Geert Hofstede was a Dutch social psychologist and anthropologist conducted research and study of cultures of nations and organizations. He said these cultures are learned, influence behavior within their group, and are persistent. He gathered data over a period of decades from over 17,000 middle managers from over 900 companies in more than 60 countries. These managers were from three industries: Banking, food processing, and telecommunications. This was a great reference work, and by studying these results, he displayed how the world looks at things differently from one culture to the next.
Hofstede's definition of culture was "the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another." The culture influences leadership and behaviour and by studying these influences, it can provide an insight in the management of business. In a global economy where it is often necessary for business survival to mesh cultures and values, it is prudent to study these findings.
Some things to consider include culture shock, stereotyping, and ethnocentrism. These are activities and beliefs that can severely damaging to society or organization and to the individuals involved. Management must also consider language and humour differences resulting from various cultures. When people of two different cultures meet, the implications should be considered.
Leadership qualities will vary, so conducting business in another country will require something other than universal management theory in order to obtain understanding and productivity. This theory provides diversity. Since the study's release, it is been introduced and embraced by many business schools. It has taught students and workers how to be more culturally sensitive. Despite the fact that prejudice has decreased in occurrences in most countries, it is still a very real threat. Becoming educated and educating others are good ways to combat prejudices that people may hold.
Hofstede's definition of culture was "the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another." The culture influences leadership and behaviour and by studying these influences, it can provide an insight in the management of business. In a global economy where it is often necessary for business survival to mesh cultures and values, it is prudent to study these findings.
Some things to consider include culture shock, stereotyping, and ethnocentrism. These are activities and beliefs that can severely damaging to society or organization and to the individuals involved. Management must also consider language and humour differences resulting from various cultures. When people of two different cultures meet, the implications should be considered.
Leadership qualities will vary, so conducting business in another country will require something other than universal management theory in order to obtain understanding and productivity. This theory provides diversity. Since the study's release, it is been introduced and embraced by many business schools. It has taught students and workers how to be more culturally sensitive. Despite the fact that prejudice has decreased in occurrences in most countries, it is still a very real threat. Becoming educated and educating others are good ways to combat prejudices that people may hold.
