Cultural Dimensions and Leadership Styles

Cultural Dimensions and Leadership Styles

Introduction

The concept of cultural influence in leadership style is central to several studies related to international business, organizational behavior, psychology, and anthropology. Researchers involved in studies have collected a wide range of evidence to suggest that cultural values play a very strong role in determining the leadership preferences in an organization. In this context, Global Leadership & Organizational Behavior Effectiveness Study (GLOBE) is an extensive assessment of nearly 62 different societies that aims to gather evidence regarding cross-cultural interactions (Tansel & Gungor, 2003, p. 52-69). A total of 9 cultural dimensions were covered in the assessment. This paper will examine these 9 cultural dimensions and relate them to the cross-cultural interactions with leadership styles by comparing the GLOBE scores of Turkey and Poland

Discussion

GLOBE highlights 9 cultural dimensions that have a strong influence on the leadership style. These cultural dimensions are listed below (Taylor & Napier, 2001, p. 347-364):

Power Distance

Uncertainty Avoidance

Humane Orientation

Collectivism I (Institutional)

Collectivism II (In-Group)

Assertiveness

Gender Egalitarianism

Future Orientation

Performance Orientation

Therefore, in order to assess the influence of cultural values on the leadership styles followed in Poland and Turkey, a thorough assessment will be conducted along the spectrum of differences in cultural dimensions of the two countries (Taylor & Napier, 2001, p. 347-364).

Turkey

Turkey was included in the Arabic cluster. This cluster scored high on family collectivism (5.58) and power distance (5.23). The high scores on family collectivism show that the people in this cluster give a high regard to family values and hence this is also visible in their organizational culture. In these regions, those in power are valued highly till they are in power. Their distance from power suggests that they lack confidence in themselves and do not wish to take responsibility. The gender egalitarianism in Turkey is also quite low because of its unequal treatment of women.

Poland

Poland is included in the Eastern Europe cluster. This culture scored high on group collectivism (5.53) and power distance (5.25). The high group cohesiveness suggests that there is a high degree of team work among Eastern European. Due to this teamwork they cooperate more with each other and collectively work in order to accomplish the goals of the organization. These people are more tolerant and thus provide equal opportunities to women.

Turkey

Poland

Power Distance

In terms of power distance, Turkey scores alarmingly high on the societal culture score. This strongly suggests that there is a considerable degree of power distance in ...