Muzaffer Bodur

Cultural variation of leadership prototypes across 22 European countries.

This study sets out to test the assumption that concepts of leadership differ as a function of cultural differences in Europe and to identify dimensions which describe differences in leadership concepts across European countries. Middle-level managers (N = 6052) from 22 European countries rated 112 questionnaire items containing descriptions of leadership traits and behaviours. For each attribute respondents rated how well it fits their concept of an outstanding business leader. The findings support the assumption that leadership concepts are culturally endorsed. Specifically, clusters of European countries which share similar cultural values according to prior cross-cultural research (Ronen & Shenkar, 1985), also share similar leadership concepts. The leadership prototypicality dimensions found are highly correlated with cultural dimensions reported in a comprehensive cross-cultural study of contemporary Europe (Smith, Dugan, & Trompenaars, 1996). The ordering of countries on the leadership dimensions is considered a useful tool with which to model differences between leadership concepts of different cultural origin in Europe. Practical implications for cross-cultural management, both in European and non-European settings, are discussed.

Arabic cluster: a bridge between East and West

The Arabic cluster, consisting of Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Kuwait, and Qatar is located in the Middle Eastern part of the world. These societies reflect a medium level of Human Development and are rich in oil and mineral resources. They have many commonalities in their societal norms and practices, reflecting their historical, religious, and socio-cultural characteristics. They are all predominantly Muslim, have been under the influence of Europe and Ottoman Empire before gaining their independence, and they share common literature, architecture, and educational background. Societies in the Arabic cluster are found to be highly group-oriented, hierarchical, masculine, and low on future orientation. Outstanding leadership in this cluster includes team-oriented and charismatic attributes. The paper discusses the managerial implications of these findings.

Marketing Standardisation by Multinationals in an Emerging Market

Examines the extent to which MNCs in Turkey standardise their marketing activities. The findings suggest that, in general, MNCs pursue higher levels of standardisation when market conditions are similar among host and parent countries. The findings also suggest product category and industry, ownership structure and nationality of the parent as three factors underlying the degree of marketing standardisation.

National culture and leadership profiles in Europe: Some results from the GLOBE study.

Different cultural groups may have different conceptions of what leadership should entail, i.e. different leadership prototypes. Several earlier studies revealed that within Europe various cultural clusters can be distinguished (Hofstede, 1991; Ronen & Shenkar, 1985). Using recent data from the GLOBE project, this article discusses similarities and differences on culture and leadership dimensions among 21 European countries. The results show that two broad clusters or patterns of cultural values can be distinguished, contrasting the North-Western and South-Eastern part of Europe. Within these clusters, differences in leadership prototypes to a certain extent mirror differences in culture. On the basis of these results it is hardly possible to speak of a single typically European culture or one distinct European management style. However, on some dimensions European scores are different from at least some other regions in the world.

Environmental Sensitivity in a Developing Country: Consumer Classification and Implications

Past research on consumers’ attitudes toward the environment has been conducted mostly in the context of developed countries. There is a need to investigate this topic in less affluent societies. This article investigates the relationship between Turkish consumers’ attitudes and their behaviors toward the environment. A multistage area sampling procedure was used to select 1,000 residences in Istanbul at which at-home personal interviews were conducted using standard surveys. A consumer cluster analysis based on behaviors toward the environment was conducted, and three distinct segments were identified: active concerned, passive concerned, and unconcerned. For each cluster, attitudinal, demographic, socioeconomic, and leisure activity profiles were delineated. Attitudes toward specific behaviors were found to be the best predictors of behavior, followed by general attitudes, education, and locus of control. Policy implications are provided for each cluster.

Satisfaction among expatriate managers: correlates and consequences

This study, relying on a survey of managers on international assignments in Turkey, examines the relationships between expatriate managers satisfaction and commitment to their companies and assignments. The study furthermore seeks to identify the factors which relate to expatriate managers satisfaction. The article discusses these results and proffers strategies to enhance expatriate satisfaction and to mitigate dissatisfaction.

Export Market Research Orientations of Turkish Firms

Contrasts a group of exporters based on their choice of traditional versus newer export markets. Uses a sample of 88 Turkish exporters, contrasting the two groups (traditional and export) with respect to: organizational and resource characteristics; information use behaviour; criteria used in assessment of export markets; and levels of involvement in international market research. Reveals that the results indicate a lack of a planned systemic approach to exporting from both groups.

Correlates of adjustment: a study of expatriate managers in an emerging country

To minimize adverse consequences associated with expatriation, multinational companies need to identify the factors which facilitate (or impede) expatriate managers adjustment to a new environment. In this study, on the basis of their adjustment to four diverse aspects of life and work in Turkey, a sample of 78 expatriate managers were dichotomized into high and low adjustment groups. The two groups were then compared in terms of selected company and individual‐related characteristics, previous international experience and the types of training received prior to and during the assignment. The article discusses these results and proffers strategies to facilitate expatriates adjustment to the Turkish environment.

International strategies of emerging market firms

Purpose – This study aims to develop and test a theoretical model to delineate the effects of target market characteristics, firm characteristics and strategic resources, and product characteristics on standardization decisions in brand management of emerging market firms. The effects of standardization on brand performance in international markets are also to be explored.Design/methodology/approach – The study develops a model based on the extant literature and tests its relevance through a survey of eligible managers in charge of international brand operations of 94 strategic business units in Turkey.Findings – The empirical findings indicate that several factors exist as significant drivers of standardization decisions at various levels of brand management. Interestingly, even though firm characteristics and strategic resources were found to be the most critical drivers of brand performance, standardization versus adaptation approaches did not have any significant impact on strategic brand performance....

Source characteristics and advertising effectiveness

The study examines the impact of source likeability and source credibility on the effectiveness of print advertisements. A theoretical model that depicts the impacts of source characteristics on (1) ad attitude, (2) brand attitude, and (3) willingness to purchase is investigated using data collected through a quasi-experimental design. In addition to direct impacts, the moderating role of message processing motivation (involvement) and product category knowledge in the relationships of interest are investigated via multigroup analyses. Findings indicate that the sequence of relationships between source characteristics, attitudinal responses and willingness to purchase may vary substantially across the four conditions characterised by high/low levels of processing motivation and product category knowledge.