n-Culturals: modeling the multicultural identity

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Anugerah Pekerti ◽  
David Clinton Thomas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to extend current conceptualizations of multicultural individuals by mapping the underlying elements of knowledge, identification, commitment and internalization as components of multicultural identity. It aims to extend discussions of how multicultural individuals manage their multiculturality. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws primarily on extant works on multicultural individuals and identity. The paper reviews a number of concepts relevant to multicultural identity to introduce the existence of a population called n-Culturals who represent a complex type that exists on one extreme of a continuum of multicultural identity. The paper derives a theory of n-Culturalism which represents a more nuanced theory of the multicultural identity. Findings – n-Culturals recognizes that elements of multicultural identity exist within individuals to a greater or lesser extent and that their combination results in a comprehensive understanding of the entire range of multicultural identities. n-Culturalism extends current views that multicultural individuals maintain multiple saliences of their identities rather than switching modes to manage their multiculturality. Research limitations/implications – The conceptual nature of the paper implies that there are no existing empirical data apart from anecdotal examples; at the same time this fact provides ample opportunities to test the theory. Practical implications – First, the findings provides an understanding of multiple cultural influences on acculturative stress and on performance across a range of domains as well as measuring multicultural identity. Second, by understanding the way in which n-Culturals develop the authors may gain valuable insights in modeling this process. Originality/value – The paper develops a new theory of approaching the challenges faced by multicultural individuals, that is, how to manage their multiculturality. The theory goes beyond current views of switching modes or suppression, and suggests maintaining and balancing multiple identities.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 653-663
Author(s):  
Fenwick W. English ◽  
Lisa Catherine Ehrich

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the phenomenon of leadership at the intersection of aesthetics, identity and self within a dynamic, fluid and interactive compositional mixture which is part of a leader’s continuous process of invention and reinvention. Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this paper is a conceptual analysis and presentation involving some of the extant literature in the field of aesthetics, identity and leadership, including Harold Bloom’s theory of poetry that provides an entrance point to understand the problem of identity. The authors argue that a person, such as a leader, has multiple identities and interactions with others which lead to the co-construction of the self. To demonstrate this argument, the authors explore a case study of the life of the opera diva, Maria Callas. Findings An exploratory conceptual model demonstrating the relationship between identity and self, and insights and Bloom’s theory are applied to illuminate the case study of Maria Callas’ life. A key finding of the analysis is that identity is linked to performance and co-constructed in relation to others. Practical implications The paper concludes by discussing two implications for developing school leadership performance: the need for an aesthetic perspective of leadership and the need to provide a range of teaching approaches to teach leadership. Originality/value There have been few, if any, significant breakthroughs in understanding more about leadership from the traditional methods of social science. It is argued that until and unless researchers move towards working in aesthetic traditions there is not likely to be new understandings of it.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Pereira ◽  
Ashish Malik ◽  
Fabian Jintae Froese

Purpose This paper aims to explore the importance of the role of national business systems (NBS) in shaping human resource management (HRM) and organisational behaviour (OB) practices in the context of Asian countries. To this end, this paper presents a comparative overview of different NBS in selected Asian countries and how these variously impact HRM and OB at two levels and contexts, i.e. within and cross-national. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a topical review of the literature to unravel the complexity and challenges associated with studying this rich and complex area. Findings The findings suggest there is significant complexity in studying the impact of NBS on HRM and OB at a holistic and multi-level unit of analysis. The multiplicity of factors and levels of analysis, even at a level of within country analysis, highlights the sophisticated, in-depth and detailed nature of scholarship needed to unbundle and get a fuller understanding of this topic. Research limitations/implications Although recent research presents a within and cross-national analysis of NBS and its impact on HRM and OB practices from diverse Asian countries such as India, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, recent research offers only a focused analysis of few targeted HRM and OB practices, rather than a collective or a bundle of HRM practices. Practical implications The contributions point to several practical implications for HR managers as well as managers from other fields, covering several national and cross-national comparisons. Originality/value This paper offers a substantial contribution in the understanding of how various HRM and OB practices are embedded in a nation’s business system and through a variety of historical and cultural influences.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 505-528
Author(s):  
Nicole Carrie Jones Young ◽  
Kemi Salawu Anazodo

