increase in the number of studies examining the relationship between culture and
leadership styles that correlated with globalization. Yukl (2010) stated that scholars
disagree regarding the universality of cultural specific organizational attributes and their
effectiveness. Yukl (2010) also stated that many researchers have argued that culture has
a direct impact on leadership styles, showing that specific cultural traditions and norms
cause differentiation in styles. Hofstede (2010) suggested power distance as the most
important determinant of leadership style. His research showed that people from high
power distance countries preferred autocratic leadership, while people in countries with
low power distance prefer more participative leadership. Jackson, Hobman, Jimmieson,
and Martin (2009) concluded that the optimum leadership profile of a country is
influenced by its cultural values. Their research demonstrated that employees in
individualist countries prefer more freedom and autonomy, while those in collectivist
cultures favor security and in-group harmony..................
Scholars agree on the importance of leaders and managers to develop crosscultural
leadership skills. Foti and Hauenstein (2007) described the ability to manage
people in an international context as one of the greatest tests of leadership. Gelfand, Erez
and Aycan (2007) also recognized that in many different cultures, success is not only
dependent upon a leader’s technical and professional expertise, but also on their
understanding of culture and staff. Varying degrees of understanding often lead to
relationships of power. Casmir, Waldman, Bartman, and Yang (2006) noted significant
limitations in attempting to transfer or implement organizational theory across cultures
stating that trust is not necessarily vital for higher levels of performance because of
different implicit theories regarding leadership. The differences in values and beliefs