Supervisor

Martha Gilheaney

Programme

MA in International Business

Keywords

International business, Irish businesses, Cross-cultural studies

Abstract

Cross-cultural studies are gaining increasing relevance in both academia and the corporate world (Arslan, 2001; Chrobot-Mason, et al., 2007; Molinsky, 2013; Meyer, 2014). Ireland, with its immigration policies and incentives for multinational companies, is attracting skilled individuals, leading to a growing diversity in the country. Local businesses frequently hire foreigners, enriching teams with diverse perspectives and creativity. According to the Irish Census (CSO, 2023), over 420,000 immigrants aged 15 and over were employed in Ireland in 2022, surpassing the number of employed Irish nationals.

Highly culturally diverse workplaces necessitate specific management practices to address challenges arising from cultural misunderstandings, unclear communication, prejudices, and low cultural awareness. Effective cross-cultural management (CCM) involves fostering a team that cooperates and integrates successfully while respecting individual uniqueness. This research aims to understand the CCM landscape in Dublin, focusing on the practices, skills, and challenges faced by managers of cross-cultural teams.

Additionally, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into CCM in Ireland, addressing the gap in locally produced scientific and work papers. Employing a qualitative approach, the research combines primary and secondary sources. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, followed by interviews with three Dublin-based managers. The data gathered were critically analyzed, leading to useful recommendations for managers of cross-cultural companies.

Date of Award

5-2024

Full Publication Date

5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Resource Type

thesis

Download

Included in

Business Commons

Share

COinS