Slagjana Stojanovska – Integrated Business Faculty, 3-ta Makedonska Brigada 66A, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
Kristina Velichkovska – International Balkan University, Makedonsko-Kosovska Brigada bb, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/EMAN.S.P.2020.85
4th International Scientific Conference – EMAN 2020 – Economics and Management: How to Cope With Disrupted Times, Online/Virtual, September 3, 2020, SELECTED PAPERS published by: Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans, Belgrade, Serbia; ISBN 978-86-80194-31-8, ISSN 2683-4510
Abstract:
This paper aims to examine the challenges of cross-cultural communication in multicultural
teams and the resolution of conflicts arising during that process of communication. For this purpose,
a survey was conducted on individuals coming from various cultural backgrounds to determine how
cultural differences affect the organizational communication styles, their perception of conflict situations
and the choice of conflict resolution procedures. The study is underpinned by a literature review
of cross-cultural communication and theories on culture, conflict resolution and multicultural team
dynamics. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory will be used to define the cultural differences using
four dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs collectivism, and masculinity
vs femininity. The outcome of the study assesses the intercultural communication competence of employees
in North Macedonia and gives recommendations on how to improve communication and avoid
conflicts that plague multicultural teams.
Keywords:
Cross-cultural Communications, Multicultural Teams, Hofstede, North Macedonia.
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