Purpose This paper aims to explore how incarcerated women prepare to manage the stigma of a criminal history as they look to re-enter the workforce after release from incarceration. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a qualitative, case study research design including interviews and observations to explore the experiences and self-perceptions of incarcerated women within the context of employment. Findings Five themes that emerged and influenced the perception of stigma as these incarcerated women prepared for release into the labor market were career self-efficacy, the intersection of identity (women and criminal history), self-perceptions of prison identity, stigma disclosure and social support for employment. Research limitations/implications As the management literature expands to include more diverse and marginalized populations, current understanding of theories and concepts, such as multiple identities and stigma disclosure, may operate differently as compared to traditional management samples. Practical implications Organizations can collaborate with correctional facilities to ensure that individuals with a criminal history are trained and prepared to re-enter the workplace upon release. Social implications As employment is one of the biggest determinants of recidivism (i.e. return to incarceration) for individuals with a criminal history, organizations have the unique ability to assist in substantially decreasing the incarcerated population. Originality/value This study explores criminal history and highlights some of the nuances to consider when exploring an understudied and marginalized population, such as women with a criminal history.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi De Bernardis ◽  
Luca Giustiniano

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible coexistence of single and multiple organizational identities (OIs) after mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In particular, it describes how the sensemaking process leads the acquired and acquiring companies to maintain multiple identities, even after the formal conclusion of the integration process. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a grounded study based on a single case study (M&A between a German chemical multinational and an Italian/Swiss pharmaceutical firm). Findings – While many previous studies suggest that the evolution of OI reduces ambiguity by providing multiple identities under a shared commonality, this paper shows that multiple identities might survive within the same “new entity.” Research limitations/implications – Despite being based on a single case, the paper argues that the choice of maintaining multiple identities may be even more appropriate than the tendency to converge toward one of the old ones or toward a new one. The “sense” that employees and managers give to the same “words,” as well as the “sense” that they make for them, mirrors the perception they have of the OI. Practical implications – The conclusions presented could help managers to facilitate sensemaking as a means of dealing with multiple OIs. Originality/value – Differently from the extant literature, the paper concludes by stating that striking a balance between single and multiple identities might provide the ideal platform for building a new identity based on plurality. When the two (or more) organizational contexts present some complementarities, the existence of multiple identities, and its inner ambiguity, is not a problem per se.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Yong

Purpose This study aims to highlight the experience of teaching accounting to non-accounting international postgraduates both pre- and during COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach Reflections and anecdotal evidence from 550 students that experienced face-to-face and blended teaching mode in 2019 and 2020 were used. Findings The accounting course is contextualised to non-accounting disciplines. International postgraduates showed varying levels of adaptability towards the blended teaching approach. During the lockdown, students from India were more vocal and sought assistance more than those from China. Chinese students asked for assistance only when it was necessary. Excessive emails from students seeking reassurances and affirmations were common during the lockdown, and therefore, there is a greater need for pastoral care. Research limitations/implications This paper evaluates the impact of COVID-19 on international students enrolled in one accounting course in one university in 2019 and 2020. The comments based on personal observations and experience may result in some subjectivity and bias. Practical implications The findings will help academics, institutional leaders and support staff to evaluate and improve teaching quality and service to international students. Originality/value With the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and the commercialisation of global education, this study adds to the discussion of teaching accounting to non-accountants during a crisis. It provides insights into the cultural influences and experiential differences relating to teaching international students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 749-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Masiello ◽  
Enrico Bonetti ◽  
Francesco Izzo

Purpose This paper aims to understand how festival brand personality is built and managed in the social media environment by explaining the intended (by the organizers) festival brand personality and how this concept is communicated and perceived by social media users. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method research design was used. Initially, a qualitative analysis based on the free-listing psychological meaning approach was adopted. Then, a content analysis of 23,717 Facebook posts and tweets was performed through NVivo11. Finally, the resulting data were examined through a non-parametric statistical analysis. Findings The results show an “internal brand personality gap” (between the intended and communicated brand personality) and an “external brand personality gap” (between the communicated and perceived brand personality). The findings also highlight the existence of an “ultimate brand personality on social media,” which represents a collective and dynamic construct that is co-created by the organization and its customers through interaction and the key role of the customers’ experiences. Research limitations/implications The findings contribute to a theory of event brand personality and its management on social media by showing a case with multiple identities. Practical implications Implications for the organizers of festivals and non-sport events are discussed to reduce internal and external gaps and better understand the “fit/unfit problem” when dealing with brand personality on social media. Originality/value This paper contributes to a research area that is in its infancy because it is one of the first attempts to analyze festival brand personality and its relationship with social media.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 575-585
Author(s):  
Cristina García-Magro ◽  
Isabel Soriano-Pinar

