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AIBS MBAIB 2nd Sem

Cross Cultural Management

Modalities of Cross-Cultural Dimensions

By KP Kanchana

- Kluckholm and Strodbeck (Cultural


Orientation) - Hall (Cultural Context) - Hofstede (and the Workplace) - Trompenaars (Consultatns Contribution)

Think Globally. Act Locally.


~ Derek Torrington, 1994

Cross-cultural Management Skills

understand the nature of culture and how it influences behaviour in the workplace
learn about specific cultures the others and your own recognize the differences between cultures Implementation of structures

Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck on Cultural Orientations

Kluckhohn, F. R. and Strodtbeck, F. L. 1961. Variations in Value Orientations, Peterson, New York.

Cultural Orientations
Orientations 1. What is the nature of people? Range of Variations Good (changeable/unchangeable) Evil A mixture of good and evil

2.

What is the persons relationship to nature?

3.

What is the persons relationship to other people?

Dominant In harmony Subjugation


Lineal (hierarchical) Collateral (collectivist) Individualist

Cultural Orientations
Orientations 4. What is the modality of human activity? Range of Variations Doing Being Containing Future Present Past Private Public Mixed

5. What is the temporal focus of human activity?

6. What is the conception of space?

Relation to Nature

Subjugation Accept nature; dont try to change it Harmony Coexist with nature (feng shui) Mastery Change nature through technology when necessary or desirable

Time Orientation

Past Emphasizes tradition Present Focuses on short-term Future Emphasizes long-term

Basic Human Nature

Good

People trust each other


Mixed-Neutral Generally trusting but need to be cautious and protect self Evil Lack of trust

Activity Orientation

Doing

Emphasis on action, achievement, learning


Containing/Controlling Emphasis on rationality and logic Being Emphasis on enjoying life and working for the moment

Relationships among People

Individualistic People define themselves through personal characteristics and achievement Group-oriented People relate to and take responsibility for members of the family, network, or community Hierarchical People value group relationships but also within the society emphasize relative ranking of groups

Space Orientation

Public

Space belongs to all


Mixed There is a combination of public and private space Private People consider it important to have their own space

Critique of the Kluckhohn-Strodtbeck Model


Weaknesses the authors were not centrally concerned with management studies and did not describe the implications for management the orientations and variations are not precisely defined

interpretations are bound to be subjective

Strengths
cultures can be compared along distinct dimensions comparative models apply to cross-cultural management analysis of predominant variations within the national culture does not accurately predict: - the values of sub-cultural minorities; the values practiced in different industries and organizations and the values practiced in exceptional cases.

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