The Road to Hell

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School

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi *

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Course

MISC

Subject

Management

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

3

Uploaded by bensonayub

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1. How would you describe John Baker’s management style regarding his cross cultural adaptation? John Baker's management style regarding cross-cultural adaptation appears to be a mix of cultural sensitivity and pragmatism. Here is a breakdown: Cultural Sensitivity: Baker is an expatriate who has worked in various countries for Continental Ore. He acknowledges the importance of understanding and getting along with regional staff in different countries. This indicates that he values cultural sensitivity and adaptability in his management style. He believes he has an "innate knack" for building relationships with local staff, which suggests an understanding of the importance of cultural nuances in managing international teams. Pragmatism: Baker recognizes that grooming Matthew Rennalls, a promising Barracanian engineer, is a critical task. He understands the political and social dynamics at play, including Rennalls' prominent family background and political involvement. Baker is willing to prioritize the company's objectives over political considerations, persuading Rennalls to focus on his engineering career instead of politics. Effective Communication: Baker seems to value effective communication in managing his team. He is thoughtful and deliberate about how he approaches sensitive conversations, as evidenced by his hesitation before calling Rennalls in for an interview. This suggests a thoughtful approach to conveying information and feedback. Adaptation to Local Context: Baker recognizes that the success of Continental Ore's operations in Barracania depends on positive relationships with local staff and the government. He has adjusted his approach to fit this context, acknowledging the significance of regionalization and local politics.
Recognition of Cultural Barriers: Baker is aware of the existence of a cultural barrier between him and Rennalls, attributed to Rennalls' "well-repressed sense of race consciousness." While Baker recognizes this barrier, he appears frustrated by it and is determined to overcome it. This recognition reflects an understanding of the impact of cultural factors on workplace relationships. John Baker's management style reflects a balance between cultural sensitivity and the pursuit of the company's objectives. He acknowledges cultural nuances and tries to adapt to the local context while prioritizing the success of the company's operations. 2. Do you agree or disagree with John Baker’s assumption that “Rennalls’ well repressed sense of race consciousness prevented their relationship from being as close as it should have been.” I disagree with John Baker's assumption that “Rennalls' well-repressed sense of race consciousness prevented their relationship from being as close as it should have been.” Here is an elaborated reason: While it is acknowledged that racial consciousness can influence interpersonal relationships in a diverse workplace, it is essential not to oversimplify the situation. Disagreeing with Baker's assumption is based on the following points: Shared Responsibility: Building a close working relationship is a shared responsibility. Both Baker and Rennalls have a role to play in fostering a positive work environment. Baker should not solely attribute the barrier to Rennalls' racial consciousness but should also reflect on his own approach and communication style.
Complex Factors: Workplace dynamics are influenced by a multitude of factors, including cultural differences, communication styles, personalities, and work-related pressures. It's overly reductionist to attribute the distance between Baker and Rennalls solely to racial consciousness without considering these other factors. Lack of Communication: Instead of making assumptions about Rennalls' feelings or beliefs, Baker could benefit from open and honest communication. A candid conversation about their working relationship could reveal whether racial consciousness is a significant factor and provide an opportunity to address any issues that may exist. Cultural Understanding: Effective cross-cultural management requires an understanding of and respect for cultural differences. Baker should be proactive in learning about the cultural context in which he is working and adapting his management style accordingly. This proactive approach can help bridge gaps in understanding. Unconscious Bias: Both individuals may have unconscious biases that affect their perceptions and interactions. These biases can be subtle and unintentional, making it important for both parties to be aware of them and work towards minimizing their impact. Attributing the distance in their working relationship solely to Rennalls' racial consciousness oversimplifies the situation. A more nuanced and open approach to understanding and addressing any issues is needed. Both individuals have a role to play in building a closer working relationship, and it is important not to make assumptions without engaging in constructive dialogue.
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