1st Edition
Shaping the Global Leader Fundamentals in Culture and Behavior for Optimal Organizational Performance
Considering behavioral norms in their cultural contexts, this book arrives at a fully operational international leadership theory – and makes it accessible to academic and professional readers alike.
Shaping the Global Leader fundamentally covers eight cultural dimensions gleaned from acclaimed international leadership scholars such as Geert Hofstede and the GLOBE study authors. Each cultural dimension is followed by interviews of renowned organizational leaders who relate their experiences in that area and each section underscores strategies for moving forward. The authors highlight critical lessons from classic behavioral psychology experiments and apply these findings to the international organizational context.
This book serves as an eminently readable and enlightening handbook for those working, leading or studying interculturally. Both students and professionals in international leadership or business will be provided with clear and actionable organizational insights for an increasingly complex global landscape.
Introduction
Chapter One: The What, How and Why of Culture
Chapter Two: Individualism -----------------------– Collectivism
Chapter Three: A Glass of Beer, A Shot of Sake, and Groupthink
Chapter Four: Group Work and the Free-Rider Effect
Chapter Five: Achievement --------------- Ascription
Chapter Six: Power Distance: Hierarchical versus Egalitarian
Chapter Seven: Avoiding the Elixir of Power
Chapter Eight: Uncertainty Avoidance
Chapter Nine: The Loss Aversion Bias
Chapter Ten: Assertiveness
Chapter Eleven: Pan-Cultural Motivation
Chapter Twelve: Attitudes in Time
Chapter Thirteen: Communication is More - Much More - Than Language
Chapter Fourteen: Ethnocentrism…
Conclusion
Appendix
Index
Biography
Henry P. Biggs, PhD, JD, MBA, serves currently as CEO of Course Scheduling and Eusabian Technologies – software development companies with business in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Formerly the Chair of the Foreign Language Department at Houghton College, Biggs served as the Assistant then Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, where he taught International Leadership with co-author Lenny Ramsey. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy, and currently resides in Paris, France.
Tom Bussen, JD, MBA, formerly served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Asia and as an Assistant Professor of Business at the American University of Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Bussen taught courses there in Leadership, International Business, and Ethics. More recently, Bussen served as Visiting Researcher at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, and is now a doctoral student in Organizational Behavior Management at the University of Florida.
Lenny Ramsey, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Carroll University. She earned her PhD in Neuroscience through the McDonnell International Scholars Academy at Washington University in St Louis, where she taught International Leadership. She is a citizen of the Netherlands.
"Embrace yourself for a breathtaking journey in the multi-faceted world of cultural beliefs and practices. A must for any student, professional, and world traveler wanting to increase their cultural IQ." — Dr. Nitish Singh, Professor of International Business, The Boeing Institute of International Business, Saint Louis University, USA
"This book offers a new appraoch to a better understanding of other cultures and would help prevent wrong ideas on how a business person or an international lawyer should behave when negotiating with partners from other cultures." —Joël L. Monéger, Emeritus Professor of Law, Jean Monnet Chair ad personam, Dr HC, France
"This book presents a comprehensive view of the world’s cultures and their implications for business; it will be extremely helpful to anybody trying to successfully do business globally."—Jean Paul Montupet, Former Chairman, Emerson Asia Pacific and Former President, Emerson Europe.
"If you are interested in any serious way in participating not only in Global world business but also in enjoying the experience, Good to Global is a must read that will give you in-depth analysis of cultures, practices and ideas so you can enjoy the world in a more inclusive way. Biggs, Bussen and Ramsey have done a great job by combining research with practical examples to make the journey of becoming a better world citizen a decidedly pleasant one." –Juan Ferreira, President Latin American Division, Sumitomo Chemical
"Biggs, Bussen and Ramsey take their readers on a global expedition, connecting real world examples of success and failure to prepare us for the sometimes tenuous, often rocky landscape of global organizational culture -- helping us to keep our own biases in check -- so we can expertly navigate the global landscape."—Tim Nowak, Executive Director, World Trade Center - St. Louis
