Discussion
Why an understanding of leadership roles in both global and local cultures is important. Why is it important that leaders have more than one style of leadership when conducting meetings in other cultures?
Our text points out that, Culture, history, politics, and economics have played large roles in shaping U.S. society, and race has played a pivotal role in these arenas. (Kahn, 2015) Leaders need to be able to recognize that our culture today is diverse as the global marketplaces around us. There are many roles a leader must fulfill to be successful in leading withing a global marketplace.
A few leadership roles necessary in the global marketplace are:
Inclusivity- Inclusivity allows for leaders to open and authentic, acknowledging diversity in oneself and others. Respecting values and experiences. By doing this it also helps others to share and be thoughtful by sharing diverse resources. As a leader demonstrating inclusivity, it will encourage others to do the same.
Group Dynamic- Group Dynamic plays a pivotal role in the success of an organization. With diverse members of a group it is a key role to be able to understand the different dynamics and circumstances of a group and be able to shift ones leadership style to accommodate that group. It was stated that, Group dynamic is the key for cultural innovation. (Szu-Fang Chuang, 2013) In a group there are many different cultures, values, beliefs, and experiences, it is crucial to success of the group that they all keep an open mind and appreciate the differences among them. At that point will they truly be successful at innovating and teamwork, understanding differences and accepting them.
Both roles are important because they acknowledge differences and help others to do the same. By doing this we are teaching another culture, a culture that fosters respect for the differences in each other and teamwork. In a local culture there are a couple roles that would be vital for the success of leader such as Relationships and Closing the Gap.
Relationships should be built for leaders to get to know and understand the people they are working with. Whether it is understanding the community they are in, the culture to their values. This will also help the leader recognize strengths and weaknesses and understand the needs of the local culture.
Closing the Gap, as it relates to, we are not so different after all. Finding similarities between the global company and local company, which and be as simple as their motivational drivers (such as promoting diversity in the workplace) being the same. Looking at similarities (also commonalities) rather than
differences in people can be a good approach in assisting global leaders to communicate and lead more effectively. (Szu-Fang Chuang, 2013)
It is important for leadership to understand their own roles as well as leaders in a local culture, so they can be open to differences and understand what those differences are and be able relate to them. They must also be careful not to let personal bias interfere with relationship building as it would ultimately lead to distrust and failure. If you do not gain the trust of your local leaders there can be no success since, they will not confide in them.
I can imagine as a local leader it would be intimidating to have a global company leader come into a meeting as they have more experience as a leader on a larger scale of business. Therefore, it would be important for leadership to approach the local culture with assurance and confidence, building confidence and enthusiasm for the new relationship. Keep the meeting positive and exciting, change is hard so some people may not be sold on a global leader coming into their local culture. The leader should exude confidence and respond quickly to questions. Effective global leaders need to be results-oriented, achievement driven and forward thinking. (Szu-Fang Chuang, 2013)
A leader in a local setting may not be as open minded, diverse, or confident as a global leader. Global leader is openminded and take risks, the often act quickly so they can stay competitive. When operating at a global level changes happen quickly and often, so they can stay competitive in a world market. So therefore, they may be a bit more edgy than your local leader.
