Leadership in a Global Environment
When you consider leadership in a global environment, two main issues may come to mind. First, different countries and parts of the world approach leadership differently. Different cultural backgrounds influence leaders' values, characteristics, and styles. The assigned article, "Research on Leadership in a Cross-Cultural Context: Making Progress, and Raising New Questions" reviews studies about the influence of culture on leadership. This article emphasizes the work of psychologist Geert Hofstede and The Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) project. Hofstede identified five cultural dimensions that help to explain differences in what is valued in leaders in different cultures and countries. The GLOBE project expanded these dimensions to nine and identified them as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, humane orientation, institutional collectivism, in-group collectivism, assertiveness, gender egalitarianism, future orientation, and performance orientation.
The second issue to consider in global leadership is that leaders are not limited to interactions within their own countries and cultures. As a result of technology and a global economy, leaders are expected to interact seamlessly with leaders across the globe as easily as they interact with leaders in their communities. It is valuable to consider the characteristics, skills, and strategies necessary to lead in this environment.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the article, "Research on Leadership in a Cross-Cultural Context: Making Progress, and Raising New Questions." Pay particular attention to the Hofstede and GLOBAL cultural dimensions. Think about what it takes to be a leader in different countries and cultures, that is, the characteristics of leadership that are valued in different countries and cultures.
• Review "Developing Global Leaders" and note the five central strategies for developing global leaders.
• Review "Global Leadership from A to Z: Creating High Commitment Organizations." Focus on the section titled, "Global Leadership."
• Select one cultural dimension, and think about how it influences leadership effectiveness in two different cultures.
• Think about the characteristics, skills, and strategies that you believe are necessary for an effective leader in a global society.
With these thoughts in mind:
The dimension you selected and explain how this dimension relates to or defines leadership effectiveness in two different cultures. Use specific examples. Then briefly summarize what you believe the role of an effective leader is in a global society. Finally, explain one characteristic, skill, or strategy you believe is most necessary for a leader to be effective in a global society and explain why.