Cross-Cultural Management Analysis: HG Business Project Report

This report analyzes the cross-cultural management challenges faced by Hydro Generation (HG), a US-based company undertaking a dam construction project in Uganda. The report identifies key problems related to national culture, leadership styles, and ethical considerations, including corporate social responsibility (CSR). The analysis delves into cultural differences, leadership conflicts, and ethical dilemmas, particularly focusing on the clash between US business ethics and Ugandan cultural norms. The report applies relevant theories such as Hofstede's cultural dimensions and contingency theory to propose solutions for managing cultural differences, resolving leadership conflicts, and navigating ethical issues. The reflective report section highlights the learning experiences of the team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the practical application of theoretical concepts. This report offers valuable insights into the complexities of international business and the critical role of effective cross-cultural management.

Cross cultural
management

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PODCAST & SCRIPT.....................................................................................................................1
PROBLEM 1: NATIONAL CULTURAL ......................................................................................1
PROBLEM 2: LEADERSHIP ........................................................................................................3
Theory Identification...................................................................................................................3
Solution.......................................................................................................................................4
PROBLEM 3: ETHICS & CSR (Corporate social responsibilities)................................................4
REFLECTIVE REPORT.................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Managing a cultural is one of the most effective initiative taken by most of companies in
order to expand their business in several regions across the globe. Cross cultural leads towards a
stronger more efficient communication as well as marketing which aims to reach company's
outside traditional market (Chen, Lin and Sawangpattanakul, 2011). Along with this, healthy
cross cultural entails interaction of individuals who belongs from varying backgrounds as it is
vital in international business. The prime objective of this assignment is to develop an strong
podcast thus to overcome with dilemmas which are being faced by HG business and related with
cross cultural management while starting new business.
PODCAST & SCRIPT
There is usual manifestation linked with cross cultural management while owner of HG
business expand its business criteria within an unfamiliar cultural. At this time, firm needs to
deal within international market in order to know about market trends, communication process,
policies, marketing activities and so on aspects which are required to implement business in
other countries. Cross cultural management encompasses with coping in such manner as they can
introduce with various practices, trends and cultural of customers at global market. Basically,
cultural entails with morale, attitude, beliefs of individuals. In this manner, it is necessary for a
person to work under the cultural of a nation thus to understand its cultural aspects and norms
which can affect business activities or operations (PODCASTING IN EDUCATION: WHAT
ARE THE BENEFITS?. 2017). Henceforth, the entire project aims to demonstrate several
aspects of global business environment, managing cross cultural which supports to attain
customers' demand and priorities. Hydro Generation (HG) is a US based organisation that is
implementing dam construction project in Uganda. It is required for management to manage and
accomplish conflict issues which are related with completion of entire project so as to attain the
overall problems, like – national cultural, leadership, diversity and ethics & CSR.
PROBLEM 1: NATIONAL CULTURAL
As per the case study, James Green who is the Vice President of HG working on a project
since many years named, Dam construction project that is located in Uganda. Here, Charles
Martin is hired as a project manager who will handle all operations and activities of Dam
construction project. But James is not satisfied with work of Martin cause it affects cultural of
the organisation. Under this case study, the problem is emerging national cultural; it consists
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with shared values, beliefs and assumptions of a country. Such aspects has a wide impact on
business operations at national and international level (Busch, 2012). Vice president of HG,
James Green usually works under ethics or standards of the country whereas Charles Martin is
following cultural of host country. There is an issue that activities which are performed by
Charles Martin are not appropriate as per the UK cultural but it is suitable for Uganda cultural.
Here, HG is facing dilemma of cultural management in both countries therefore, national issue is
considered as major issue among all other issues which are going to be identified at there: -
 Attributes of cultural of Uganda as it is totally differentiate from US which will hinder
operations and functional activities of project.
 It is overviewed that there is relativism of cultural ethics cause James Green is following
US cultural whereas Martin adhere cultural of Uganda.
 Nepotism and Corruption are the main traits of Uganda cultural; beside this US cultural
doesn't consider these elements and relies upon ethical and demonstrate environment.
