The seminal work on culture remains Hofstede, Hofstede, and Minkov’s 2010 publication Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind: Intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival. Within that text the authors spoke to Power Distance at a national cultural level; however, given that many organizations are multicultural, diverse, and global organizational Leaders would do well to understand the concepts to enhance the effectiveness of the Leadership System in play.
The seminal work on culture remains Hofstede, Hofstede, and Minkov’s 2010å√ publication Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind: Intercultural cooperation and its importance for survival. Within that text the authors spoke to Power Distance at a national cultural level; however, given that many organizations are multicultural, diverse, and global organizational Leaders would do well to understand the concepts to enhance the effectiveness of the Leadership System in play.
Organizational Leaders should recognize that conflict is a natural by-product of Power Distance as individuals and groups react to the Leader’s power application. Said conflict can be viewed through three frames or lens: Power-Based, Rights-Based, or Interest-Based. Leaders should be both cognizant of and comfortable with managing conflict given its natural place within every organization.
As Leaders contend with conflict they should also be aware of Prospect Theory and its role in participants’ behaviors and attitudes. Prospect Theory, succinctly, speaks to loss aversion being greater than the risks associated with possible gains. Prospect Theory can be a leverage point for Leaders if understood and properly applied.
In today’s environment conflict rages along many lines. Leader Development should be in-process and on-going as historical norms are overturned.
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