For Your Success

In Module 9, we discuss the importance of culture and the importance of its role in leadership practices. You will study the works of Hofstede who did early research on how leaders in countries act differently based on their culture. In this module, Hofstede’s work is expanded to include the later research of the GLOBE project.

While understanding that stereotypes are general and may not hold for any single individual, understanding what is valued in leadership in different cultures is useful to those in our diverse global workforce.

In the Critical Thinking Assignment, you have the opportunity to show an understanding of global leadership behaviors and the uniqueness of different cultures. Assess how an organization/its leader can utilize the concepts of both GLOBE and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory in order to create and sustain not only a culturally diverse organization, but an effective organization as well.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyze inclusive leadership practices.
2. Evaluate the dimensions of culture in relation to leadership.
3. Analyze universal leadership principles.

Readings

Required: 

Chapter 12 in Leadership: Theory and Practice

Qi, L., Liu, B., Wei, X., & Hu, Y. (2019). Impact of inclusive leadership on employee innovative behavior: Perceived organizational support as a mediator. PLoS ONE, 14(2), 1-14. 

Thompson, H., & Matkin, G. (2020). The evolution of inclusive leadership studies: A literature review Journal of Leadership Education, 19(3), 15-31.

You have been selected to open two subsidiaries of organization XYZ. The headquarters of the organization is in the KSA. The organization is dedicated to the production of mobile devices. One of these new subsidiaries will be located in Mexico and the other one will be located in Denmark. 

As you can see in the image below, which is from Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory, there are differences and similarities among the countries. Leaders should attempt to understand these differences to create effective organizational strategies. Specifically, these cultural dimensions can help leaders determine business approaches, how to address negotiations, and can aid in creating strong management and leadership styles.

Source: Hofstede Insights. (2021). Country comparison.  https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/denmark,mexico,saudi-arabia/ 

In additional to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension Theory, the GLOBE research has identified six global leadership behaviors that are considered important in different cultures. These leadership behaviors are as follows:

• Charismatic/ Value-Based
• Team-Oriented
• Participative
• Humane-Oriented
• Autonomous
• Self-Protective

Now, thinking about the above information:

1. Based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, briefly describe the similarities and differences between the dimensions in Denmark, the KSA, and Mexico.
2. Analyze how the cultural dimensions of the three countries (i.e., Denmark, the KSA, and Mexico) impact leadership styles, leadership behaviors, and the decision-making process of leaders. What factors most greatly impact leadership qualities?
3. Explain which type of leadership behaviors, based on the GLOBE research, should be understood and how these leadership behaviors may impact the different cultures (Mexico and Denmark).
4. Explain why it is important for leaders to understand cultural differences before doing business in other countries.