Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Does culture context impact one's leadership style?
The way people think and perceive things is modelled by their culture values, norms, beliefs and past experiences ( Hofstede, 1980). Culture is likely to influence one's behavior and how they react to situations. Empirical eveidence suggests that transformational leadership style transcend cultures (Globe, 1999). What is important in leadership is to understand the context under which one is leading. The process dymanics in decision making and validation between different cultures may impact the process of leadership hence it is importnat for one to adapt their style in order to achieve desired results.
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This topic prompts me to think of America's current President, Obama. One's culture plays a significant part in the style of leadership practiced. Because Obama has been a part of many cultures, Obama is able to relate to and represent a vast number of subcultures (i.e., Charismatic Leadership). But transforming the nation (or businesses) will require a different type of leadership style while embodying followership of global transformational leaders. This style is not inherited but derives from universal knowledge gained from connecting elements that have never been connected through self-observation, self-participation, and self-awareness.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your notion that a leadership style that derives from universal knowledge gained from past experiences is suited to face today's challenges. Further another important factor is that a leader should have respect for relationships and also uphold societal values.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem leaders, regardless of culture, have a single goal of getting someone to do something, whether they want to or not. The difference is that the outcomes are accomplished according to respective cultures. It is important for leadership to appreciate cultural differences and the relationship it has to leadership. However, I'm of the opinion that a leaders' emotional intelligence is the key strategy in producing desire outcomes. The emotional intelligence of a leader can assist in the achievement of building communication, motivation, and expanding capacity beyond the present.
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