Analysis of Cross-Cultural Management in International Contexts Report

This report analyzes the challenges and opportunities of managing in an international context, focusing on cultural adjustment and its impact on workplace dynamics. The report begins by defining cultural adjustment and its significance, using the example of an employee from Oman navigating cultural differences within an American-dominated workplace. It highlights the psychological effects of cultural adjustment, referencing Gouttefarde (1992) to explain the short-term challenges and long-term benefits. The report then discusses the concept of cultural shock, as described by Presbitero (2016), and emphasizes the importance of mental stability in overcoming such challenges. The provided assignment brief outlines the subject's objectives, which include understanding the global business environment and developing strategies for effective cross-cultural management. The report aims to provide a deeper understanding of international business environments.

Running head: MANAGEMENT
Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1MANAGEMENT
Week 11 - Adjusting to a new culture
Cultural adjustment can be defined as the cognitive, emotional as well as behavioural
changes an individual undergoes when fitting into a completely new environment. Working in a
culture that is different from one’s own culture can be frustrating as well as exhilarating.
Surviving efficiently in a different culture in workplace leads to great personal growth. I have
been working in an organization where majority of the employees are Americans. One of the
employees, whose origin is from Oman, faces several cultural issues in the workplace. For
instance being a Muslim he prefers to stay away from alcoholic drinks. However in several office
parties his colleagues often force him to drink. According to Gouttefarde (1992), psychological
outcomes of cultural adjustment are double edged since it involves short tie pain like anxiety,
stress as well as frustration along with long time gain like enhanced cultural awareness, cognitive
complexity as well as creativity and problem solving ability. For instance in the above scenario,
it is crucial for the employee to communicate properly with his American college while politely
refusing to drink. According to Presbitero (2016), in several situations, it is possible for an
employee to experience cultural shock that includes the feeling of stress, anxiety as well as
psychological disorientation that is often induced by linguistic as well as behavioural signals that
are highly difficult to interpret. This may be faced by the employee in this scenario. To overcome
cultural shock mental stability and determination is needed.

2MANAGEMENT
Reference List
Gouttefarde, C., 1992. Host national culture shock: What management can do. European
Business Review, 92(4), pp.1-3.
Presbitero, A., 2016. Culture shock and reverse culture shock: The moderating role of cultural
intelligence in international students’ adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural
Relations, 53, pp.28-38.