Cross-cultural Management - Revision history

Tkokotas at 17:37, 16 November 2018

2018-11-16T17:37:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 16 November 2018
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			''Developed by Argyro Soumpourlou''


	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

S170073: /* Project Human Resources Management */

2018-02-28T22:13:03Z

Project Human Resources Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:13, 28 February 2018
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	\|15 min		\|15 min
	\|Write down members of animal families (grandpa dog, grandma dog, father dog, etc.) on pieces of paper. The number of papers should be the same as the number of people playing. You should have more than one families, for example cat, cow, chicken.		\|Write down members of animal families (grandpa dog, grandma dog, father dog, etc.) on pieces of paper. The number of papers should be the same as the number of people playing. You should have more than one families, for example cat, cow, chicken.
	\|"Each person selects a piece of paper, without knowing what is written it. They can read it when everyone has selected a paper.		\|<<Each person selects a piece of paper, without knowing what is written it. They can read it when everyone has selected a paper.

	The game starts and each player has to find their family as quickly as possible, without talking. They are allowed to imitate the sound and movement of their animal.		The game starts and each player has to find their family as quickly as possible, without talking. They are allowed to imitate the sound and movement of their animal.
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	When the family has found all each other, they have to find a way to understand who is older (still without talking): grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, older son, and daughter and stay in the line in the correct order. The first family standing in the right order wins.		When the family has found all each other, they have to find a way to understand who is older (still without talking): grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, older son, and daughter and stay in the line in the correct order. The first family standing in the right order wins.

	Main debriefing message: Don’t make quick conclusions if people from different cultures have different ways of expressing their ideas and themselves. Animal sounds for the same animal are different in each culture, for example a dog’s sound is gav in Russian, meong in Korean, wong in Cantonese, and woof in English."<ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>		Main debriefing message: Don’t make quick conclusions if people from different cultures have different ways of expressing their ideas and themselves. Animal sounds for the same animal are different in each culture, for example a dog’s sound is gav in Russian, meong in Korean, wong in Cantonese, and woof in English.>><ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''Communication Exercise: “Associations” '''		\|'''Communication Exercise: “Associations” '''
	\|15-20 min		\|15-20 min
	\|Pen and paper		\|Pen and paper
	\|Facilitator asks the audience the following questions and they record the very first images associated with it, whatever comes to mind:		\|<<Facilitator asks the audience the following questions and they record the very first images associated with it, whatever comes to mind:

	#If a team is a building, it is …		#If a team is a building, it is …
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	#If a team is the name of a movie, it is…		#If a team is the name of a movie, it is…
	#If a team is a mood, it is…		#If a team is a mood, it is…
	"Facilitator then carries out a survey to gauge reaction to recorded answers. The result of the exercise is to find out and share which answers the participants found interesting and surprising. It reveals the differences in thinking and cultural background, promoting better communication in their future work together."<ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>		Facilitator then carries out a survey to gauge reaction to recorded answers. The result of the exercise is to find out and share which answers the participants found interesting and surprising. It reveals the differences in thinking and cultural background, promoting better communication in their future work together.>><ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>
	\|}		\|}

S170073: /* Project Human Resources Management */

2018-02-28T22:11:48Z

Project Human Resources Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 28 February 2018
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	\|'''Warm Up Game: “Animal Family”'''		\|'''Warm Up Game: “Animal Family”'''
	\|15 min		\|15 min
	\|Write down members of animal families (grandpa dog, grandma dog, father dog, etc.) on pieces of paper. ~~Depending on~~ the number of ~~players, families could be 3-10~~ people. You ~~can~~ have cat~~, chicken~~, cow, ~~crab families etc~~.		\|Write down members of animal families (grandpa dog, grandma dog, father dog, etc.) on pieces of paper. The number of papers should be the same as the number of people playing. You should have more than one families, for example cat, cow, chicken.
	\|Each person ~~takes~~ a piece of paper, without ~~reading~~ it. ~~Only after all participants have their paper~~ can ~~they~~ read ~~them~~.		\|"Each person selects a piece of paper, without knowing what is written it. They can read it when everyone has selected a paper.