Purpose This paper aim to propose a model of analysis that justifies gamification as an adequate tool to improve the design of services through the human centered design (HCD) methodology. Design/methodology/approach The present study is a conceptual contribution. Based on the information provided by the academic literature on the design of services, HCD and gamification, the suitability of the proposed model is justified to help the servitized companies to improve the design of their services. Findings There is a gap in the academic literature about how a servitized company develops its service design process; consumers demand experiences through services; involving consumers in the co-creation of value and co-design of services can guide servitized companies to achieve success with servitization; gamification is an effective tool as a relational marketing strategy. Research limitations/implications The review of the literature carried out in this paper provides a solid theoretical basis for future researchers in the area of servitization, service design and relational marketing. However, given the conceptual nature of the research, it is necessary to validate empirically the proposed model. Practical implications The proposed model can be useful as a reference for manufacturing companies to guide their servitization process. The study extends the debate on how to integrate the design of services by presenting a model of development based on gamification. Originality/value Having knowledge of the end-user is essential throughout the service design process and gamification can be achieved as a HCD technique.


2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 813-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Ishihara ◽  
Judy Zolkiewski

Purpose This paper aims to focus on knowledge transfer between the headquarters and a subsidiary of a multinational corporation (MNC). A framework with type of knowledge, absorptive capacity, disseminative capacity and tie strength is proposed. The framework is verified qualitatively and then further developed by adding another capacity needed by the headquarters: heeding capacity. Design/methodology/approach To check the validity of the proposed conceptual framework empirically, interview-based qualitative studies were conducted for two partner programs implemented in the Japanese subsidiary of a US-based IT company. Interviews were undertaken with 17 respondents in the headquarters, the Japanese subsidiary and two alliance partners in Japan. Findings It is confirmed that type of knowledge and absorptive capacity clearly affect the effectiveness of knowledge transfer. Also, it is found that the knowledge sender’s disseminative capacity matters. Additionally, a case is found in which network ties mitigate the ineffectiveness caused by low disseminative/absorptive capacity. Research limitations/implications In this research, cultural influences have not been considered. Also, this research has not paid attention to inter-organizational knowledge transfer. These provides potential for further research which could explore this complexity in more depth. Practical implications It is suggested that the headquarters of a MNC need to have a “heeding capacity” in cases where the target subsidiary’s disseminative capacity is low and tie strength between the subsidiary and the headquarters is weak. It is a capacity for the headquarters to heed what a subsidiary would like to transmit but cannot do well, and this is achieved by listening carefully and not letting language barriers or cultural differences obfuscate the meaning. Originality/value By focusing on a dyad between the headquarters and the Japanese subsidiary, the importance of disseminative capacity of a subsidiary is highlighted, which is not often the case in the extant literature. Also, headquarters’ heeding capacity is proposed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Geiger ◽  
Cheryl Jordan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the work of those with societal privilege in the practice of inclusion. It outlines the experience of privilege, obstacles raised by the study of women in cross-race relationships, and offers guidance for those with privilege in how to use it in relationships and organizational inclusion efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes lessons from varied literatures about privilege, social justice, and organizational inclusion/diversity and applies them to the work of inclusion for those privileged by race in the USA. Findings – The paper offers guidance to those with race privilege in the USA. It suggests ways to problematize privilege, how to become a social justice ally, reframe what white means, develop awareness about race dynamics, use empathy cautiously, create a “third culture,” balance multiple identities, and acknowledge numerous power differentials. Research limitations/implications – Given the specific contexts and social identities chosen here, the conclusions may not generalize. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to extend the experience, obstacles and guidance for those with other kinds of privilege in other contexts. Practical implications – Because of global demographics, organizations have incorporated a wide range of workforce diversity and now need to maximize practices of inclusion so talent can be fully utilized. This paper provides specific practices that can cause those with privilege to create a truly inclusive environment. Originality/value – There is very little exploration about the role of those with societal privilege in the definitions and practices of inclusion. This paper's contribution is to outline the work to be done by those privileged.


2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 534-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buriata Eti-Tofinga ◽  
Heather Douglas ◽  
Gurmeet Singh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how leadership is shaped by a changing cultural context. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews with leaders of Fijian cooperatives. Findings The political and cultural environment in Fiji has changed over time, and these changing arrangements shape expectations of what is considered to be appropriate leadership in Fijian cooperatives. To be consistent with changing societal values, leaders of Fijian cooperatives employ a context-sensitive hybrid leadership style in which legitimacy is an important dimension. Research implications Researchers need to examine the cultural context as a dynamic influencing element of leadership. Practical implications Leaders of cooperatives and similar values-based organizations would benefit from applying a legitimate and context-sensitive hybrid leadership style. Originality/value This study contributes new understandings of the cultural influences on organizational leadership.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document