The Origins of Cultural Differences and Their Impact on Management

In cross cultural business settings, the author suggests that it is not enough to know that behavior differs across cultures, but also how differences in values drive these behaviors. To truly understand the differences among cultures, one must understand their origins, how they emerged on the world stage and the various economic, political, physical, social, and religious forces that shaped them. This is a unique book in that it traces the antecedents of people's behavior and shows readers why cultures differ and includes suggestions for adjusting to these differences. Engrossing and revealing, Scarborough's book will be essential for corporate management and others involved in international commerce, but also for their counterparts in the public sector, who also understand why it is necessary to get along with people from other cultures in the pursuit of mutually beneficial goals.

JACK SCARBOROUGH is Professor of Management and Dean of the School of Business at Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida.