Multinational Teams and National Preference of Learning Style from a Cross-Cultural Perspective
Author
Fjogstad, May Helen
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2011
Submitted on
2011-09-08
Pages
83
Abstract
This thesis examines how national preferences for learning styles may influence the functional processes and performance of multinational teams. Against a backdrop of globalization and organizational restructuring—where multinational teams are increasingly common and lack of training and awareness is often linked to underperformance—the study addresses a gap in research concerning national-level learning style preferences in team settings. The work is theory-driven and develops a general model that integrates Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and team learning (e.g., Kayes et al.) with Hofstede’s cross-cultural framework to explain how national cultural values can shape how teams grasp and transform experience. A cross-cultural comparative analysis of Germany and Mexico is used to predict national learning style preferences and potential implications for team processes; these insights are synthesized into a conceptual model. The contribution is a holistic, conceptual explanation of the links between national culture, team development, and performance, and it underscores the importance of training and awareness of team learning processes. The findings are generalized and derive from a synthesis of established literature and model-building rather than primary data.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan nationale præferencer for læringsstil kan påvirke multinationale teams’ funktionelle processer og performance. Med afsæt i et globaliseret arbejdsmiljø, hvor multinationale teams er udbredte og hvor manglende træning og bevidsthed ofte forbindes med svigtende resultater, adresserer studiet et videnshul: den begrænsede forskning i nationale læringsstilpræferencer i en teamkontekst. Afhandlingen er teoridrevet og udvikler en generel teoretisk model, der forbinder Kolbs erfaringslæringsteori og teamlæring (bl.a. Kayes m.fl.) med Hofstedes tværkulturelle ramme for at forklare, hvordan nationale kulturelle værdier kan forme måder at opfatte og omsætte erfaringer på i teams. Som led i modellen gennemføres en tværkulturel sammenlignende analyse af Tyskland og Mexico med henblik på at forudsige nationale præferencer for læringsstil og mulige implikationer for teamprocesser; analysen indarbejdes i en konceptuel model. Bidraget er en holistisk, konceptuel forklaring af sammenhængen mellem national kultur, teamudvikling og præstation, samt en understregning af betydningen af træning og bevidsthed om teamets læringsprocesser. Resultaterne er generelle og bygger på syntese af anerkendt litteratur og modeludvikling frem for primære data.
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