	~~After being given the go-ahead by the facilitator,~~ each player has to find their family as quickly as possible, without talking. They ~~do this by imitating~~ the sound and movement of ~~the~~ animal ~~written on their paper~~.		The game starts and each player has to find their family as quickly as possible, without talking. They are allowed to imitate the sound and movement of their animal.

	When the family has found all ~~their “relatives”~~, they have to find a way to ~~line up in the correct order~~ (still without talking) ~~based on seniority~~: grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, son, and daughter. The first family standing in the right order wins.		When the family has found all each other, they have to find a way to understand who is older (still without talking): grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, older son, and daughter and stay in the line in the correct order. The first family standing in the right order wins.

	Main debriefing message: Don’t make quick conclusions if people from different cultures have different ways of expressing their ideas and themselves. Animal sounds for the same animal are different in each culture, for example a dog’s sound is gav in Russian, meong in Korean, wong in Cantonese, and woof in English.		Main debriefing message: Don’t make quick conclusions if people from different cultures have different ways of expressing their ideas and themselves. Animal sounds for the same animal are different in each culture, for example a dog’s sound is gav in Russian, meong in Korean, wong in Cantonese, and woof in English."<ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>
	\|-		\|-
	\|'''Communication Exercise: “Associations” '''		\|'''Communication Exercise: “Associations” '''
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	#If a team is the name of a movie, it is…		#If a team is the name of a movie, it is…
	#If a team is a mood, it is…		#If a team is a mood, it is…
	Facilitator then carries out a survey to gauge reaction to recorded answers. The result of the exercise is to find out and share which answers the participants found interesting and surprising. It reveals the differences in thinking and cultural background, promoting better communication in their future work together.		"Facilitator then carries out a survey to gauge reaction to recorded answers. The result of the exercise is to find out and share which answers the participants found interesting and surprising. It reveals the differences in thinking and cultural background, promoting better communication in their future work together."<ref>http://www.ventureteambuilding.co.uk/two-quick-games-cross-cultural-team-building/</ref>
	\|}		\|}

S170073: /* Project Stakeholders Management */

2018-02-28T18:48:18Z

Project Stakeholders Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:48, 28 February 2018
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	Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.		Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.

	Several studies have been conducted regarding the basic reasons that cultural differences occur problems in the project stakeholder management and some conclusions were extracted. The main impact factors are the lack of cultural knowledge sharing, which means people that do not share their feedback regarding cultural interactions within an organization. Another important factor is people that do not have experience in cooperating with different cultures. Lastly, uncomformity between western project management theories and other cultures' approach, also leads to issues. Consequently, it is important to gain experience from cases in order to develop a theory concerning cross-cultural management.<ref>Lückmann P. (2015) 'Towards identifying success factors for cross-cultural project customer engagement: A literature review'. Elsevier Journal		Several studies have been conducted regarding the basic reasons that cultural differences occur problems in the project stakeholder management and some conclusions were extracted. The main impact factors are the lack of cultural knowledge sharing, which means people that do not share their feedback regarding cultural interactions within an organization. Another important factor is people that do not have experience in cooperating with different cultures. Lastly, uncomformity between western project management theories and other cultures' approach, also leads to issues. Consequently, it is important to gain experience from cases in order to develop a theory concerning cross-cultural management.<ref>Lückmann P. (2015) 'Towards identifying success factors for cross-cultural project customer engagement: A literature review'. Elsevier Journal</ref>

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

S170073: /* Project Stakeholders Management */

2018-02-28T18:47:48Z

Project Stakeholders Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:47, 28 February 2018
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	Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.		Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.