Therefore, issue can be generated while operating business activities in other countries.
Theory identification
According to the case study, Greet Hofestede's theory as it is based upon cultural
dimensions and provide universal method to manage organisational activities. The theory
comprises that how values within organisation get affected by diverse cultural. When it comes to
business, it is essential to promote cultural sensitivity which supports people to work more
efficiently while working in another country and ensure that transaction get successful (Biggs,
2015). Following are the main dimensions of Hofstede's theory, such as -
 Power distance Index – It expressed the degree of less powerful society and it is assumed
that power is classified unequally. Here, the main issue is communities will handle
inequalities among people.
 Individualism v/s Collectivism – The main side of this aspect is individualism which
refers as a preference of flexible framework where people get extra care by themselves
and families. In opposite collectivism represents a tight knot framework of society in
which individuals can expect their relatives or members of a particular in group to look
after them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty (Chen, Cheung and Law, 2012).
 Masculinity v/s femininity – In Masculinity side society is at large competitive and tend
towards accomplishment, assertiveness and heroism for success. On the other hand,
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femininity stands for modesty, cooperation and here society is at large more consensus
oriented.
 Uncertainty avoidance index – It describes with the degree at which society feels
uncomfortable cause of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Solution
In order to resolving national cultural problems, management of HG should understand
the cultural of Uganda properly and formulate business strategies accordingly. It leads, firm will
easily attain its goals and objectives in a certain time period. This can reduces cultural
differences.
PROBLEM 2: LEADERSHIP
According to the case study, it get affirmed that several issues are determined with
leadership style which must be evaluated to attain firm's growth and success in global market. In
the given scenario, Martin is carrying its operations as per the requirements of project and
applied theories accordingly. Apart from this, James Green don't want to work against US
cultural as it is clear that he follows autocratic leadership style within HG for completion of
working procedures (Chhokar, Brodbeck and House, 2013). James is confused to terminate
Martin as the methods or practices he is applying to complete project targets. Following is
defined several issues which are associated with leadership styles that are stated as beneath: -
 It get demonstrated that HG is facing leadership issue as there a bridge among staff
members. Due to lack of communication skills, James Green the Vice president of the
company unable to express his views to employees regarding Martin as what to do while
using unethical approaches to complete project.
 Project Manager, Charles Marlin could not follow effective leadership tactics it shows
that there is lack of leadership or improper guidance within HG.
 Vice President has been failure in regulation of leadership styles and he cannot attain
project success in the absence of Martin.
Theory Identification
In the given scenario, it get determined that company should apply contingency theory
which leads to implement effective processes of working (Crisp and et. al., 2012). The theory
was founded by Fred Fiedler, it states that an effective leader can change leadership style as per
the nature of environment and working conditions. It is empirically divided into 3 dimension:
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 Degree of task structure.
 Members and leader's relationship.
 Leader's position power.
Solution
In this regrading, management of HG can follow contingency theory of leadership so as
to work as per the changes in working environment and manage work in the best possible
manner. By applying this theory in the given situation get aware with the cultural of Uganda and
allows Charles to works as per norms and conditions of the nation. It reduces conflicts between
both persons and helps to accomplish project goals and objectives in a certain time period.
PROBLEM 3: ETHICS & CSR (Corporate social responsibilities)
As per the case study, it get analysed that Martin has acquired several tools and
techniques which are facilitate to use and deal with business system in Uganda. On the other
hand, government of US seems such applications unethical. While doing Dam construction
project, many problems or issues get found. In this manner, HG is tend towards following
business ethics or principles which supports in decision making process of the company. Ethics
entails with basic principles and rules that govern attitude or behaviour of an individual and
keeps legality of an organisation (French, 2015). By considering this, employees and firm both
can work in ethical manner by following all rules and regulations. Apart from this, CSR is
known as an application which helps to attain sustainable growth and success of the company by
providing certain environmental and social benefits to customers. Following are the main
problems which are linked with Ethics and corporate social responsibilities: -
 Project Manager, i.e. James Green follows rules and regulations which are presented in
Uganda. As the project is implemented in this region so that different legal obligations
must be followed. But the Vice President thinks that if project manager will adhere such
laws or norms these can against as per the ethics or morale of the organisation.
