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Enjoying this lovely book, which gives us the opportunity to gain insight into a leadership journey in the face of cultural diversity and unique identities. A journey in which one needs to prioritise and know how to listen to the OTHER and be open to new ideas and novel approaches. The awareness that it is in diversity that one is able to learn creates a continuous process of growth, maturity and the acquisition of new skills. Well done.
Augusto Paulino A. Neto. President of the Angola Order of Engineers (Ordem dos Engenheiros)
An inspiring study on community building, shared values and transformative cultures in an African society.”
Dr. Michael Onyebuchi Eze, Lecturer African Philosophy, Leiden University, The Netherlands
This book presents a compelling account of a successful culture-specific transformation and adaptation of a Portuguese subsidiary within an African context. The book encapsulates a rare instance of a foreign multinational corporation meticulously incorporating local African culture into its operational structure. Set against the backdrop of a strategically planned organizational shift, the narrative highlights the courage of young Angolan employees who creatively embodied and enacted loaded cultural concepts, ultimately leading to a remarkable success story.
Embedded within the narrative are historical and theoretical contexts that establish the foundation for the unfolding story. This contextual groundwork is followed by meticulous research into cultural dynamics through both etic (external) and emic (internal) lenses: comparative analysis using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and employment of the Toyota-inspired “Genchi Genbutsu” approach, to gain knowledge of local customs, values, and beliefs.
The story delves into the organizational change process itself and the introduction of the Culture Council, or Soba Council, bridges the gap between frontline workers and management. Ultimately, the book serves as an invaluable guide for African and international leaders, providing insights into crafting novel management approaches based on a fusion of values.
The narrative underscores that the true essence and value of the subjects of cross-cultural management and organizational change lie in their practical application. This tangible perspective not only enriches our understanding of cultural dynamics in business but also highlights the undeniable effectiveness of learning from actual endeavors.
All in all, the book combines firsthand experiences and extensive research to offer a comprehensive narrative that resonates with leaders, scholars, and practitioners navigating the complexities of cross-cultural management and organizational change.
Manuel Quinaz, CEO at upK, SA