	Several studies have been conducted regarding the basic reasons that cultural differences occur problems in the project stakeholder management and some conclusions were extracted. The main impact factors are the lack of cultural knowledge sharing, which means people that do not share their feedback regarding cultural interactions within an organization. Another important factor is people that do not have experience in cooperating with different cultures. Lastly, uncomformity between western project management theories and other cultures' approach, also leads to issues. Consequently, it is important to gain experience from cases in order to develop a theory concerning cross-cultural management.		Several studies have been conducted regarding the basic reasons that cultural differences occur problems in the project stakeholder management and some conclusions were extracted. The main impact factors are the lack of cultural knowledge sharing, which means people that do not share their feedback regarding cultural interactions within an organization. Another important factor is people that do not have experience in cooperating with different cultures. Lastly, uncomformity between western project management theories and other cultures' approach, also leads to issues. Consequently, it is important to gain experience from cases in order to develop a theory concerning cross-cultural management.<ref>Lückmann P. (2015) 'Towards identifying success factors for cross-cultural project customer engagement: A literature review'. Elsevier Journal

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

S170073: /* Limitations */

2018-02-28T18:45:57Z

Limitations

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:45, 28 February 2018
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	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

	The cross-cultural management approach is very important nowadays and can help to accomplish the goals of international projects or projects in which multicultural teams are involved. If the distinction of cultures is handled correctly it can be not only non-damaging for the project, but also extremely beneficial. Multicultural teams working together can develop innovative solutions and offer unique advantages in the projects and in the organization, generally. However, it is difficult to make a solid method about this subject because it contains unlimited aspects, as culture is a multidimensional phenomenon. Books and articles can be used by project managers in order to learn how to deal with cultural differences and broaden their horizons regarding the management methods. The knowledge of general directions regarding cross-cultural management is a starting point and can lead the way of thinking of the managers. This article is a general presentation of some consideration regarding cross-cultural management and how to approach this matters. Nevertheless, each culture should be studied and analyzed by the manager in order to get the fully overview of it and the consequences of the multicultural interaction that can affect the project.		The cross-cultural management approach is very important nowadays and can help to accomplish the goals of international projects or projects in which multicultural teams are involved. If the distinction of cultures is handled correctly it can be not only non-damaging for the project, but also extremely beneficial. Multicultural teams working together can develop innovative solutions and offer unique advantages in the projects and in the organization, generally. However, it is difficult to make a solid method about this subject because it contains unlimited aspects, as culture is a multidimensional phenomenon. Books and articles can be used by project managers in order to learn how to deal with cultural differences and broaden their horizons regarding the management methods. The knowledge of general directions regarding cross-cultural management is a starting point and can lead the way of thinking of the managers. This article is a general presentation of some consideration regarding cross-cultural management and how to approach this matters. Nevertheless, each culture should be studied and analyzed by the manager in order to get the fully overview of it and the consequences of the multicultural interaction that can affect the project.

			The most important limitation regarding cross-cultural management is the number of studies that have been conducted for this particular issue, which makes trying to categorize it very difficult. The need of further and deeper investigation of project management from a cross-cultural perspective is currently opportune and necessary and it is important to be done.

	==Annotated Bibliography==		==Annotated Bibliography==

S170073: /* Project Stakeholders Management */

2018-02-28T18:40:07Z

Project Stakeholders Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 28 February 2018
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	[[File:Table_Stakeholders.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Impact Factors and Examples from selected Case Studies.<ref>Lückmanna,P and Färbera,K. (2016). '' 'The impact of cultural differences on project stakeholder engagement: a review of case study research in international project management' ''. Elsevier Journal. Table 1.</ref> ]]		[[File:Table_Stakeholders.png\|800px\|thumb\|center\|Impact Factors and Examples from selected Case Studies.<ref>Lückmanna,P and Färbera,K. (2016). '' 'The impact of cultural differences on project stakeholder engagement: a review of case study research in international project management' ''. Elsevier Journal. Table 1.</ref> ]]

	The Table illustrates examples of difficulties caused by the cultural differences between stakeholders and states the source of the problem from a cultural point of view. Communication problems, different comprehension of time concept, important of personal issues are some of the problems that might occur in a multicultural interaction and might lead to costs increasing and delays and in the worst-case scenario failure of the project.		The Table illustrates examples of difficulties caused by the cultural differences between stakeholders and states the source of the problem from a cultural point of view. Communication problems, different comprehension of time concept, important of personal issues are some of the problems that might occur in a multicultural interaction and might lead to costs increasing and delays and in the worst-case scenario failure of the project. For example, some cultures believe that family comes first, while others perceive this as a lack of job interest. In cases like this, it is important for the manager and the team members to know about this part of the stakeholder's personality, to avoid misunderstandings.

