Leading intercultural teams

 

 

Leading intercultural project teams in an international corporation is commonplace in today’s business environment. In practice, management must focus not only on their core competence, but also on fostering intercultural understanding. Only managers who have acquired those skills and know how to utilize them can complete projects more successfully and more efficiently.

 

The dimensions of national culture

In his research, Professor Geert Hofstede, a Dutch expert in cultural science, found out that cultural groups have a big influence on the behavior of companies, especially on its organization and leadership. He identified six dimensions that characterize each culture:

 

• Power Distance Index – PDI
• Individualism versus Collectivism - IDV
• Masculinity versus Femininity - MAS
• Uncertainty Avoidance Index – UAI
• Long-Term Orientation versus Short Term Normative Orientation – LTO 
• Indulgence versus Restraint - IVR
  
  

Individualism vs. Collectivism

 

Using the example of two dimensions I would like to explain how differing cultures might have an impact on the teamwork. In cultures with distinctive individualism, such as the West or Eastern Europe, interest in each individual is a top priority. Self-determination and autonomy are essential. In cultures where collectivism predominates, interest in the groups’ well-being is vital and values such as loyalty and integration define the actions.   

 

Actions	Characteristics of Individualism	Characteristics of Collectivism
Communication	Direct, open	Indirect, symbolic
Conflicts	Immediate confrontation between the parties involved	Harmony is more important; a mediator is consulted
Thematization of mistakes	Pragmatic approach: the understanding of fault and justice prevails u	Relational approach: Shame and honour define the steps that follow
Management / Leadership	Mainly cooperative partnership	Mainly authoritarian and paternalistic

 

If you observe the actions of foreign cultures through the lens of our own culture, they seem strange or even wrong. Hence, it is of great importance that the manager finds a way to unite the different aspects of intercultural project teams. I will gladly assist you in achieving this!