Cross-Cultural Management Issues

Abstract

The discussion of the variable business culture in the Conceptual Model of Factors Affecting HCN Integration is covered in two chapters. First, this chapter focuses on general cross-cultural management issues in order to set the stage for a discussion of the specific characteristics of Japanese culture and business practices covered in the following chapter. This chapter stresses the importance of culture as a factor determining the effectiveness of IHRM policies and practices. The definition of culture in the context of this research emphasizes the predictive power and understanding of human behaviour, particularly work related behaviour, gained through understanding culture. It is argued that culture is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of IHRM policies and practices and must be considered. The national culture versus organizational culture debate is examined in order to assert that MNCs should avoid IHRM policies and practices that conflict with the national culture of the host country.