	A framework for cultural issues has been established and it is important for the stakeholder management to be considered, in order to get a better understanding of cultures and how the project can be affected from them.		A framework for cultural issues has been established and it is important for the stakeholder management to be considered, in order to get a better understanding of cultures and how the project can be affected from them.
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	During the phases of stakeholder management, planning, managing and control the culture of stakeholders can define the way the manager decides to communicate and also the overall strategy towards stakeholders. Stakeholders are important to the project and can cause cost increases and delays.		During the phases of stakeholder management, planning, managing and control the culture of stakeholders can define the way the manager decides to communicate and also the overall strategy towards stakeholders. Stakeholders are important to the project and can cause cost increases and delays.
	Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.		Consequently, regarding the stakeholders and cultures, it is significant to identify the potentially affected from the project communities and list them. During the process or analyzing their needs and expectation, managers need to study and analyze the cultural context of the stakeholders and base their management methods considering this aspect as well. This can help avoid financial problems, and delays that it is possible to occur if multicultural dimension be left unattended.

			Several studies have been conducted regarding the basic reasons that cultural differences occur problems in the project stakeholder management and some conclusions were extracted. The main impact factors are the lack of cultural knowledge sharing, which means people that do not share their feedback regarding cultural interactions within an organization. Another important factor is people that do not have experience in cooperating with different cultures. Lastly, uncomformity between western project management theories and other cultures' approach, also leads to issues. Consequently, it is important to gain experience from cases in order to develop a theory concerning cross-cultural management.

	==Limitations==		==Limitations==

S170073: /* Project Stakeholders Management */

2018-02-28T18:11:19Z

Project Stakeholders Management

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 28 February 2018
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	The Table illustrates examples of difficulties caused by the cultural differences between stakeholders and states the source of the problem from a cultural point of view. Communication problems, different comprehension of time concept, important of personal issues are some of the problems that might occur in a multicultural interaction and might lead to costs increasing and delays and in the worst-case scenario failure of the project.		The Table illustrates examples of difficulties caused by the cultural differences between stakeholders and states the source of the problem from a cultural point of view. Communication problems, different comprehension of time concept, important of personal issues are some of the problems that might occur in a multicultural interaction and might lead to costs increasing and delays and in the worst-case scenario failure of the project.

	A framework for cultural issues has been established and it is important for the stakeholder management to be considered, in order to get a better understanding of cultures and how the project can be affected from them.		A framework for cultural issues has been established and it is important for the stakeholder management to be considered, in order to get a better understanding of cultures and how the project can be affected from them.

S170073: /* Big Idea */

2018-02-28T18:05:31Z

Big Idea

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:05, 28 February 2018
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	Nowadays, trade barriers between countries have been diminished and as a result more and more companies have become international. In an international organization, often, projects are handled by international teams and are affected by international stakeholders. People from various cultures need to communicate together during project management processes and therefore managers need to make sure that the optimum outcome will be succeeded by this interaction. Furthermore, multicultural interactions can usually bring new perspectives that can lead to better results and managers should ensure the exploitation of the possibilities to the fullest. Therefore, a theory of a cross cultural project management is needed to be developed.		Nowadays, trade barriers between countries have been diminished and as a result more and more companies have become international. In an international organization, often, projects are handled by international teams and are affected by international stakeholders. People from various cultures need to communicate together during project management processes and therefore managers need to make sure that the optimum outcome will be succeeded by this interaction. Furthermore, multicultural interactions can usually bring new perspectives that can lead to better results and managers should ensure the exploitation of the possibilities to the fullest. Therefore, a theory of a cross cultural project management is needed to be developed.

