Management Styles

Paper Summary:

The paper highlights three major differences between eastern and western cultures that affect management styles. The author reports that the philosophical underpinning of the west is based on rationality and maximizing self interest; whereas, eastern cultures focus on changing behaviors and circumstances for different behaviors. The paper states that western culture is focused on individuality and on proactive decision-making; however, eastern management styles are based on a strict manager-subordinate chain with more of a group oriented focus on the successful completion of tasks. The author points out that the eastern management style is more directive with workers expecting assigned tasks and clear directions; whereas, in western culture, the idea of initiative is praised and workers are expected to question assumptions, take risks and undertake tasks that were not necessarily assigned. The paper includes a graph and a table.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Management Styles in Western and Eastern Cultures
The Role of Culture in Business Management: Western versus Eastern Philosophies
Motivation and Performance Measures in Western and Eastern and Eastern Cultures
Western and Eastern Workers: Interactions with the Organization
Cultural Differences and Communication
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"On a practical note, Korn/Ferry International conducted a survey in collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit and found that a vast amount of respondents (72%), saw the East as a major influence in the macro business environment, and were considered major players within the overall globalization process, as different geographic spheres became more integrated. However, the Eastern leaders were not considered particularly able to excel in the global market place (this excludes Japan); as only 20% of the respondents thought Eastern cultures were adaptive to the global business environment and practices."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barney, J.B. (1986) "Organizational Culture: Can it be a Source of Sustained Advantage"? Academy of Management Review, 11: 656-665.
• Curtis, S. and Lu, W. (2004). "The Impact of Western Education on Future Chinese Asian Managers". Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire. Retrieved on April 24, 2007 from http://www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk/bms/home/research/pdf-doc/doc-07.pdf
• Foster, D. (2000). "Western Workers, Eastern Ethos: The Ying and Yang of Managing in Asia", Learn About Cultures.Com. Retrieved on April 24, 2007 from http://www.learnaboutcultures.com/lac/articles/managing_in_asia.htm
• "Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions", (n.d.). ITIM International Consultants. Retrieved April 24, 2007 from http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_czech_republic.shtml
• Hendrickson, M. (2006). "Executive Roundtable". Assisted Living Executive Quarterly. Retrieved April 24, 2007 from http://www.alfa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=4018

More papers on Management Styles:

• Research Paper # 147160 : "Comparing Management Styles"
• Comparison Essay # 72415 : "U.S. and Japanese Management Styles"
• Term Paper # 147466 : "Management Styles and the New Modern Business Paradigm"

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