Interpersonal Communication Class - Final Paper - Essay Example

Culture plays a fundamental role in management and leadership especially in multicultural organizations. Two different approaches have been advanced in exploring the contribution of culture within a working environment. The convergence school of thought asserts that national or institutional culture has no significant influence on the leadership and management practices. The scientists in support of this school of thought argue that management has the same ‘best policies and practice’ that is applicable independent of the institutional and cultural context.

The divergence school of thought, on the other hand asserts that best management policies and practices are culturally bounded, hence influenced by cultural and contextual factors. Although globalization has resulted to standardization of best management policies and practices, divergence theory on power distance cannot be overlooked; as confirms organizational literatures and psychology articles. Adler and Bartholemew (1994, p.429) concluded that culture was important management aspect that has the ability to cause a significant difference in the human resource management and organizational behavior.

Therefore, it was inevitable to consider cultural aspect in managing human cultural diversity. The differences in the national management practices and the outcomes are indicators of the fact that cultural differences have a substantial influence on the management and leadership. It is on this account of cultural influence on management and leadership practice that this study examines cross-cultural differences with respect to international relationship that exist within the working environment between senior managers and the workforce of the organization.

In particular, the role of power distance on employee’s participation and horizontal communications are emphasized in many cross-cultural