Cross Cultural Management

Session 1
Divya Choudhary Faculty Associate IILM-AHL

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Concept Of Culture

Elements & Characteristics of Culture

Cultural Variables The Role of Culture Dimensions of Culture Effect of Culture on Behaviour Theories of culture Book Dipak Bhattacharya

Culture

...that complex whole that includes beliefs, knowledge, art, morals, law, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a man as a member of society... E.B. Tyler 1920

What is Culture?
Pervasive and shared beliefs, norms and values that

guide the everyday life of a group.

Basic Assumptions of a group Beliefs: Tells us what is true Norms: Affects behaviour, what to do and not to do Values: Tells us what is good, beautiful, holy,

reasonable goal.

What Forms Culture

Communication Cultivated Behaviour Learned and accumulated experience Explicit and Implicit Pattern Values Norms Artefacts Collective programming of mind

Why Study culture

Globalization

Manage diverse workforce

Cross-border customer and suppliers Customization of product & services

Role of Culture in Organizations Context

Focus on human side of organization Facilitates in creation of appropriate systems ,

norms and standards Provide shared meaning to help people to work together to achieve desired goals. Guides leaders to attach meaning to the behaviour of people in the organization. Guide organizations to determine its relationship with the environment. Shape the attitude of people Gives and individual a unique identity.

Culture and Its Effect on Organization - A story ....

Once upon a time there was a

great flood, and involved in this flood were two creatures, a monkey and a fish. The monkey, being agile and experienced, was lucky enough to scramble up a tree and escape the raging waters. As he looked down from his safe perch, he saw the poor fish struggling against the swift current. With the best of intentions, he reached down and lifted the fish from the water. The

Variables of Culture

Characteristics of Culture
Learned behaviour Shared Behaviour Based on tradition and customs Seen as means by which humans physically survive Adaptive

Subject to change
Related to many things Socially constructed realities Has a pattern of basic assumptions Best understood in relation to groups Relative in nature

Rousseaus Ring
Outer Rings are the visible signs of culture
Fundamental Assumptions (beliefs) Values

Behavioural Norms Pattern of Behaviour Artefacts

Inner ring are the hidden feelings of the culture

Layers of Culture

How Can Mangers Mould Culture In Organization?

Reflection of unforseen realities Rituals and customs

Reflection and practices

Why do we Need to Mould the Culture?

Stabilize organization Create a common identity Promote Collectivism Ensure Organization control Separate from other organization

Dimension of Culture
Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance Individualism Achievement Orientation Long term v/s Short term

Culture & Behaviour

Organization Create Culture
Culture

Culture reinforce attitude

Attitude

Attitude influence their behaviour pattern

Behaviour

Stable Culture
Define Rules Teach Rules Ensure Uniformity Develop Sense of Responsibility Develop Sense of Acknowledgement

Be Logical (Backed by intellectual reasoning)

Born out of ones environment Evoke voluntary response

How does culture affect systems?

Administrative systems Rules, norms & social

standards
Economic Systems Value addition activities
Technological Systems recreation and life

enhancement activities
Wealth Systems Saving habit & industrious

efforts

Theories of Culture
Culture Determination

Proper culture inputs can positively program the behaviour of people.

Culture Relativism

Culture is relative and hence, people of different culture feel, think and act differently. No culture is superior or inferior.
Culture Ethnocentrism

Ones own culture is superior.