Case study CCNC GCO150 Class 2

'Clash of cards' - Canadian supervisor vs. European team leader

Background:

An American corporation with headquarter in Canada hired a European team

leader for their team in Italy. The general leadership was based in Canada.

Issues:

The supervisor in Canada expected from the European team leader 24/7

availability, instant answering of emails, giving all instructions first priority

and daily reporting.

Most instructions were given via email. The communication style was directly

covered in indirect politeness with veiled power threats.

The European team leader replied according to her own priorities at hand and

required autonomy and discretion to complete the tasks.

Diagnosis:

Clash of the following dimensions, among others: Autonomy and Trust vs.

Command and Control Working culture. Direct vs. Indirect communication.

Expecting only 'Yes' vs. the assertiveness to say 'No'.

Avoidance of conflict through competitive behaviour vs. constructive conflict

through collaboration and accommodating.

Questions:

1. Evaluate how cultural group differences could have been solved. Propose 3 suggestions.

2. What cultural patterns each party was following?