We were pleased to welcome senior association professionals to a seminar-based masterclass in Brussels on 16 October, the latest in its Understanding Leadership series.
The European Manager was the title of an investigation into cultural profiling led by Stuart Dixon, Director of the Euro*MBA at the Universiteit Maastricht Business School.
"Does the European manager exist?" was the essence of the debate, setting the scene for an investigation and analysis of cultural types. Dixon began with an overview of Hofstede's cultural dimensions - looking at social orientation, hierarchy, uncertainly and goals - and Trompenaar's additional cultural dimensions (examining features such as identification with a social group or emphasis on achievement) which went further in establishing quantifiable benchmarks for cultural activities by region.
This overview set the scene for a lively discussion on applications of the cultural analysis in terns of European associations. The group debated how cultural norms are likely to impact association management - from long-term planning strategies to the day-to-day interaction with staff, partners and members. "Certain less obvious cultural markers allow us to differentiate among groups, increasing out understanding and allowing us to adapt strategies across borders," comments Dixon.
The seminar is part of ESAE's ongoing forum for debate for association executives in Europe.
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