 Uganda government is known as most corrupt government as it is following the policy of
favouritism or nepotism. It is essential for all ventures to fulfil social responsibilities but
James Green is not allowing to work against its standards. It thinks that government is
corrupt and wants them to do illegal activities (Jumiarti and Syafei, 2016).
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 It would be a great dilemma for HG it it will adhere laws and legislations of Uganda
which are founded unethical in United stated. If management agree to fulfil Uganda's
norms then it is breaking laws of host country.
Theory identification -
On he basis of such problems, political theory that can be acquired by HG; it focus on
interacting with overall society by considering these two elements, such as -
 Corporate citizenship – This describes that business has certain possible responsibilities
towards society. In this manner, contrary theory of society are associated with business
citizenship.
 Corporate constitutionalism – Under this, firms should determine the power of an
equilibrium market. There is a social power which can internally and externally hinders'
business power.
Solution
In order to eradicate future consequences, it is fundamental for HG to creates its own
laws and regulations by considering US norms as well as business policies which can be assistive
in rendering guidance to employees to operate business at international level (Moja and Kwag,
2015). Managers should also understand cultural differences which can occur in developing a
Dam construction project in Uganda.
REFLECTIVE REPORT
As the main objective of my assignment is to get good grades, my professors has
assigned me the project of Podcast and Script which I will have to complete with a team of four
members. The coursework is done by the efforts of whole team members who perform different
tasks or fulfil the demand of project. Me and my team members have learned several aspects
which supports us to recognise that how to work in team and sustain better outcomes in an
appropriate manner. Due to having strong personal and professional skills or experience we have
enable to project tasks in an effective manner. An individual can learn a lot of things from
projects activities and its findings which are being attempted in completion of this assignment
(Phillips, 2017).
Along with this, I have acquired several practical and theoretical learning that how a
country cultural can affect organisation's working activities and tasks. I also learn so many things
about podcast and script. It get determine that leadership styles play a crucial role in
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accomplishing business activities and processes in the best possible manner. By considering
contingency leadership style, HG will enable to accept changes which can occur within or
outside business environment. We also have followed same leadership style while working in a
group it helps us to resolve all hurdles and barriers which get occurred. During this assignment,
our professors give us proper guidance or direction which helps in effective completion of this
project (Ray, D., 2014.Thanh, P.T.H., 2014Tran, C. N., and et. al., 2013Zhang, X., Liang, X. and
Sun, H., 2013). Therefore, the prime objective of implementing contingency theory is to take
imperative decisions which are appropriate regard of this project.
After assessing different scholars and authors, it is demonstrated that business
associations has to fulfil their ethics or standards thus to survive successfully at global market. It
get realised that team working helps me and my colleagues to complete the entire course in
creative manner. There are several limitations are followed while working in team that can
restrain growth or success of project. It might be lead misinterpretation or miscommunication at
the time of conveying information to other; it leads future risk for project, i.e. conflicts between
subordinates. Apart from this, every individual has their own personality traits and competencies
as if these aspects will not recognised that then it can generate different issues in communication.
Therefore, in this manner group has to conduct different brainstorming activities; it leads a
friendly or positive surroundings among each of us.
Apart from this, the whole project report has been relied upon podcast script, as there are
diverse tools and techniques used for completing this. The procedure of developing a efficient
podcast is followed by me thus to record or broadcast an authentic report of podcast. In initial
part, the process of pre-production was applied on which the overall script is written and for this
we have collected necessary equipment, made a budget and assign activities to all members. We
also have designed all activities or tasks in suitable manner; for this purpose I analysed time
frame for podcast so protect practices and make recordings.
