Cross-cultural leadership: The interaction of culture, values, and leadership style

Abstract

Findings and Conclusions:

Leadership that is responsive to and capable of handling business on a global scale is needed. To better supply the increasing needs of an internationally effective workforce and leadership; agriculturally-based industries must have a better understanding and an enriched insight into the role that culture, values, leadership style, and global mindset play in effective international leadership.

The purpose of the study was to examine the interaction of culture, values, and leadership style exhibited in cross-cultural leaders working in the wine industry.

Data collected in the mixed method case study was used to provide further insight and understanding of the experiences of American leaders in cross-cultural situations. The enriched insight and understanding lead to the identification of a set of key competencies (specific knowledge, skills, aptitudes, and attitudes), which can be used to identify and describe leadership practices that are most effective in the international context. The enriched insight and understanding into the cross-cultural phenomenon may be used by corporate executives, human resource professionals and individuals to assist in a heightened awareness of traits of that point toward globally mobile leadership candidates.

The results of this study indicate that childhood experiences are a pivotal area in the development of global citizens with global mindsets. The recommendations for practice are based upon the findings of this study focus upon educational experiences prior to an individual entering the workforce.

Our educational system must take on the challenges of creating individuals that are worthy of global citizenship. It is strongly recommended that proficiency in a second language be a requirement to graduate from college. Monolingualism is a deterrent to successful international performance.

It is also strongly recommended that educational policy-makers do all that is possible to encourage, support and provide assistance to increase the participation of American students in international education and exchange programs.