What Leadership Looks Like in Different Cultures

Abstract

Leadership is recognized as an important function of management in the world, but its definition is various in different cultural backgrounds. These differences can be reflected in power distance latitude, individuality, uncertainty avoidance, and so on. This paper will discuss the different ways of leadership in different regions and cultural backgrounds through examples from several countries. Under the framework proposed by Greet Hofstede, the article takes China, South Korea, the United States, and France as examples to discuss the different power distances between the West and the East. Power distance represents the assumption and acceptance of an unfair proportion of power, resources, and privilege among social members. By analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of leadership in these different backgrounds, this paper puts forward some ideas about leadership and management, which are suitable for the international situation of cultural integration.