Relationship-oriented communicative managerial practices to promote effectiveness in long-term multicultural teams : managers' perceptions of their successful practices at a multinational organization

Abstract

The present study examines managerial practices that are perceived to promote multicultural team effectiveness. The objective of the study is to develop a better understanding of multicultural team effectiveness by capturing a portrait of the organizational reality of managers in successful multicultural teams. The research is motivated by the lack of literature on the multicultural managerial approach in organizations studies. Previous models are either related to effective multicultural teaming, such as Tirmizi’s model (2008), or to managerial practices, such as the basic framework of Thomas, Ravlin and Barry (2000). The study aims to understand the range of capabilities, and positive aspects of the contemporary phenomenon of effective multicultural teaming. Results demonstrate the characteristics and the strategies utilized by participants. The study reveals in what ways managers grant a great deal of importance to positive relationships with team members, as well as good communication as essential to promoting effective multicultural teaming. The results were gathered in four main categories: 1) communicative strategies, 2) relational focus on togetherness, 3) development opportunities, and 4) positive attitude towards multiculturalism, as well as its use as an advantage in their team processes. The findings confirm the conclusions of previous studies and characteristics, these include communication, problem-solving and decision-making, leadership, climate’ factors of trust and cohesion and the criteria of learning, respect, support for teams, support for diversity, training, cohesiveness, satisfaction, team spirit and trust are identified as important in reaching multicultural teams. The study also identifies a number of characteristics and strategies not included in previous studies, such as relational focus with togetherness, closeness, availability and low level of hierarchy, effective communication, listening, attentiveness, respect and support, adaptation, positive attitude towards multiculturalism, participation and immediacy in addressing issues.