Term Paper on "Cross-Cultural Leadership"

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The hiring policies and the reward system are also derived from an organization's core functioning values. A company will try to bring in people who share the same values and can work according to a precise set of rules and principles. These principles are at the same time, the very criteria that will allow the employees to be awarded for the achievement of their tasks or, on the contrary, to be sanctioned for their mistakes.

It is practically impossible for an organization, regardless of its type, to function peacefully at all times. The business environment and its current development patterns, as well as all the changes which occur and might occur from other areas and which can affect industries, economies and business make it highly possible for any company to encounter a difficult moments and even a crisis situation.

One of the most important factors which can help an organization surpass a period of crisis is represented by communication. First and foremost, people need to understand its importance and then act accordingly. In times of hardship, communication can make miracles if it is well managed, since it is the fundamental basis for collaboration. As far as its target is concerned, it is safe to say that both internal and external communication processes share an equal importance. Actually, a 360 degrees communication process would be preferable.

Internal communication must function at all levels, on the horizontal and on the vertical. If a problem exists, then it must be clearly stated. Its possible causes must be individuated and communicated to all the stuff. People need to know what they are confronted with, why the situation is like that and what is it that they must do in order to solve the situation. Under these circumstances, communication must be used and also perceived as a means of collaboration.

In addition, feedback is highly important in times of hardship. It is worth underlining though, that in order for feedback to be efficiently used, data bases need to be created. It is in this way that organized information may give insight regarding the best possible solutions.

As far as external communication is concerned, it must be said that all the target audiences must be clearly defined. The declarations of the organizations must be clear and not leave room for interpretation. In addition, the organizations must make it clear that they have nothing to hide and try to convince that they are doing everything in their power to solve the crisis (using supporting evidence).

Leadership is a notion which is strongly connected to the one of power. Power and authority also prove to have a strong relation. Leadership can be based on power, either financial or at a know-how level. It may also be the case that leadership puts you in a position of power. Under these circumstances, it can be stated that the bases of leadership can come in a variety of forms. I personally have the tendency to assume the leader role whenever group work or generally speaking, group activities is involved.

This comes from my desire to do things perfectly and have the best possible outcome. I am not at ease if I leave things to be decide by others. In my opinion, in order to achieve a task, one must be very well organized. The purpose must be clearly stated and specific roles must be assumed by the team members. Some people are better off when they are told what to do, while others would rather be in the position of the "tellers." I usually find myself more comfortable in the latter position.

It is very important for leaders to be accepted as what they are by the persons with which they need to work with. One may be talented and very good at what he does, if he does not succeed in creating a trust-based relationship with his team, it will more difficult to achieve a purpose, even a common one. From this point-of-view, I consider that one way to improve my leadership skills is the improvement of the socializing skills. In addition, I could work upon my psychology knowledge, improving my information in the area of motivation and influence. Furthermore, experience in working with people and contact with a variety as large as possible of people from numerous fields of action can also be helpful in this regard.

Executive leadership is highly important for the successful functioning of any organization. The executive functions can not be neglected if one wishes to have a company which functions efficiently and efficaciously. There are nevertheless several competencies that an executive leader should have in order to achieve his tasks in the best possible manner. A professional executive leader must be able to create efficient teams, succeed in making alliances with other organizations, serving the best interest of both the company and the clients.

Leading change is a fundamental competency that one must have once in the position of the executive leader. Strategic changes must be efficiently managed, whether they take place within the organization or outside it. No matter the case, the executive leader must be a good communicator, managing to motivate people in the context of change and to help them adapt. From this point-of-view, it can be stated that one has to be creative and come up with efficient approaches. Innovation must also be encouraged and supported through all the possible techniques.

External awareness is another competency that can be of great help as far as executive leadership is concerned. The business environment undergoes constant changes and one must know how to react to them. In addition, one must be able to think proactively. Having constantly updated information about what's going on in all the fields of interest (the ones which might have an impact upon one's activity or area of activity) as well as an analytical perspective, may allow one to predict future changes and prepare for them in the most efficacious manner. Strategic visionary thinking is essential from this point-of-view.

Another important competency refers to leading people. In other words, helping them carry their tasks in the best possible manner, accordingly to the values and the mission of the organization. One must encourage teamwork as well as collaboration between all the activity levels within an organization. At the same time, one must be able to properly stimulate and motivate people in order to have them give their best. In addition, the executive leader must be able to solve conflicts in the best manner for the company, without hurting any of the employees' interest either.

One core competency for the executive leader is represented by the one to manage conflict. This means that one must have a good knowledge of the way the employees think, about their motivations. In addition, one must have the capacity to encourage competition between the employees, but in a creative manner. This will drive the organization ahead. Differences must be encouraged and supported. However, the task of the executive manager is difficult under these circumstances because the forces driving the company must function in synergy. Reaching this harmony is his task.

Inspiring people to work in teams is another ability that the executive manager must have. He must provide people with constant opportunities to express themselves and improve themselves. Constant feedback must be given to people in order to support them.

Furthermore, the executive leader must be result oriented.… READ MORE