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Cultural gap bridging in multinational teams

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Backmann

    (University College Dublin)

  • Rouven Kanitz

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Univ. Munich)

  • Amy Wei Tian

    (Curtin University)

  • Patrick Hoffmann

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Univ. Munich)

  • Martin Hoegl

    (Ludwig-Maximilians-Univ. Munich)

Abstract

Multinational teams are an organizational reality, but they present several challenges. The literature suggests that individuals with multicultural identities are more likely to show behaviors that aim at improving intercultural interactions in multinational teams, though scholars have yet to determine the precise nature of these behaviors. We address this research gap in a multimethod two-study design by identifying five team cultural gap bridging behaviors (CGB behaviors: facilitating, translating, integrating, mediating, and empathetic comforting). In Study 1, we draw on one qualitative and two quantitative datasets to identify within-team CGB behaviors and develop a measure of CGB behaviors. In Study 2, drawing from two-wave survey data, we investigate and find support for the direct relationships between cultural identity plurality and CGB behaviors and the indirect relationships via cultural intelligence.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Backmann & Rouven Kanitz & Amy Wei Tian & Patrick Hoffmann & Martin Hoegl, 2020. "Cultural gap bridging in multinational teams," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(8), pages 1283-1311, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:51:y:2020:i:8:d:10.1057_s41267-020-00310-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41267-020-00310-4
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