. The modest size of the sample does not allow any generalisations when interpreting the data. The findings should not be applied to other national contexts, disciplines or sectors. Practical implications The authors put forward actions for enhancing the implementation of an international education programme (IEP), emphasising the importance of co-creating with stakeholders. The distinguishing features of an IEP are identified and a framework for explaining the opportunities generated by such a programme is developed. Failing to address the “skills gap” may trigger long-term ramifications for both business and society. Social implications Academics and students claim to be dissatisfied with the current delivery of CCM skills. The identification of an education–job mismatch implies that CCM skills are not being effectively transmitted within higher education. This study sets out to identify and explain the current situation of CCM skills development in contemporary society. The genesis of this study stems from the topical debate surrounding reconceptualising higher education to reflect a more international-oriented approach. Originality/value Research into CCM is frequently undertaken from an Anglo-centric perspective, or sets out to compare an “Anglo” environment with a non-Anglo setting. Few CCM studies are set in the context of a contemporary Post-Soviet society.

Role of Leaders as Agents of Negotiation for Counterbalancing Cultural Dissonance in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Abstract This study provides a unique perspective in the field of cross-cultural management by exploring the relationship between “cultural dissonance”—the gap between cultural values and actual practice—and effective leadership attributes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Incorporating cultural dissonance into implicit leadership theory, the study uses measurements of dissonance on nine cultural dimensions to identify particular leadership preferences in seven MENA countries. The overall findings suggest that societies prefer leaders who counterbalance cultural dissonance by allowing space for negotiations by members of society to reduce disparities between cultural values—“the way things should be”—and actual practices—“the way things are.” The greater the disparity between cultural values and practices, the greater the citizens' desire that leaders act as agents of change by creating space for negotiation.

When the ‘well-oiled machine’ meets the ‘pyramid of people:’ Role perceptions and hybrid working practices of middle managers in a binational organization – ARTE

This article examines the middle management representations of organization and managerial roles within a specific bicultural organizational context. The argument explores the extant cross-cultural management literature and identifies two predominant positions: a functionalist-stable stance and a dynamically interpretive perspective of culture. Historically, both positions have contributed to understanding management roles and behaviours in different cross-cultural contexts; however, each also possesses limitations. In response, the argument elaborates a multi-paradigmatic model and framework that synergise elements of the respective approaches. An interpretive methodology using a distinctive qualitative case study of the Franco-German collaborative media venture ARTE is developed. The researchers conducted 31 interviews with French and German ARTE middle managers in order to determine their perceptions of middle-manager roles in this context. The article identified differences in managerial role perceptions and behaviours as well as hybrid working practices as a result of intercultural adaptation and learning in addition to implications, limitations and future directions in the study.

A comprehensive examination of antecedents of cultural intelligence amongst students

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the various antecedents that impact the development of cultural intelligence (CQ) among students. The study also explores how growing up as a third culture kid (TCK) or a monoculture kid (MCK) impacts the relationship between the antecedents and CQ.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from 307 students consisting of both TCKs and MCKs, the authors test the direct effects and moderation model amongst the antecedents and CQ. Convenience sampling was employed to choose the participants for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and administered to the students via e-mail.FindingsThe results indicated that short-term trips abroad, undertaking a cross-cultural management course, local culture proficiency, watching films from other cultures, language of work proficiency, having friends from other cultures and interaction with people from different nationalities had a significant effect on CQ.Practical implicationsThis study provides a list of variables that facilitate the development of intercultural competence amongst students, which can be used as a base by academic institutions to develop various courses, classroom activities and university programs. Also, classifying students as TCKs and MCKs helps us understand which CQ antecedents are more important for which category of students.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies on antecedents of CQ, which explores the impact of being a TCK or MCK on the development of students’ CQ.

How Cultural Divergence Influences Expatriate’s Performance in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the countries which welcome expatriates from all over the world to fill the need for skilled employees. This paper provides an overview of how cultural divergence influence expatriates performance in Malaysia. The main purpose of this study is to identify the important issues which directly or indirectly, positively or negatively influence expatriate’s performance in day to day work. This study reviewed 55 papers related to cultural divergence, employee performance, cultural intelligence, and human resource management practices in Malaysia. The finding highlights that expatriates experience cultural clashes between foreign and local values, which pose direct influences on expatriates’ performance. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in the cross-cultural management field as well as practical implications to expatriating firms. Finally, this research is beneficial and informative, especially for Malaysian researchers and managers in International Human Resource Management (IHRM) field.

Parallel between Global Migration and Cross-Cultural Management: Hybridization and Polarization

Continued increase in flow of global migration calls for a more in-depth scholarly understanding of the changing dynamics of migration and its contribution to managerial practices. A careful examin...

Cross-Cultural Management in a Globalizing Organizational World

The field of cross-cultural management (CCM) has produced a vast and ever-growing body of studies examining the relationship between culture and organizations. In so doing, however, it has mostly b...

Subduing Cultural Stereotype & Ethnocentrism In Business Organizations: A Soft Skills Stance

Business organizations are highly dependent on culture and communication that define the essence of their existence. Researches indicate that while some organizations have successfully placed themselves in the global market places, there are still others who have deteriorated because of weak communication or insufficient assimilation with other organizations of different cultures. Recent studies argued that the accomplishment of the global business depends on successful cross cultural communication. This paper studies the role of cross cultural communication and the barriers that obstruct cross cultural effectiveness in business. The paper especially focuses on the cultural stereotype and ethnocentrism as the most powerful barriers in cross cultural communication and proposes solutions towards the relevance of soft skills in overcoming the barriers and ensuring success in business in unprecedented ways and their development in cross cultural management.

Cross-cultural management studies and the Englishization of scholarly communication: A paradox

Cross-cultural management studies and the Englishization of scholarly communication: A paradox

Cross-cultural management research: Topics, paradigms, and methods—A journal-based longitudinal analysis between 2001 and 2018

Cross-cultural management (CCM) research comprises a variety of disciplines with different thematic, paradigmatic, and methodological assumptions. Since there has been no systematic analysis of the development of topics, paradigms, and methods, this article draws a landscape of these analyzing 777 articles published in two leading journals between 2001 and 2018. Results show that corporate culture, human resource management, and cultural dimensions are main topics in CCM and that positivist and quantitative papers outweigh interpretive and qualitative articles. We examine a convergence of the positivist and interpretive paradigm in 2016 and 2017, what might indicate a possible upcoming paradigmatic shift in CCM. However, positivist articles rise again since 2017. Using computer-aided tools, this study serves as a basis for future literature reviews.

The Hidden Dimension of Happy Cultural Cooperation

Cross-cultural management research usually postulates that mutual expectations must be clearly assessed and that it is necessary for people from different cultural areas to share a common vision in order to efficiently collaborate. This research examines the link between intercultural understanding and relational efficiency by studying a “happy” and successful Franco-Latino-American case. It challenges the above-mentioned postulate and reveals that relational efficiency relies upon compatible positive understandings of a same situation rather than upon similar understandings, hence the notion of productive misunderstandings.