Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Cultural-Centric Globalization Strategies for Increasing Companies’ Profitability YAO KOSSI Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Commons, and the Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Yao Kossi has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Matthew Knight, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Richard Johnson, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Neil Mathur, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty The Office of the Provost Walden University 2019 Abstract Cultural-Centric Globalization Strategies for Increasing Companies’ Profitability by Yao Kossi BS, Metropolitan States University, 2011 MBA, Hamline University, 2013 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2019 Abstract Contemporary business leaders require suitable leadership strategies, skills, capabilities, and competencies to lead individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds effectively. Local retail business executives have experienced complex leadership challenges leading international and intercultural teams when expanding business operations into global markets. The objective of this multiple case study was to explore leadership strategies local retail business leaders used to lead a global workforce. The target population included 3 local retail business leaders from Minnesota who had 6 to 8 years of global leadership experience. The composite conceptual framework that grounded this study was leadership and transformational leadership. Data were collected from semistructured, face-to-face interviews and organizational documents. Member checking was used to ensure trustworthiness of findings. The data analysis followed Yin’s 5-phase process: compiling, disassembling, reassembling, interpreting, and concluding. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: cross-cultural awareness, cross-cultural challenges and competence, and cross-cultural leadership strategies. The findings from the study might contribute to positive social change by encouraging business leaders to explore business opportunities locally and globally, resulting in an understanding of cross-cultural differences, enhanced quality of cross-cultural work environments, increased job creation, and improved living standards for communities’ citizens. Cultural-Centric Globalization Strategies for Increasing Companies’ Profitability by Yao Kossi BS, Metropolitan States University, 2011 MBA, Hamline University, 2013 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2019 Dedication My dedication goes to my sweetheart and wife Sibi Anna Lawson who supported and consistently encouraged me during the entire Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) process. You are not just a wife; you are my inspiration, my aspiration, my advocate, my best friend, my goal achiever, my life, and the pillars of my accomplishments. The DBA program was one of the most extended programs in my educational journey. The program took longer than anticipated because of unpredictable circumstances. I could not have completed the DBA program without your consistent and enthusiastic encouragement words which always positively reinforce my ability to regain courage and confidence. My dedication also goes to my late father Koffi Kossi who helped build the foundation of this journey many years ago. I love you, dad. Even though I lost you when I needed you the most, I could not have finished high school if you did not leave money and resources behind. I also dedicate this study to my unknown late sweet mother Woevi Dilan who died 2 years after I was born. Hello mother, I always feel your presence every day, everywhere, and at all the time. I finally extended my appreciations to my two children, Shalom Kossi and Grace Kossi who helped their mother during my busy educational schedule. Acknowledgments My gratitude goes to the chair, Dr. Matthew Knight for his unparalleled guidance, support, and professionalism during the DBA program. Dr. Matthew Knight has been the best institutional leader I encountered during my educational journey. Your patience, understanding, multicultural leadership competencies, recommendations, and positive attitude inspired me to overcome many struggles throughout this journey. My appreciation also goes to the second committee member Dr. Boyd Johnson for his directional support and timely feedback. Finally, I would like to thank my URR Dr. Neil Mathur and the program director Dr. Susan Davis for their valuable influence on my study. Table of Contents Section 1: Foundation of the Study .................................................................................. 1 Background of the Problem........................................................................................ 1 Problem Statement ..................................................................................................... 2 Purpose Statement ..................................................................................................... 3 Nature of the Study .................................................................................................... 4 Research Question ..................................................................................................... 5 Interview Questions ................................................................................................... 5 Conceptual Framework .............................................................................................. 6 Operational Definitions .............................................................................................. 8 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ............................................................. 9 Assumptions ........................................................................................................9 Limitations ......................................................................................................... 10 Delimitations ..................................................................................................... 10 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................... 10 Contribution to Business Practice ....................................................................... 11 Implications for Social Change .......................................................................... 11 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ............................................ 13 Globalization and Cross-Cultural Leadership ..................................................... 15 Cross-Cultural Differences and Leadership ........................................................ 22 Globalization and Ethical Leadership ................................................................. 29 Leadership ............................................................................................................... 31 i Leadership Theories ........................................................................................... 33 Leadership and Organizational Culture .................................................................... 37 Transformational and Transactional Leadership ....................................................... 39 Charismatic and Transformational Leadership .................................................... 42 The Importance of Effective Leadership in Business ................................................ 44 Culture: History, Definition, and Impacts on Leadership .......................................... 46 Culture and Leadership ...................................................................................... 51 Ethnocentrism, Prejudice, and Impacts on Leadership .............................................. 54 Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture and Leadership Implications ......................... 55 Individualism-Collectivism ...................................................................................... 59 Masculinity-Femininity ............................................................................................ 60 Transition and Summary .......................................................................................... 60 Section 2: The Project .................................................................................................... 62 Purpose Statement ................................................................................................... 62 Role of the Researcher ............................................................................................. 63 Participants