Page 37 - Crossing Cultural Boundaries - Cees den Teuling

For this study, we conclude that there is a dichotomy between the positions of the academics (scientific researchers) and practitioners (managerial- or action researchers). Scientific researchers are searching for explanations of OC, the main predictions and determinants, conceptualizing and connecting varied variables into cultural sets. The interest of practitioners is in principal directed to questions regarding the culture in organisations, to answers and solutions for change and adjustment of OCs for meeting the ultimate needs of the organisation.
Subject to the review of the literature on NCs is their main influences on attitudes, behaviour, norms and values on national and regional identities and, as a consequence, on organisations. As stated by Hofstede, Neuijen, and Ohavy (1990) and Hofstede (1991), NC is the collective, mental programming of the mind of the people of any nationality and share a collective national character, which represents their cultural mental programming. Fukuyama (1995 b) defines NC as inherited ethical habit, obviously consisting out of an idea, value or relationship which constitutes the ethical codes by which society regulate behaviour. Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner (1994) argue that NC interpretation and adaptation are prerequisite to the comparative understanding of national and international operations. Despite the vast number of authors and the variety of available definitions, the literature on NC, as well on OC seems to exist in a separated environment and in isolation, the obvious options for cross-fertilisation are merely missed. As suggested by Hofstede et al. (2001, p. 8) “through early socialisation, a formed body of values in NC’s is established, while OC involves the subsequent acquisition of organisational practices and symbols in the organisation”. OC is studied as the accumulation of external and internal influences as well as inclusive personal motivations and habits. As argued by Weber, Shenkar and Raveh (1996, p. 1216) there are “considerable differences in practices among people holding similar values, and propose that NC’s and OC’s are distinctive, if related constructs”. For this study, researcher supports the position that the individuals within culturally connected groups may differ widely in norms, values and behaviour. Nevertheles, they share some dominant features which are common for the cultural group they belong to. Conclusion for the research is that the participants should be questioned individually and separately to be able to express their personal unbiased view on the subjects submitted.
The actor’s roles and styles in the Knowledge Transfer process
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