Understanding and approaching the cultural gap between First World leaders and their Third World workforce: An African focus

Abstract

The world is characterised by political, social and economicenvironmental changes. Internationalisation and globalisation forinstance, have brought about world competition and require managers tointeract with and manage people who are culturally diverse. The aim ofthis qualitative research article therefore, is to discuss anappropriate and relevant way in which First World leaders can understandand approach their Third World workforce in Africa. Important conceptsare defined, with the focus on cultural intelligence and thesignificance thereof to the First World leaders' understanding andapproach towards Third World subordinates. Cultural intelligence can beimproved by inter alia, obtaining knowledge of current leadership andmanagement practices in Africa. Therefore, leadership and management inAfrica are discussed, followed by a description of a culturalintelligence implementation model of leadership. Lastly, the focus is onservant leadership as a tool to implement cultural intelligence in theorganisational context.