The Importance of Cross-Cultural Studies for Managers
Monash University English Language Center
English Language Bridging Program Diploma 2
Research Essay
“Evaluate The Importance of Cross-Cultural Studies for Managers”
Student : Galih Ardisatria Student ID : 23006773 Teachers : Jonathan Steven Date of submission : 27 September 2010 Word Count : 1394
In the twenty-first century, globalization encourages people to do business across countries and this leads to global markets, which remove boundaries for people to do business. This means that people from different cultural backgrounds across the world now work together. People now also have more opportunities to work in international teams. Therefore, companies have to deal with members of national cultures, including their employees, customers, and business partners. Today’s managers are facing modern management demands as their work become increasingly more challenging (Walker, Walker & Schmitz 2003). In this case, it creates major awareness on the need of cross-cultural studies as an essential skill for managers. What are cross-cultural studies? Brislin (1976) defines them as ‘Empirical investigations, which compare groups who have had different experiences that have led to predictable and significant differences in behavior.’ On the other hand, Hofstede (1984, as cited in Dwyer, 2002) argues that culture is “the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another”. By these definitions, I understand that culture is learned and shared by groups of people, and it makes values and standards of behaviors, which bring people together. Culture influences people minds and behaviors. As Usunier (1998) states, ‘Culture can be considered as behavioral patterns.’ These social beliefs are different from
English Language Bridging Program Diploma 2
Research Essay
“Evaluate The Importance of Cross-Cultural Studies for Managers”
Student : Galih Ardisatria Student ID : 23006773 Teachers : Jonathan Steven Date of submission : 27 September 2010 Word Count : 1394
In the twenty-first century, globalization encourages people to do business across countries and this leads to global markets, which remove boundaries for people to do business. This means that people from different cultural backgrounds across the world now work together. People now also have more opportunities to work in international teams. Therefore, companies have to deal with members of national cultures, including their employees, customers, and business partners. Today’s managers are facing modern management demands as their work become increasingly more challenging (Walker, Walker & Schmitz 2003). In this case, it creates major awareness on the need of cross-cultural studies as an essential skill for managers. What are cross-cultural studies? Brislin (1976) defines them as ‘Empirical investigations, which compare groups who have had different experiences that have led to predictable and significant differences in behavior.’ On the other hand, Hofstede (1984, as cited in Dwyer, 2002) argues that culture is “the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another”. By these definitions, I understand that culture is learned and shared by groups of people, and it makes values and standards of behaviors, which bring people together. Culture influences people minds and behaviors. As Usunier (1998) states, ‘Culture can be considered as behavioral patterns.’ These social beliefs are different from
References: Brislin, Richard W. (2010, September 4). Comparative research methodology: Cross-cultural studies. International journal of psychology, 11(3), 215-229. Retrieved from http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a782384326 Dwyer, J Hendon, Donald W., Hendon, Rebecca A. & Herbig, P. (1996). Cross-cultural business negotiations. USA : Green Wood Publishing Group. International Trade administration, Japan export information center. (1994). Destination Japan: A business guide for the 90’s. (2nd ed). Springfield: NTIS Kivik, P Kushal, Sri J. (2009). Business communication. New Delhi: VK Enterprises. Lewis, Richard D. (1999). When cultures collide: Managing successfully across cultures. Finland: WS Bookwell. Marx, E. (2001). Breaking through culture shock: what you need to succeed in international business. Finland: Nicholas Prealey Publishing. Mead, R (2005). International management: Cross-cultural dimensions. (3rd ed). UK: Blackwell Publishing. Steers, Richard M., Shancez-Runde, Carlos J. & Nardon, L. (2010). Management across cultures: Challenges and strategies. USA: Cambridge University Press. Usunier, J. (1998). International & cross-cultural management research. London: Sage Publication. Walker, D., Walker, T. & Schmitz, J. (2003). Doing business internationally.(2nd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill