The Wild Dog by I K Khan
...learning in the area of cross-cultural communications. This is to be done at Robert Kennedy University. There is a need for improved communication between the Detroit head office and the European office. Regular meetings between Loun, Waterhouse and Donaldson using tele-conferencing technology would allow for a more open flow of information and Loun would get a more accurate picture of the situation that Waterhouse and Donaldson are in. It is important for the organisation to foster an attitude of continual learning by its employees. Waterhouse has begun to focus in how the developments in Europe will affect his career progress through the organisation. These seminars will give Waterhouse the opportunity to learn how to better handle expatriates and to become a transformational and transactional leader. At present the organisation is not fully utilising the resources which it possess. Donaldson does not have the ability to speak to write in any European language, yet his Personal Assistant does. In order to reduce the communication problems associated with this, it is vital that Donaldson immediately utilise the skills that Frau Schweri and use them to his and the organisations benefit. Some of the recommendations can be implemented immediately, but it will take time for Donaldson to gain a grasp on the intricacies of European culture, but with further study he could succeed in doing what he was sent from the US to do. 1.1 Introduction In the preparation of this report two assumptions have been made. The first assumption is that communication between all parties in the organisation occurs only when described in the case study provided on which this report is based. The word limit placed on this report does not enable a full report to be written. Much greater detail could be written in regard to the issues, alternative solutions recommendations and implementation of the recommendations had the word limit provided. 2 Issues and Their Evaluation 2.1 Cultural Differences It is clear from the outset of the case that Bert Donaldson has a lack of cultural savvy and sensitivity. This means, he is unaware Ў§of the cultural variables that affect management decisions andЎK[is not] caring about another individuals culture.ЎЁ(Deresky 2000, p.104) As a result of this his leadership is tainted and a number of sub-issues become evident. 2.1.1 Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism is a key sensitivity problem for Donaldson. By adopting an ethnocentric approach to management, Donaldson assumes the way he has been ta...