The Impact of Culture on Management National Culture is a factor that determines organizational structure.

Definitions of: Culture- collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another, includes systems of values -influences behavior in uniform & unpredictable ways -inherited not genetic Management- process of practicing techniques within an environment

Why managers should be prepared for impact? Increase in cultural diversity within countries, i.e. USA, Great Britain, Brazil, etc. Globalization, i.e. growth of multi-national organizations increases diversity in the workplace

Factors that can affect managerial style: Political & legal system Climate & geography Religious & social history Gender & Age differences Work & time ethics Technology Past & Present Int’l Relations

Hofstede’s 4 dimensions that affect work behavior

Power Distance shows how culture adapts to inequalities amongst members Low Independence Cooperation & Interdependence emphasized on all levels High Conformity Manager as decision maker Lack of cooperation amongst subordinates

Uncertainty avoidance is how a culture measures ambiguity Low Anxiety prone Live to work High Status quo Work to live

Individualism vs. Collectivism Individual achievements/rights Competition No emotional connections Group harmony Egalitarian Loyalty over efficiency

Masculinity vs. Femininity Sharp distinction & allocation between the sexes Achievement= wealth +recognition Competition expected Equal access to jobs for both sexes Achievement via human contacts Group cohesion valued

For a positive cultural impact on management: Knowledge to help meet objectives Avoid judging

Bibbiography Mead, Richard. International Management: Cross- Cultural Dimensions. Oxford, Blackwell Publishers, Rees, W. David and Christine Porter. Skills of Management, Fifth Edition. Australia, Thomson Learning, 2001.