Leadership and Convergence

¿How does organizational leaders should behave in cross cultural environments?

Cross cultural environments offers a new kind of challenge not only to organizational leaders but also to everyone involved in the working environment. We can study four dimensions in which cultures differ on the workplace; these are:

•       Directness: Get to the point versus implying the messages.
•       Hierarchy: Follow orders versus engage in debate.
•       Consensus: Dissent is accepted versus unanimity is needed.
•       Individualism: Individual winners versus team effectiveness.

One of the most important subjects to understand is how culture affects the communication process. We can see the challenges in many ways, from speaking another language to having differences in how we might express our concerns.

In order to achieve proper communication on the workplace it is very important for all the parties involved to understand and appreciate what it takes to work with (and in) different cultures. Some people might show empathy easily to the needs and wants of others while some may struggle to see their point of view

http://www.nynj-phtc.org/images/top10-400-white.jpg

In any of the cases it is an obligation for an organizational leader to motivate its peers by showing them the positive aspects of understanding another culture. Cultural diversity is known to boost creativity, productiveness and helps the expanding of business’s opportunities.  He must show effort to integrate different approaches used by the people in their cultural backgrounds in order to create a mixed, rich and respectful environment. To focus on what brings workers together rather than what tears them apart, to be as open minded as it can be, have everyone in consideration, reintegrate the different points of view and then take the smartest decision. 

Sources

• http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/cross-cultural-communication-work.html
• http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/cross-cultural_differences.html
• http://www.imd.org/research/challenges/TC082-08.cfm