Does Culture Shape the Balance of Power in Multinational Companies ? The Case of the EADS Group

Abstract

International audienceThis article examines the impact of culture on the evolution of power relationships in multinational companies. The empirical study is based on a longitudinal analysis of the EADS Group (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), which resulted from the merger of French company Aérospatiale-Matra, German company DASA and Spanish company CASA. The findings show that the balance of power depends not only on contextual factors and individual strategies, but also on cultural factors. The analysis highlights the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation for the success of intercultural management