Cultural differences in decision making in project teams
International Journal of Managing Projects in Business
ISSN: 1753-8378
Article publication date: 23 January 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to report on research in cultural differences in decision‐making styles in project teams composed of team members from different nationalities. Differences in decision making in mainly German teams vs mainly Swedish teams was assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential mixed‐method approach was used, starting with interviews to develop a grounded theory, followed by survey to test the theory. Factor and regression analyses allowed for identification of the cultural antecedents of the identified differences in decision making.
Findings
Locus of control differences in decision making were identified, together with factors for differences in decisions, namely decision‐making style, process, and involvement. Correlated cultural antecedents to these factors, in the form of personal attributes, were found.
Research limitations/implications
Although the research design provides for some credibility of the results, the scope of the study is limited mainly to the engineering and construction industry in the two countries.
Practical implications
The study helps team members and project managers to understand the impact of their cultural differences on decision‐making process and style. Through that the study helps to minimize the potential friction when working on multicultural projects. Recommendations for practitioners are provided.
Originality/value
The idiosyncrasies of decision making in multicultural projects are researched using the example of Sweden and Germany. A model is built which extends existing project management theory. The paper also provides insights into the lived experiences of practicing project managers in multicultural teams and gives hints on how to overcome cultural barriers.
Keywords
Citation
Müller, R., Spang, K. and Ozcan, S. (2009), "Cultural differences in decision making in project teams", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 70-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370910930527
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited