Leadership Implications
A study of executives in fi ve countries found that although the globalization of
business seems to be leading to a convergence of managerial values and attitudes,
executives in different countries differ signifi cantly in some areas, which can create
problems for leadership.70 To lead effectively in a diverse global environment,
leaders should be aware of cultural and subcultural differences. Chapter 3 examined
contingency theories of leadership that explain the relationship between
leader style and a given situation. It is important for leaders to recognize that
culture affects both style and the leadership situation. For example, in cultures
with high uncertainty avoidance, a leadership situation with high task structure
as described in Chapter 3 is favorable, but those in low uncertainty avoidance
cultures prefer less-structured work situations.