Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal

Attitudinal outcomes of boundary permeability: A comparison of Australian and Singaporean employees : Table of Contents

Dr. Jennifer (Min Ing) Loh, Dr. Simon Lloyd Restubog, Prof. Cindy Gallois — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - In this paper, we examined the moderating role of culture in the relationship between boundary permeability and cooperation and work group identification. In addition, we compared the levels of boundary permeability of Australians and Singaporeans. Design/methodology/approach - Survey questionnaires were administered to 134 employees (87 Singaporeans and 47 Australians) working in multinational corporations in both Australia and Singapore. Hierarchical moderated regression was used to test whether culture moderated the relationship between boundary permeability and cooperation and workgroup identification. Findings - Results indicated that workplace boundary permeability was marginally and positively related to cooperation but not to workgroup identification. Further analysis revealed that culture moderated the relationships between workplace boundary permeability and cooperation and workgroup identification. Specifically, we found a stronger positive relationship between boundary permeability and these outcomes for Singaporeans as opposed to Australians. Research limitations/implications - Limitations include the relatively small sample size of both cultural groups; the behavioral measure we have used to assess cooperation; and the self-reported nature of the data. Practical implications - The findings of this study have important practical implications for managers working in multinational corporations who seek to promote cooperation and workgroup identification among culturally diverse employees. Originality/value - Guided by social identity and cross-cultural theories, this study highlights the role of culture in predicting the attitudinal consequences of boundary permeability.

Lay theory explanations of occupational stress: the Malaysian context : Table of Contents

Mr. Mohd Awang Idris, Prof. Maureen F Dollard, Prof. Anthony H. Winefield — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes and consequences of job stress in Malaysia. We compare results with those of Kinman and Jone’s (2005) U.K. study as a basis for comparison between Western and Eastern perspectives. Design/methodology/approach - We used a grounded theory approach to develop a lay representation of Malay people’s descriptions of their experiences at work, including job stress. Interviews were conducted with 48 employees in Malaysia, using six semi-structured interview questions adopted from Kinman and Jones’ (2005) translated into the Malay language, as a guide. Findings - Although most respondents perceived that individual factors play an important role in work stress, organizational factors seemed to be the dominant factor identified that contributes to work stress. Respondents also perceived the individual as key to stress reduction rather than management interventions. A new concept emerged in this study that was related to external factors impinging on work (such as globalization).Research limitations/implications - Practical implications - Organizations should formulate strategies to prevent job stress among employees. They must also be alert to the impact of external factors that are now common in the Malay workplace. Originality/value - Research of job stress in employees in Eastern cultures is rare. The study provides in-depth preliminary research which will lead to further investigations of job stress in Eastern workplace settings.

Unlocking the mindsets of Government Affairs Managers: Culture's consequences on corporate political activity : Table of Contents

Dr. Andrew Barron — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - The objective of this paper is to explore the cultural dimensions of corporate political activity (CPA). Design/methodology/approach - The study uses a qualitative research design. Data collected from interviews conducted with the Brussels-based European Affairs Managers of French and British firms are analysed to examine the impact of national culture on their objectives and preferred political strategies.Findings - The findings suggest possible relationships between Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and the different components of corporate political action: uncertainty avoidance can help explain managers’ objectives when becoming politically active; the long-term versus short-term dimension can account for their general approaches to political activity; their level of participation in the political process can be explained by the individualism versus collectivism dimension; and their choices of specific lobbying tactics and techniques can be explained in terms of power distance. Research limitations/implications - Existing research into firms’ political strategies has relied on generic, universal theories that seek to confirm the uniformity of corporate political activity as it is conducted in the American context. By adopting a more culturally-grounded theoretical perspective, this research suggests that existing theoretical accounts of CPA provide an incomplete picture of firms’ motivations for engaging in political activity, and the reasons behind their choice of political strategies. Practical implications - As the number of laws formulated on the European and global stage increases, knowing that corporate political strategies are in part culturally-grounded can help Government Affairs Directors to anticipate, respond to and act on the strategies pursued by rival firms socialised in other national cultures. Originality/value - Whilst previous mainstream research into CPA is informed largely by theories that espouse universalistic rationales, the primary contribution of the paper is to introduce national culture as a factor that can explain cross-country differences in the types and processes of firms’ political activities.

Interpretive Schemes in Cross-National Alliances: Managing Conflicts and Discrepancies : Table of Contents

Dr. T.K. Das, Prof. Rajesh Kumar — Mon Mar 15 02:05:42 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose - To propose a framework for understanding how alliance partners interpret alliance functioning and how these interpretations shape their subsequent behaviors. Also, to discuss how interpretive schemes in cross-national strategic alliances impact upon the management of the problems arising from the cultural conflicts and discrepancies inherent in such alliances.Design/methodology/approach - We proceed from the notion that interpretive schemes have important implications for the evolution of cross-national alliances. We describe the two fundamental interpretive schemes that relate to sensemaking, that of sensemaking of and in chaos, and examine how an appreciation of these interpretive schemes enable us to better manage cultural conflicts and discrepancies that inevitably arise in cross-national alliances.Findings - The framework makes clear that the two types of interpretive schemes ? "sensemaking of chaos" and "sensemaking in chaos" ? need to be appreciated as interpretive frames that are present among the alliance managers to effectively interact and influence partner firms.Practical implications - Briefly, the two types of the interpretive schemes call for different strategies for developing them. Alliance partners embedded in different national cultures rely on interpretive schemes to make sense of the conflicts and discrepancies that emerge in cross-national alliances.Originality/value - The article responds to the need of managers with alliance responsibilities for a framework to help identify and exploit the most effective ways of managing interpretive schemes in alliances for productive interactions and performance.