Role of Culture

Understanding the Role of Culture

Question

1. What is the first step toward an international manager developing cultural sensitivity?

I begin by defining what culture is according to Wallendorf and Reilly, “culture is a set of socially acquired behaviour patterns transmitted symbolically through language and other means to members of a particular society”. Culture has also been defined as a personality of a given society.

The first step that a manager aspiring into international management is to develop and acquire specific understanding of the local culture of the country he/she intends to work as an International manager. This can involve knowing the ethnic groupings of a given country and their relevant political links. The likely manager needs to be aware and develop an honest care about the host country’s culture. This surely comes with the ability and the willingness to understand the perspective of others living in societies which are different from our own and by putting himself or herself in the shoes of that particular culture.

2. Is it ever sensible for an international manager to be ethnocentric? Why?

“Ethnocentric describes the attitude of those who operate from the assumption that their ways of doing things are best-no matter where or under what conditions they are applied” (Deresky, 2006, p. 87).

Ethnocentric has its own advantages disadvantages depending on the situations where and when it is used. I can point out the some advantages which I think are worthwhile in being ethnocentric. In situations where the MNC feels it doesn’t have the necessary or the much needed employees in carrying out the duties of key positions in the host country it is imperative that the company employs managers from the headquarters of the parent country in those key positions. Since these managers/employees are familiar with the company’s operations, products, technology, procedures and policies they are able to help the company get established...