Application of cross cultural management orientation at the ford foundation international fellowships program

Abstract

The study sought to establish the application of cross cultural management orientation at Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program (IFP). Specifically, the study sought to address two main issues: To establish how the cross cultural management orientation is applied at the Ford Foundation IFP and the challenges faced in the process of its application. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. Theories of cross cultural management are based on findings of: Geert Hofstede national culture, Gesteland‟s, Cross cultural dimensions patterns for cross - cultural business behavior and Annette Sinclair‟s key areas that managers must pay attention to when leading multi-cultural teams. In-depth interviews consisted of seven Senior Ford Foundation IFP staff and analysis was by use of content analysis technique. The study established that Ford Foundation IFP managers apply cross cultural management orientation throughout the implementation processes. Research question one, answers how Ford Foundation IFP applies cross cultural management orientation through: Operations in a cross-cultural environment, networking and relationships, Sensitivity to cross-cultural issues, Approaches of cross-cultural management at country levels, Performance management across cultures and Communication across cultures. The key challenges are discussed in four sub-sections: Communication, time, differences in opinion and deciding on work approach, to address question two. The study recommends that Ford Foundation should be more explicit in documenting the strategies for Cross cultural management orientation, do further research for the remaining Global Partners and whole life cycle stages of the program