18th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
Cross-Cultural Differences in Leadership
Stephanie D. Le
Dr. James A. Padfield, Faculty Mentor
Cross-cultural differences are an inevitable experience for any leader working in an international setting. The anthropologist Clifford Geertz defines culture as a "historically transmitted pattern of meanings embodied in symbols, by means of which men can communicate, perpetuate and develop their own knowledge about and attitudes towards life." Each culture's hierarchy of values varies, and these differences in priorities dominate a leader's roles and decisions. A leader must understand the social customs, culture and logic in order to keep their credibility and their power. My focus is upon five areas of potential cultural contrast between American and Southeast Asian culture in a leadership setting. These five areas are: negotiation and meeting procedures, core beliefs as motivators, concept of time, family systems, and respect for authority.
Keywords: Cross-Cultural, Leadership, Asian Culture, International
Topic(s):Interdisciplinary
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 19-4
Location: OP 2111
Time: 10:30