The American Manager: Neither Ugly Nor Sore; Crosscultural Differences as Explanations
Department
Management and Entrepreneurship
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2006
Abstract
The underlying cultural values and assumptions provide a framework for interpreting events and formulating managerial responses. These assumptions and values prescribe the way individuals perceive, think about, and evaluate the world, themselves, and others. Many concepts that influence work behaviors and work environments are rooted in cultural values and norms. The meanings attached to and the application of these concepts, vary from one culture to another. Such differences have a profound influence on managerial behavior. This paper examines how these cultural differences may sometimes affect mutual perceptions of American managers by their counterparts from other cultural milieus. It also explains American managers' missteps when facing different cultural situations. The managerial implications of these differences are presented in this paper.