The Positives of Cross-cultural Interactions in Multinational Companies

Abstract

The authors attempt to explore the positives of cross-cultural interactions in multinational companies (MNCs). The prior research has generally accentuated the problems in the relationship among foreigners and less effort has been made so far to examine the benefits of multiculturalism. Therefore, there is a need to fill in the gap identified above by providing the evidence that professional contacts with representatives from a different national cultural background may be very useful for both MNCs and individuals who are employed by them. The results of the authors' study suggest that the following major positives can be obtained due to cultural diversity, namely: 1) personal growth; 2) flexibility in working styles; 3) enhanced learning; 4) more perspectives, self-reflection; 5) individual benefits; 6) more effective communication; and finally 7) confrontation with stereotypes.