Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

submittedVersion

Publication Date

4-2016

Abstract

Given the shortcomings of unidimensional accounts of culture that are based on nationality, this paper builds on and steps beyond current multidimensional conceptualizations of culture in order to provide first empirical evidence for a multidimensional operationalization of culture. It shows the multiple and simultaneous sources of cultural values (i.e., Family, Nationality, Urban/Rural Background, etc.) that individuals draw from in order to behave in accordance with their social setting. This contributes to our understanding of how and when individuals adopt multiple cultural identities. As the first attempt to operationalize the 'mosaic' framework of culture proposed by Chao and Moon (2005), this paper presents rich and detailed accounts from participants operating in various multinational organizations located in Munich, Germany and Cape Town/Johannesburg, South Africa. Findings reveal that the operationalization that was used in this study can determine which cultural facets are more influential than others in different settings. It further shows how some individuals willingly adopt distinct cultural identities in different social settings (i.e., home culture versus organizational culture), while others acquire permeable identities, bringing their home culture to work. Thus, we provide a multifaceted view of what constitutes culturally derived behaviour and how individuals' multiple cultural identities can be managed in the workplace.

Keywords

Identity, Culture, Mixed methods, International management, Multidimensional operationalization

Discipline

International Business | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Sociology of Culture

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

European Management Journal

Volume

34

Issue

2

First Page

102

Last Page

113

ISSN

0263-2373

Identifier

10.1016/j.emj.2016.01.003

Publisher

Elsevier: 24 months

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2016.01.003

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