Business Leadership and Culture : National Management Styles in the Global Economy

Comparing five different cultures - American, Arabian, Chinese, Japaness and Scandinavian - and how they reveal themselves in business practice, Bjorn Berke questions whether the culture-free business leader exists, and if so, what the characteristics of such a person might be. How do business leaders think as a result of their national culture? This book provides a discussion and comparative analysis of five major cultures - American, Arab, Chinese, Japanese and Scandinavian - and how they reveal themselves in business practice.The author begins by introducing the concept of culture and why it is important, addressing issues such as values, beliefs and assumptions and the consequences of these. Bjorn Bjerke then goes on to address corporate culture and business strategy as well as some myths associated with national cultures. Looking at the five specific cultures he addresses cultural themes and presents a typified picture of the business leader in each of these. He concludes that there are five different capitalist systems governing these cultures, and that the business leader plays a different role in each. Extending this discussion, the author questions whether the culture-free business leader exists and, if so, what the characteristics of such a person might be.Business Leadership and Culture will enlighten students, scholars and business people about the consequences of culture for international business and management. Annotation "How do business leaders think as a result of their national culture? This book provides a discussion and comparative analysis of five major cultures - American, Arab, Chinese, Japanese and Scandinavian - and how they reveal themselves in business practice." "Business Leadership and Culture will enlighten students, scholars and business people about the consequences of culture for international business and management."--BOOK JACKET. Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved Bjerke (entrepreneurship and small businesses, Stockholm University) discusses and compares American, Arab, Chinese, Japanese, and Scandinavian cultures and how they reveal themselves in business practice. He begins by introducing the concept of culture, then addresses corporate culture and business strategy as well as some myths associated with national cultures. He looks at themes in each culture, and profiles each country's typical business leader.