Introduction: Cross-cultural foundations: Traditions for managing in a global world

Each nation ought, not only to endeavour itself to excel, but from the love of mankind to promote, instead of obstruct the excellence of its neighbors (Adam Smith). Cross-cultural management is rapidly becoming everyone's challenge. Expanding international trade and continued immigration flows mean that increasingly people of diverse cultures must work together. Companies from all parts of the world are forming joint ventures and strategic alliances to participate in the global marketplace (Jackson and Schuler). Immigration and birth rates are making European, North American, and Oceanic workforces more culturally diverse. In the United States, less that 60 per cent of new entrances into the job market are expected to be from the majority, white, native born Americans (Tung and Thomas). From the executive suites to the shop floor, people must increasingly be able to work across cultural boundaries.