Cross-cultural communication imperatives

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 170-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Baba Abugre
Keyword(s):  
Business Environment ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Purpose Given the rising expansion of Western multinational companies (MNCs) to the African contexts, the development of expatriates and local employees has become increasingly important to the human resource management of these MNCs. This paper aims to provide critical lessons on cross-cultural communication competences for Western expatriates working in the sub-Saharan Africa business environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a qualitative phenomenology that makes use of lived experiences of senior expatriate staff working in Ghana in the form of direct interviews. Findings Results showed that cross-cultural communication competence is very important for Western expatriates’ functioning in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings also established a plethora of cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for Western expatriates’ successful adaptation and work outcomes in Africa. Practical implications This research argues that there is the need for the appreciations of the differing cultural patterns of expatriates and local staff, and this provides the underlying assumptions of intercultural and cross-cultural communication in global business. Originality/value A critical perspective of international business that has scarcely been studied offers lessons for Western expatriates working in sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of cross-cultural communication competence on expatriate business operations in multinational corporations of a Sub-Saharan African context

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
James B Abugre ◽  
Yaw A Debrah
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Corporations ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Communication Competence ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated the impact of cross-cultural communication competence (CCC) on expatriates’ work outcomes in emerging economies. Using a convergent parallel design methodology of data collection comprising an in-depth face-to-face interview with 21 expatriate executives, and a quantitative survey of 204 expatriates in various subsidiaries in Ghana, a structural equation modeling and a content analysis were the basis of data analysis. Findings suggest that host country culture is related to CCC. Additionally, expatriates’ CCC is influenced by multicultural team effectiveness and their interpersonal skills. The work recommends training of expatriates in cross-cultural communication for subsidiary assignments.

A profile of high-performing global virtual teams

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 169-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helge Lippert ◽  
Victor Dulewicz
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Team Performance ◽  
Virtual Team ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Communication Style ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication

PurposeThere is a paucity of research into high-performing virtual teams. This study aims to design and test a model of virtual team performance and to produce a profile of high-performing teams.Design/methodology/approachThe main constructs found to have influenced virtual team performance in business were trustworthiness, commitment, communication characteristics, cross-cultural communication style and structure effects. New or revised scales to measure these and a new performance measure, based on five performance criteria, were developed. A research model was designed and tested, and a profile of high-performance teams produced. The sample from a global telecoms company comprised 108 global virtual teams. Two senior managers rated performance independently.FindingsHierarchical regression results explained 75.7 per cent of the variance of performance. Analysis of variance revealed that model fit was highly statistically significant. Trustworthiness was identified as the predominant factor, explaining a majority of the dependent variable’s variance, while interpersonal communication, commitment and cross-cultural communication style were also identified as important. The 52 items differentiating high- and low-performing teams are reported and discussed.Originality/valueThe research model makes a contribution to team performance theory and understanding, especially the relative importance of constructs for explaining performance. The profile of high-performing teams adds greatly to our knowledge and provides valuable guidance for team management, selection and development.

Slow reform may hurt West African monetary bloc's rise

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Integration ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
West African ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Economic And Monetary Union ◽  
The West ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Income Status ◽  
Sub Saharan

Subject Prospects for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Significance Economic growth in WAEMU reached 6.1% in 2016, outperforming peer regional blocs including its closest rival, the East Africa Community (EAC), which (excluding South Sudan) grew by 5.8%. However, business environment reforms lag those of the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, which could dampen longer-term growth. Impacts Despite recent progress, growth rates need to increase above 7% for at least 20 years for the zone to reach middle-income status. The structural depreciation of Nigeria's naira could erode regional integration as importing within the zone becomes more expensive. Security fears in Ivory Coast could shift investors' focus to Senegal -- despite Yamoussoukro's recent eurobond success.

Apparel sourcing in Sub-Saharan Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-218
Author(s):  
Ruth Dede Adikorley ◽  
Kristin Thoney-Barletta ◽  
Jeff Joines ◽  
Lori Rothenberg
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Major Player ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
High Level

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine why Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not currently a major player in producing apparel for the US market and determine if SSA is likely to become one because of several opportunities that the region offers, including relatively low labor wages, an ample labor force and duty-free access to the USA through the 10-year renewal of AGOA. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were conducted with eight high-level executives in apparel sourcing and trade agencies to obtain their views on the opportunities and challenges of sourcing in SSA in relation to other major apparel sourcing regions. A descriptive analysis of the qualitative data was used to answer three research questions. Findings The findings reveal that SSA is a competitive region to source from, because of low labor wages and the duty-free benefits through AGOA. However, several challenges hinder a significant increase in sourcing from SSA. The executives recommended that for SSA to be a significant force in the global apparel market, vertical supply chains should be developed, where raw materials like fabric are sourced from within the country/region and SSA governments should become more involved in business environment improvements. Originality/value At present, there is limited academic literature on sourcing and supplier selection in Africa, particularly in textile and apparel sourcing in SSA. Based on interviews from high-level executives engaged in the sourcing decision-making process, this study reveals the benefits, challenges and opportunities for sourcing apparel from SSA countries.

