Culture shapes change

Whether change succeeds depends less on nationality and more on how people have been shaped – by values, beliefs, and life experiences. An international study highlights the importance of employees’ identification with either local or global norms and shows how they deal with power, uncertainty, and future orientation. This cultural self-positioning plays a key role in determining whether people accept, support, or resist change. Those with a global orientation focus more on the process of change. Those rooted in local cultural contexts tend to assess the surrounding environment and its stability. An analysis of 310 professionals and managers from Europe, Asia, and Arab countries shows: culture runs deep. Nationality explains little. Anyone aiming to drive change must have cultural sensitivity and tailor their leadership approach accordingly.

Understand how cultural orientation shapes change behavior. The study offers concrete input for change strategies that consider mindset, background, and perspective – and leverage diversity as a strength.

All Participants will Receive the Academic Paper:
Managing Readiness for Change to unlock Project Performance – A quantitative study at the cross-section of change- and project management practices.