With regards to this theoretical segment, the whole procedure taught me different
scientific variables for making suitable and credible undertaking task. I have completed the entire
project in negative way and face absence of information and data which interlinked with
different activities and practices in appropriate way. Likewise this will take additional season of
dig for breaking down and assessing all report and researchers look into for getting new raw
numbers. Subsequent to planning and dissecting whole web recording report, so I and my
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colleagues are skilled for estimating distinctive creators and researchers in restricted day and age.
It is valuable and help in increasing abnormal state of realizing which ought to be in future time
period. After that I have to create and influence by and large to digital broadcast report, where
we are capable for receiving diverse media procedures and strategies for doing exact thought
process of such report. It is important for me is to see how to utilize distinctive learning
strategies and instruments of broadcasting in more compelling way (Zhang, Liang and Sun,
2013). For endeavouring this task, my whole colleagues are not just comprehend different
learning style and place for boost the imagination and inventive web recording work. It is
fundamental for ordering solid and right data for making legitimate justification for whole task
which primary point is to reach with exact information adequately. Therefore, suitable evaluation
and proposition ought to be sorted out by specialist at the season of outlining whole report. With
the help of given raw numbers, agent has demonstrated some student and essayist which
introduce toward the finish of this report and help in influencing by and large to extend. In this
way, entire colleagues has work over whole undertaking for make the last report. There are
distinctive hindrances and points of interest that has been confronted while creating and figuring
toward the end, last outcome ought to be accomplished by the assistance of specialist. The whole
gathering or group can be learn diverse activities which ought to be accomplished by providing
measure up to contribution in this task.
CONCLUSION
From the above mentioned assignment, it get determined that while doing business in at
international level firms like HG requires to understand the cultural or business surroundings of
countries in which it will operate. It is needed for host country to regulate certain standard for
systematic running of business associations. The main issues which are discussed in this
assignment are – national cultural, leadership and ethics and corporate social responsibilities.
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REFERENCES
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shape our understanding of culture in practice?. International Journal of Cross Cultural
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Chen, A.S.Y., Lin, Y. C. and Sawangpattanakul, A., 2011. The relationship between cultural
intelligence and performance with the mediating effect of culture shock: A case from
Philippine laborers in Taiwan. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. 35(2). pp.
246-258.
Chen, R. X., Cheung, C. and Law, R., 2012. A review of the literature on culture in hotel
management research: what is the future?. International Journal of Hospitality
Management. 31(1). pp. 52-65.
Chhokar, J. S., Brodbeck, F. C. and House, R. J. eds., 2013. Culture and leadership across the
world: The GLOBE book of in-depth studies of 25 societies. Routledge.
Crisp, G. and et. al., 2012. Physical and virtual learning spaces in higher education: Concepts
for the modern learning environment (pp. 199-218). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
French, R., 2015. Cross-cultural management in work organisations. Kogan Page Publishers.
Jumiarti, D. and Syafei, A.F.R., 2016. Teaching Speaking by Using The English We Speak
Activity for Senior High School Students. Journal of English Language Teaching. 5(1).
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Moja, L. and Kwag, K.H., 2015. Point of care information services: a platform for self-directed
continuing medical education for front line decision makers. Postgraduate medical
journal. 91(1072). pp. 83-91.
Phillips, B., 2017. Student-Produced Podcasts in Language Learning-Exploring Student
Perceptions of Podcast Activities. IAFOR Journal of Education. 5(3).
Ray, D., 2014. Overcoming cross-cultural barriers to knowledge management using social
media. Journal of Enterprise Information Management. 27(1). pp. 45-55.
Thanh, P.T.H., 2014. Implementing Cross-Culture Pedagogies. Singapore: Springer.
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Tran, C. N., and et. al., 2013. Cross-culture management: an empirical examination of task and
relationship orientations of Omani and the Vietnamese. International Journal of Business
and Applied Sciences. 2(1). p. 64.
Zhang, X., Liang, X. and Sun, H., 2013. Individualism–collectivism, private benefits of control,
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114(4), pp. 655-664.
Online
PODCASTING IN EDUCATION: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?. 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.thepodcasthost.com/niche-case-study/podcasting-in-education/>.
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