Essay Example On Human Resource Management

Cross Cultural Management and Organizational Behavior in Africa

The first socio-cultural practice that impact business relations in Africa is understanding the ethnic difference and identity because there are more than 3000 ethnic groups across Africa and there are certain socio-cultural differences among and within nations due to linguistic and ethnic divide. This entails the necessity to follow communication etiquettes that respect all ethnic sensitivities and affiliations. Secondly, the foreign companies could enter into African markets by establishing business ties with family-owned enterprises and business groups that belong to specific ethnic communities famous for their natural business and entrepreneurial skills. In addition, it should be highlighted that these partners could be among the members of upper-middle and elite classes, which have significant social, economic and political influence in African region. Examples of these ethnic groups include Ewe, Apwakim, Fante, Ga, Ashanti and others. Therefore, the partnerships with economically and culturally powerful local business groups in Africa are essential for making successful inroads, enhancing business network and enticing local consumers towards western products and businesses into culturally sensitive African markets. Third, the internal organizational environment of African entity is also influenced by widely accepted cultural values and norms such as respect of supervisors and seniors by subordinates who are expected to obey orders of higher-ups. In contrast, the employees at any western company are motivated to actively communicate and participate in employee – manager / employer discussion session for open questioning, disagreements, arguments and recommendations. Fourth, the African organizations are usually structured and centralized that value paternal leadership, group consultation, collective solidarity, social cohesion and group consensus. Most importantly, the organizations implement African management philosophy known as Ubuntu that means respect and ‘humanity towards others’. Fifth, the business relationships in Africa commence after personal understanding and detailed non-business communications by African managers with their foreign counterparts. Time is not valued as money across in collectivistic African region unlike individualist Western economies; therefore, the foreigners should understand this cultural dimension and focus on building personal ties through informal discussions with African personnel.
American organizations that attempt to conduct business and/or set up operations in Africa should use a specific strategy of adopting African cultural values, norms and behavioral systems to shape organizational culture of American subsidiaries. The U.S. firms could not implement the similar U.S. corporate culture of employee recognition through individual achievements, young leaders, personal challenges, employee-employee competition, weak interpersonal ties and employee – employer relationships. Instead, the American organizations are recommended to partner with local business groups from specific ethnic communities to ensure they could make inroads into African markets with the endorsement of influential locals groups who have economic, financial, technical, physical, networking and political dominance across the region. Next, the U.S. companies should implement African cultural value systems that emphasize on conformity, group interests and accomplishments, collaboration and interdependence, social relationships and cohesion, mutual consensus, teamwork, group harmony and senior leadership. It should be argued that American organizational culture is an absolute opposite of African business culture and etiquette because the former values performance and material achievements, while the latter embraces relationship-orientation and collective interests. Finally, the researcher would recommend joint venture strategy with local partnerships for entrance in African markets by providing ownership rights to local businessmen from specific ethnic groups who will promote American companies and products. Also, the Americans could develop a unique organizational culture, which is a blend of African – American cultural systems to foster competition and performance.