Ambicultural blending between Eastern and Western paradigms : fresh perspectives for international management research

East and Southeast Asian worldviews are distinctly different from those of the West. Westerners and Asians construct their environments differently, not least because they construct the notion of \u27self\u27 very differently. This paper describes and exemplifies distinctions in cognitive and linguistic styles between the East and the West and outlines the implications of these styles for environmental perspectives and research paradigms. Examples from Thailand illustrate the philosophical roots and practical implications of an indigenous Eastern perspective for local business interactions. We explore the privilege afforded in Western, Cartesian paradigms in (Asian) management research and stimulate debate on the benefits of promoting alternative Asian indigenous perspectives for both management research and management practice. We support the idea that Asian management discourse needs more self-confidence and deserves a more prominent place in international research, not least because international management research will greatly benefit from freshly \u27blended\u27 perspectives that incorporate Eastern and Western perspectives

Development of culture-sensitive clinical teacher evaluation sheet in the Japanese context

Aim: Many instruments for evaluating clinical teaching have been developed, albeit most in Western countries. This study aims to develop a validated cultural and local context sensitive instrument for clinical teachers in an East Asian setting (Japan), Japanese Clinical Teacher Evaluation Sheet (JaCTES).Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional evaluation study was conducted. We collected a total of 1368 questionnaires on 304 clinical teachers, completed by residents in 16 teaching hospitals. The construct validity was examined by conducting a factor analysis and using structural equation modeling (SEM). We also assessed the reliability using generalizability analysis and decision study.Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in three-factor (role model, teaching activities, and accessibility) model including 18 items. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed, using SEM. The comparative fit index was 0.931 and the root mean square error of approximation was 0.087, meaning an acceptable goodness of fit for this model. To obtain a reliable dependability-coefficient of at least 0.70 or higher, 5-8 resident responses are necessary.Discussion and conclusion: JaCTES is the first reported instrument with validity evidence of content and internal structure and high feasibility in Japan, an East Asian setting. Medical educators should be aware of the local context and cultural aspects in evaluating clinical teachers.</p

Intercultural Know-how and Understanding: The Basis for Negotiations with Partners from the US

In the ever-more connected and intertwined world, driven by specialization, economies of scale, and outsourcing, results are obtained through extensive communication and collaboration in international environment. We are witnessing successful complex business endeavors that rely on unobstructed and creative exchange of information and synergy of skills and resources. These processes are accomplished in international environment to a greater extent than ever. This calls for a deeper understanding of intercultural processes and communication for the purpose of achieving business results. This article aims to provide the guidance in negotiating with American partners, based on a number of structured interviews. Attempt was made to link major intercultural theories with practical experience of Austrian companies and individuals working with their United States (US) partners, as well as with self-assessment of a number of American business people. According to the best of our knowledge, there is a shortage of articles that deal with specific features of negotiating with American partners.</p