Chapter 16 highlights the relationship between culture and leadership, allowing the managers apply a national approach. The importance of this topic is explained by the growing pace of globalization, which has created the need to understand cultural differences and intercultural communication skills for every leader. Key cultural parameters to be taken into account include power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity and long-term-short-term orientation (Northouse, 2016). GLOBE studies offer comprehensive information on culture and leadership (Northouse, 2016). There are similarities in the understanding of leadership in different countries, but in order to be effective, it is necessary to consider all cultural characteristics.
The presented cultural theory of leadership presents the relationship of all the studied concepts and their perception depending on the characteristics of cultures. For example, charismatic leadership is valued in most of the countries surveyed as one of the most effective models (Northouse, 2016). The global point of view helps look at leadership as a universal, but at the same time adaptive concept, which other theories do not allow. The information is complete but generalized, so more country-specific examples could be included in the chapter explaining the relationship between preferred leadership and cultural characteristics.
The theory presented in the chapter allows me to understand my own experience from the point of view of its insufficiency for becoming a leader in a global sense. For example, I lack the experience of interacting with representatives of other cultures to learn how to take into account the necessary features of leadership. The experience of observing leaders in education cannot give a representativeness of the theory of cultural leadership, despite the racial and national diversity in our educational institutions. Theory is not sufficient in terms of practical applicability, since few can gain effective leadership experience in a foreign culture.
The inventory in chapter 16 deals with the assessment of cultural characteristics in terms of key parameters. Passing this questionnaire showed mixed results, which differ from the average for my culture, as presented in Appendix 1. Nearly all of the items were more positively defined by me, such as the distribution of power or the focus on performance. I also rated my culture as less collectively oriented, as there is a tendency towards individualism. The only thing that I assessed as insufficient is gender equality, but this indicator may vary across the country. Perceptions of the distribution of power can vary considerably across work and learning environments, so I do not consider my result to be relevantly indicative. I was surprised by the relatively similar figures for different blocks of countries in terms of key parameters. I assumed that they would be more different due to cultural differences. Most likely, a full questionnaire with a large number of surveys would provide more truthful information. Personal perception, education, and family life make a significant contribution to the definition of one’s own culture.
In conclusion, I agree with the results of the inventory, in general, as they reflect my personal view of my culture. The findings of the questionnaire are useful for forming an idea of what kind of leader modern society expects. The questionnaire is quite universal and contains a small number of questions for each item, so the results may not be too accurate. My approach to leadership will definitely change after receiving the results, because now I know which cultural characteristics to address.
Reference
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice. (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Appendix 1. Dimensions of Culture Questionnaire
Uncertainty Avoidance
- In this society, orderliness and consistency are stressed, even at the expense of experimentation and innovation. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, societal requirements and instructions are spelled out in detail so citizens know what they are expected to do. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Power Distance
- In this society, followers are expected to: Question their leaders Obey their leaders when in disagreement without question 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, power is: Shared throughout Concentrated at the society the top 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Institutional Collectivism
- In this society, leaders encourage group loyalty even if individual goals suffer. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- The economic system in this society is designed to maximize: Individual interests Collective interests 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
In-Group Collectivism
- In this society, children take pride in the individual accomplishments of their parents. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, parents take pride in the individual accomplishments of their children. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Gender Egalitarianism
- In this society, girls are encouraged more than boys to attain a higher education. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, who is more likely to serve in a position of high office? Men Women 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Assertiveness
- In this society, people are generally: Nonassertive Assertive 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, people are generally: Tender Tough 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Future Orientation
- In this society the accepted norm is to: Accept the status quo Plan for the future 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, people place more emphasis on: Solving current problems Planning for the future 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Performance Orientation
- In this society, students are encouraged to strive for continuously improved performance. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, people are rewarded for excellent performance. Strongly disagree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Humane Orientation
- In this society, people are generally: Not at all concerned about others Very concerned about others 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- In this society, people are generally: Not at all sensitive to others Very sensitive toward others 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Results
- Uncertainty avoidance: 5
- Power distance: 3
- Institutional collectivism: 2,5
- In-group collectivism: 7
- Gender egalitarianism: 3
- Assertiveness: 4,5
- Future orientation: 5,5
- Performance orientation: 6
- Humane orientation: 4,5