Published Online:March 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Effective Executive
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJEE030325
DOI:10.71329/EffectiveExecutive/2025.28.1.47-81
Author Name:Kurt April and Marcia Motlanthe
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:47-81
This qualitative study, employing a descriptive phenomenological approach, explored cultural impediments to individual effectiveness in South African workplaces, focusing on eight cultural orientations, which were discussed in Part I: Action, Communication, Competitiveness, Individualism, Power, Space, Structure, and Time. Qualitative data from interviews with professionals revealed that these orientations rarely operated in isolation. Instead they intersect dynamically and are moderated by individual values, organizational contexts, and external factors—highlighting the nuanced interplay between the cultural constructs. The study emphasizes the complexity of cultural dynamics in multicultural workplaces, demonstrating the importance of cultural adaptability and emotional intelligence in enhancing individual and organizational effectiveness. These findings offer actionable insights for fostering inclusive and culturally-intelligent environments, advancing the understanding of workplace cultural dynamics.
The workplace is a dynamic environment where cultural orientations significantly shape individual effectiveness. Cultural norms and values, deeply rooted in societal and personal identities, influence how individuals navigate complex organizational structures, relationships, and tasks. Despite increasing efforts to foster inclusivity and adaptability, cultural misalignments often manifest as impediments to individual performance and broader organizational success. Understanding these dynamics is especially critical in multicultural settings, such as South Africa, where diverse cultural constructs intersect in unique and complex ways.