scholarly journals PROBLEMATIC ISSUES OF CROSS-CULTURAL INTERACTION IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

2018 ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Irina Onyusheva ◽  
Etiopia Elisa Changjongpradit
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
International Business ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
International Management ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Cultural Interaction ◽  
Business World ◽  
Organization Management ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication

This paper discusses the expansion of cross-cultural communication in today’s business world along with the cultural structures from two main school of cross-cultural communication. The key aim was providing a clearer view on this problem so that to assist in dealing with cultural differences in work places and in business environment overall. The authors investigated the factors that cause issues in a multicultural workplace and how organization management should approach these matters along with why it is important to have such knowledge and promote cross-cultural communication. Detailed recommendations are also provided on how to minimize communication conflicts in the international business settings.

COMMUNICATION DIFFERENCES AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slagjana Stojanovska ◽  
◽  
Kristina Velichkovska ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Communication Styles ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Multicultural Teams ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Communication Differences

This paper aims to examine the challenges of cross-cultural communication in multicultural teams and the resolution of conflicts arising during that process of communication. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on individuals coming from various cultural backgrounds to determine how cultural differences affect the organizational communication styles, their perception of conflict situations and the choice of conflict resolution procedures. The study is underpinned by a literature review of cross-cultural communication and theories on culture, conflict resolution and multicultural team dynamics. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory will be used to define the cultural differences using four dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs collectivism, and masculinity vs femininity. The outcome of the study assesses the intercultural communication competence of employees in North Macedonia and gives recommendations on how to improve communication and avoid conflicts that plague multicultural teams.

Firm productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: how relevant is quality of tax administration?

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-90
Author(s):  
Kofi Kamasa ◽  
George Adu ◽  
Eric Fosu Oteng-Abayie
Keyword(s):  
Business Environment ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Tax Administration ◽  
Firm Productivity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find the effect of quality of tax administration on firm productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Also, the paper investigates whether the effect of quality of tax administration on firm productivity varies with respect to firms of different ages and sizes. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 6,718 firms across 40 countries in SSA. By employing the least square method, the estimations are robust since country and industry heterogeneity are controlled, as well as other covariates that affect firm productivity such as capital, technology, business environment, infrastructure and firm characteristics. Findings Results of the paper reveal that productivity of firms reduces with poor quality of tax administration. With positive and significant interaction term coefficient between smaller firms and quality of tax administration, the findings also reveal that smaller firms do benefit in the presence of poor quality of tax administration than larger firms. Originality/value The study contributes to policy by providing empirical evidence on the impact that quality of tax administration has on firm productivity. Empirically, the paper is also the first to assess the effect of tax administration quality on firm productivity with sole emphasis on SSA (to the best of the authors’ knowledge after review of literature). The paper suggests reforms and improvement in tax administration so as to reduce compliance burden and improve productivity.

scholarly journals Cross-Cultural Communication for Business in Era of Globalization

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Maurice Odine
Keyword(s):  
International Markets ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
International Terrorism ◽  
External Control ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
New Information ◽  
The International Monetary Fund

The paper addresses the foundation of cross-cultural communication and its relation to global business. Shina Neo (2015) states that, humans take for granted their communication with one another, stating, “In a multicultural organization, how employees communicate can set the tone.” Populations in North Africa and the Middle East believe in “external control” over destiny, meaning events are predetermined. In Japan, the productivity movement is based on respect for humanity, which is focused on cooperation. John-ren Chen and Christian Smekal (2004) argue that liberalizing international markets creates foreign capital and foreign investment. Concurring in support of global business are the European Union and African Union, Organization of American States and Caribbean Basin, plus the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Furthering cross-cultural communication and global business is new information technology. Meanwhile, the latter has dismantled territorial boundaries. Nilüfer Karacasulu (2007) in, “Security and Globalization in the Context of International Terrorism,” admits globalization is a challenge facing governments since the 1980s. Sougar, Grainger, and Hedges (1999) affirm culture is an interaction of values, attitudes and behaviors.

Students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-207
Author(s):  
Antonina Bauman
Keyword(s):  
New Technology ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Data Saturation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication and to compare findings with current trends in business. Design/methodology/approach – Structured interviews with seven open-ended questions were used to explore students’ perceptions of the use of technology in cross-cultural communication. Findings – Students learn how to use new technology in cross-cultural communication faster than businesses implement those technologies. Students tend to emphasize the use of video conferencing tools rather than e-mail. Research limitations/implications – Although data saturation has been reached, the sample size was relatively small. Students studying business participated in the study. Practical implications – The findings of this study suggest considering changes to the curriculum and embedding work-based learning into academic programs. Originality/value – This paper compares students’ perceptions with business expectations, revealing the areas in the content of the business communication classes that need to be changed.

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