Comparison of Dutch and American leadership practices in a NATO organization.

摘要

Current research indicated that there is a need for organizations to help employees in multi-cultural organizations develop cross-cultural awareness. The Leadership Practices Inventory developed by Kouzes and Posner (2003) was used to measure five leadership practices across two independent cultures. The data indicated that (a) a significant difference existed between American and Dutch leaders at Geilenkirchen Air Base in each of the five leadership practices; (b) previously believed cultural differences might not be applicable in all contexts; (c) in the studied populations, the influence of globalization had not resulted in cultural convergence; (d) there was not a set of universal leadership characteristics being exhibited in the populations; and (e) the leadership practices needed and expected by subordinates of each culture might differ based on cultural influences. Prior research indicated that differences between NATO member states existed. This study provided new data that showed specific differences in observed leadership practices between personnel from two NATO member states and provided quantitative evidence that there is a need for more cross-cultural awareness training in NATO.