As organisations become increasingly international, managers are more likely to lead teams whose members have different cultural backgrounds, communication styles and attitudes towards disagreement. While this diversity can encourage creativity and introduce valuable new perspectives, it can also make workplace conflicts more complex.
In a recent video from our video series, Professor Virginia Drummond reflects on how the principles presented in the ninth edition of her book, Le Management Interculturel, can help managers prepare for conflict within multicultural teams. Her response focuses on the importance of understanding cultural differences, while also recognising one’s own personal approach to confrontation.
Different Cultures Approach Confrontation Differently
Professor Drummond, a DBA mentor at PSM who teaches Strategic Management and Human Resource Management, explains that attitudes towards direct confrontation can vary significantly across cultures. As a result, people from different cultural backgrounds may approach the same disagreement in very different ways.
For managers, this highlights the importance of considering cultural preferences alongside individual personality. A person’s cultural background may influence how comfortable they feel expressing disagreement or engaging in a difficult conversation.
Recognising these differences can help managers prepare more thoughtfully for interactions within multicultural teams
Recognising Your Own Cultural Preferences
Professor Drummond encourages managers to begin by reflecting on their own cultural background and personal preferences. Are they comfortable addressing disagreements directly, or do they tend to avoid confrontation?
This self-awareness is essential when working across cultures. It helps managers recognise that their preferred way of handling conflict may not be shared by everyone. Learning about the cultural preferences of the other person or group is equally important, as it allows managers to approach difficult interactions with greater understanding and preparation.
Professor Drummond’s reflections offer managers a valuable perspective on preparing for intercultural interactions. By sharing insights from its faculty, PSM brings academic expertise closer to the practical challenges faced by leaders in international and multicultural environments.