	The theory that is analyzed in this article, takes into consideration two main aspects that influence a project: project stakeholders and project teams. ~~Manage~~ stakeholders is a complicated management task because involves different expectations and opposing interests. A variety of nationalities can increase the difficulty of the task, but on the other hand can create opportunities and this theory tries to make full use of and derive benefit from it. Regarding project teams, except the differences that the members may have in their background, personalities, level of commitment, there are also cultural differences or geographical distances that may affect the project. This challenge needs complex managerial skills and this theory aims at helping managers succeed it.		The theory that is analyzed in this article, takes into consideration two main aspects that influence a project: project stakeholders and project teams. Managing stakeholders is a complicated management task because involves different expectations and opposing interests, even when people come from the same country. A variety of nationalities can increase the difficulty of the task, but on the other hand can create opportunities and this theory tries to make full use of it and derive benefit from it. Regarding project teams, except the differences that the members may have in their background, personalities, level of commitment, there are also cultural differences or geographical distances that may affect the project. This challenge needs complex managerial skills and this theory aims at helping managers succeed it.

S170073: /* Abstract */

2018-02-28T18:02:22Z

Abstract

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 28 February 2018
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	==Abstract==		==Abstract==

	The aim of this article is to give an overview of the cross-cultural project management. Nowadays, the globalization of economy creates the need for cultural interaction in organizations and their projects and considering the fact that cultural differences is a factor that can complicate management procedures, a cross-cultural analysis of management is important. Considering the fact that culture is a multidimensional meaning and it is difficult to address generic characteristics in a method, this article emphasizes in presenting fundamental management perspectives in a cross-cultural context. The management areas that are examined, are: frameworks for cross-cultural management, international human resource management, communication and conflict analysis and motivation rewards and leadership behavior.<ref>Ganon, M. and Newman, K. (2002), ' ''The Blackwell Handbook of Cross-Cultural Management'' ', Figure I.1</ref> The influence of peoples' behavior and opinion is a crucial factor that needs to be taken into consideration during the project management processes and it is highly developed in two knowledge areas : Project Human Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management which are going to be analyzed from a cross-cultural perspective in this article.<ref>Project Management Institute. (2013), ' ''A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Fifth Edition'' ', Table A1-1</ref>Project Human Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management which are going to be analyzed from a cross-cultural perspective in this article. Project human resource management mainly includes the planning, development and management of the project team and this article proposes ideas on how to deal with it when the team members come from diverse cultures. Furthermore, project stakeholder management broadens the topic, while deals not only with the team members, but also with various stakeholders whose cultural values ~~differs~~ from the manager’s values. By addressing several brief examples of cases, creates feedback and experience to the future stakeholder managers.		The aim of this article is to give an overview of the cross-cultural project management. Nowadays, the globalization of economy creates the need for cultural interaction in organizations and their projects and considering the fact that cultural differences is a factor that can complicate management procedures, a cross-cultural analysis of management is important. Considering the fact that culture is a multidimensional meaning and it is difficult to address generic characteristics in a method, this article emphasizes in presenting fundamental management perspectives in a cross-cultural context. The management areas that are examined, are: frameworks for cross-cultural management, international human resource management, communication and conflict analysis and motivation rewards and leadership behavior.<ref>Ganon, M. and Newman, K. (2002), ' ''The Blackwell Handbook of Cross-Cultural Management'' ', Figure I.1</ref> The influence of peoples' behavior and opinion is a crucial factor that needs to be taken into consideration during the project management processes and it is highly developed in two knowledge areas : Project Human Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management which are going to be analyzed from a cross-cultural perspective in this article.<ref>Project Management Institute. (2013), ' ''A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Fifth Edition'' ', Table A1-1</ref>Project Human Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management which are going to be analyzed from a cross-cultural perspective in this article. Project human resource management mainly includes the planning, development and management of the project team and this article proposes ideas on how to deal with it when the team members come from diverse cultures. Furthermore, project stakeholder management broadens the topic, while deals not only with the team members, but also with various stakeholders whose cultural values differ from the manager’s values. By addressing several brief examples of cases, creates feedback and experience to the future stakeholder managers.

	==Big Idea==		==Big Idea==