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Biculturalism, Team Performance, and Cultural-faultline Bridges

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  • Dau, Luis Alfonso

Abstract

This conceptual paper focuses on the relationship between biculturalism and team performance. Building on Transactive Memory Theory, I argue that bicultural team members have a latent potential to enhance the transactive memory systems and performance of their teams. However, I propose that this potential is only fully realized when the characteristics of the individual and team are synchronized. More specifically, I argue that biculturals may have a different impact on culturally homogenous teams, culturally diverse teams, and teams characterized by a deep cultural faultline, depending on whether the biculturals share neither, one, or both of their cultures with other members of the team. In order to integrate these ideas, I develop a dynamic, multi-level theoretical model that delineates the relationships in question.

Suggested Citation

  • Dau, Luis Alfonso, 2016. "Biculturalism, Team Performance, and Cultural-faultline Bridges," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 48-62.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:22:y:2016:i:1:p:48-62
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2015.10.001
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    2. Eisenberg, Julia & Mattarelli, Elisa, 2017. "Building Bridges in Global Virtual Teams: The Role of Multicultural Brokers in Overcoming the Negative Effects of Identity Threats on Knowledge Sharing Across Subgroups," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 399-411.
    3. Zaidman, Nurit & Cohen, Hilla, 2020. "Micro-dynamics of stress and coping with cultural differences in high tech global teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(3).
    4. Günter K Stahl & Martha L Maznevski, 2021. "Unraveling the effects of cultural diversity in teams: A retrospective of research on multicultural work groups and an agenda for future research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 4-22, February.
    5. Mattarelli, Elisa & Tagliaventi, Maria Rita & Carli, Giacomo & Gupta, Amar, 2017. "The Role of Brokers and Social Identities in the Development of Capabilities in Global Virtual Teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 382-398.
    6. Peltokorpi, Vesa & Zhang, Ling Eleanor, 2022. "Host country culture and language identification, and their workplace manifestations: A study on corporate expatriates in China and Japan," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(3).
    7. Szymanski, Mike & Fitzsimmons, Stacey R. & Danis, Wade M., 2019. "Multicultural managers and competitive advantage: Evidence from elite football teams," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 305-315.

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