The world is becoming more inter-connected. Are managers prepared to lead a more culturally diverse work force? Cross Cultural Leadership skills are necessary to address both opportunities and challenges. But what type of training and development do managers need? Here, what outline criteria for developing competency in Cross Cultural Leadership.

1. 5 Criteria for Developing Cross
Cultural Leadership
Debbie Narver, BSc MBA MScIB
Strategic Management Instructor at NMC Strategic Manager

2. Our world is
becoming more inter-
connected.
Are you prepared to
manage a culturally
diverse work force?

3. What is Cultural Diversity? How does it
relate to Management and Leadership?
• In this case, we are talking about culture as the set of
beliefs, values and accepted behaviour of a particular
population.
• Ultimately, it affects how we and our employees
interact with each other.
• Lack of awareness and skill in Cross Cultural Leadership
can lead to misunderstanding, conflict and poor
performance.

4. Beliefs, Values and Behaviours
Our beliefs are
shaped by our family
and community over
generations.
We have been guided
by this since we were
infants.

5. Bringing together different value “systems”
The more cultural
diversity in the group,
the greater the
potential for different
beliefs and values.
And ultimately,
different behaviour.

6. The Tendency for Ethnocentricity
We all have some level
of cultural conditioning,
but we may not be
aware of it!
It affects our
judgement & actions.
We may believe we are
right and others wrong.

7. Being effective in Managing a Culturally Diverse Work Force
Requires Competency in Cross Cultural Leadership

8. 1. Learn how culture affects beliefs,
values and ultimately behaviour
Hofstede’s dimensions of
culture can be an effective
framework for
understanding how people
can perceive things
differently.
But avoiding labelling
people with these
attributes!

9. 2. Become aware of your own
cultural conditioning
We all have it to some
degree, but may not be
conscious of it.
By becoming aware of your
own unconscious bias, you
can make different choices.

10. 3. Communicate expectations
Don’t assume that
everyone just knows
what is expected and
how to behave.
Explain, put in writing,
give examples, or
perhaps even
demonstrate.

11. 4. Apply Tools and Processes
Tools and processes can help
your team work together
effectively.
For example, a team charter
and/or code of conduct can
provide a checklist towards
desirable performance.

12. 5. Have Patience
It takes times for teams to
work together effectively.
Even more so for diverse
teams.
And it will take time to
develop your competency
in Cross Cultural
Leadership.

13. Learn more about Cross Cultural Leadership
Development and Training
www.nmcstrategicmanager.com