Managing Across Culture

Managing Across Culture You are part of a team of management consultants, working for a large telecommunications organisation operating solely within the UK. The organisation is planning to expand internationally in the next two years. As management experts, you have been asked to ensure that the process of internationalisation runs as smoothly as possible. Your team of management consultants have identified the following issues that could potentially cause challenges within cross-cultural working, during the process of internationalisation: 1. Differences in cultural values 2. Culture shock and poor adjustment 3. Poor selection and development of potential expatriates (team members who will go to work abroad for extended periods) (Lec. 8) 4. A clash of work orientations and motivations (Lec. 9) The assignment asks you to do three things with respect to the scenario given: ¬ Choose ONE of the four challenges to cross cultural working. • PART ONE (1500 words) Construct a literature review of the key academic research relating to the topic you have chosen in order to provide your organisation with a detailed account of the issue and its relevance to cross cultural working. • PART TWO (1500 words) Provide THREE detailed recommendations as to how the organisation can minimise the likelihood of cross-cultural difficulties occurring. These recommendations should aim to help overcome the cross-cultural differences that may be anticipated and to provide detailed interventions which may be necessary in order to ensure a smooth and successful internationalisation process. GROUP DISCUSSION POINT (Example): PART ONE: Differences in Cultural Values Presume that you have chosen the above as your ‘challenge’ to cross-cultural working (out of the 4 choices available) • In your groups, think about the key theories & models, which relate to this topic. What relevance do these theories have in relation to the assignment scenario? (Refer to lecture 2: Exploring & Measuring Culture). • Brainstorm ideas on how the organisation can overcome these cross-cultural difficulties related to ‘Differences in Cultural Values’. The Importance of Theory within the Assignment: Shows engagement with the literature Seek journal articles – don’t just rely on core text Compare old with new Be aware of methodology/rationale/research frameworks Acknowledge differing argument The Importance of Practice within the Assignment: Use real life examples to illustrate your understanding Apply a management focus Use case study data/information from research What does this mean in reality? In answering the assignment question, it is essential that you use theory to inform practice (apply relevant theories and models to the assignment scenario) and critically evaluate these theories – what are the strengths and weaknesses, opposing arguments etc. You need to show an awareness and acknowledgement of their complexities. Book Huczynski, A. A. and Buchanan, D. A. (2007) Organizational behaviour: An introductory text. 6th ed., Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. Book chapter Gordon, R., Druckman, D., Rozelle, R. and Baxter, J. (2006) ‘Non-verbal behaviour as communication: Approaches, issues and research.’ In: O. Hargie. (Ed.) The handbook of communication skills. London: Routledge, pp. 73-119. Journal article Hass, M. (2006) ‘Knowledge Gathering, Team Capabilities, and Project Performance in Challenging Work Environments.’ Management Science, Vol. 52, no. 8, pp. 1170-1184. Internet source - author Kennedy, J. (2008) Contract Killer. 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(2006) Business culture and management science methodologies in England and France. Ph.D. Manchester Metropolitan University. Video Team building. (1989) Directed by J. Rees. [Videocassette] Boulder: CareerTrack Productions. DVD How a business works. (2004) [DVD] Kent: TV Choice. (When referencing a video or DVD and a director’s name has not been provided leave this field blank, as in the example above.) Report ECOTEC. (2003) Guidance on Mapping Social Enterprise: Final Report to the DTI Social Enterprise Unit. London: ECOTEC Research and Consulting Ltd. (C2453). Marking Criteria Evaluation of the concept of culture Awareness of topical issues/current thinking in the field of cross-cultural management Identification of relevant evidence of cultural norms & differences Critical evaluation of theories of culture Use of relevant models & theories to help explain the evidence collected Framing of recommendations supported by analysis of evidence & appropriate theories Clarity of Report/Presentation & Referencing