A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration. School of Management

Research Studies Project Report (M.BA.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2004

The objective of this research is to define what are the main ways in which cultures differ and how do these ways impact specific managerial behaviours, and especially leadership style. Awareness of cultural similarities and differences is becoming increasingly impo11ant to the successful international manager. Similarities and differences in culture and the way of life in other countries necessitate that managers develop international expertise to manage on a contingency management basis according to the host count1y environment. Managers can benefit greatly from understanding the nature, dimensions, and variables of a specific culture and how these affect work and organizational processes. This cultural awareness enables them to develop appropriate policies and determine how to plan, organize, staff, lead, and control in a specific international setting. Such a process of adaptation to the environment is necessa1y to implement strategy successfully. It also leads to effective interaction in a workforce of increasing cultural diversity. Consequently two critical skills for working with and managing people and processes in other countries are cultural savvy and cultural sensitivity.