Negative and Positive Aspects of Cross-Cultural Interactions: A Case of Multinational Subsidiaries in Poland

Abstract

© 2014, Kaunas University of Technology. All rights reserved. Traditionally, literature and researches on cross-cultural interactions in Multinational Companies (MNCs) and their foreign subsidiaries emphasize typically negative aspects of such relationships. Researchers widely discuss problems faced in a cross-cultural setting and how they affect overseas operations. Less effort has been made so far to study the positive aspects of human interactions in MNCs. Generally, cross-cultural interactions are a peculiar type of social interactions that may contribute to building of social capital of MNCs as well as creativity and innovations, among other positives, which all have a beneficial influence on MNCs’ functioning. Thus, there is a need for a deeper understanding of mutually oriented human behaviors when the borders are crossed. Since the author wants to present a more balanced approach for analysis of human relationship in multicultural settings, the aim of the paper is to identify negative and positive aspects of cross-cultural interactions. The author’s main research was focused on the barriers to cross-cultural interactions while the pilot study also reflects the evidence of positive aspects of such an interaction. The data were collected via a qualitative study in foreign subsidiaries of MNCs in Poland. The analysis provided in the article may contribute to a better understanding of the genuine nature of cross-cultural interactions. There is also emphasized that creativity and innovation may be enhanced in MNCs due to cultural diversity.