Positive cross-cultural scholarship research

Abstract

Despite ongoing change, most cross-cultural management theory and research tends to emphasize problems and misunderstandings associated with cross-cultural interactions and at the same time deemphasize the positive role of cross-cultural interactions within organizations. We unpack positive features of cross-cultural dynamics by identifying the key processes, conditions and mechanisms through which diversity improves team outcomes by introducing the lens of “Positive Organizational Scholarship”. The goal of this chapter is to showcase research that sheds light on the positive dynamics but also the positive outcomes associated with cross-cultural differences in a wide range of organizational contexts. We are fully aware that this problem-oriented perspective on cross-cultural differences does have merits; nevertheless we would like to strongly indicate that cross-cultural differences may create numerous opportunities and benefits such as increased productivity and creativity, and better problem-solving quality.