The Global Diversity Desk Reference: Managing an International Workforce

4.1. AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE AND IMPACT OF NATIONAL CULTURE ON THE TEAM

In the business world of the United States and Great Britain, team building has frequently been thought of as a Western and linear intervention designed to refine and improve a functioning work group or team. The process is an accurate reflection of the business culture. In Southeast Asia however, team building was traditionally not an issue since the team was directed to meet the expectations of the leader. The question for managers of global teams is what other preferred national business styles impact not only the concept or definition of team building, but also the practice of it. How do methods and processes need to be expanded and adapted to help a global ...