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Cultural and Organisational Diversity Evaluation (CODE): A tool for improving global transactions

Kerstin Siakas (Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece)
Dimitrios Siakas (Citec, Vaasa, Finland)

Strategic Outsourcing: An International Journal

ISSN: 1753-8297

Article publication date: 15 June 2015

1376

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the Cultural and Organisational Diversity Evaluation (CODE) model and its subsequent electronic tool, aiming to assess the cultural fit of global partners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a longitudinal study for gaining profound insights into cultural differences and for increasing understanding of human dynamics influencing the success of global relationships. A multi-method including overlapping qualitative and quantitative research methodology was used comprising interviews, observations and questionnaires.

Findings

Incorporating cultural knowledge and understanding of the specific context of the partners in global transactions was found to bring added value to global partners. The results of the pilot studies suggest that increased appreciation and awareness of cultural diversity in global transactions are important factors for achieving harmonised distributed collaboration. Such awareness, also called cultural intelligence, can be reached by using a customised assessment tool that evaluates the particularities of the partners.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual CODE model has so far only been piloted in a few cases in a longitudinal study and is not a commercial tool.

Practical implications

Raising awareness of cultural concerns is important for organisations that are involved in global transactions to improve communication, mutual understanding and effectivity. The CODE assesses the cultural fit of partners in a global context.

Social implications

Organisations involved in global transactions would benefit from understanding the culture of partners for improved effectiveness.

Originality/value

The CODE model, an instrument for assessing the fit between organisational and national culture, is a novel model developed by the authors.

Keywords

Citation

Siakas, K. and Siakas, D. (2015), "Cultural and Organisational Diversity Evaluation (CODE): A tool for improving global transactions", Strategic Outsourcing: An International Journal, Vol. 8 No. 2/3, pp. 206-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/SO-04-2015-0012

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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