The Influence of Culture on International Management: A study of MAERSK Line Nig. Ltd.

ABSTRACT

There is a necessity for Foreign organizations operating in Nigeria to give ample commitment to knowledge and required skill for international management. This is so, considering the diversity of cultures existing in Nigeria. Hence, this research examines the influence of culture on International Management. The main objectives of this research were:(i) to examine how cultural differences in Nigeria influence Export System practices, (ii) to ascertain the impact of cross-cultural management practices in MNCs operating in Nigeria, and (iii) to determine the relationship existing between subordinate’s values at work and leadership behaviors exhibited by managers. Primary data was collected by means of a well-structured questionnaire and the data collected were collated and analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS v23). The study however had a sample size of 182 respondents from Maersk line Nig. Ltd, of which, only 138 respondents returned the questionnaires shared. Research questions and objectives were set along-side four hypotheses that were formulated and tested using the regression analysis. The results proved that based on variables tested, culture has a significant influence on international management practiced in that culture, results are as follows; F= 9.015, Mean of Square= 16.432, and, P= .003. The research recommended that MNCs looking to attain success, should ensure management and employees in these MNCs have a sound knowledge of the environment they operate in, especially when they are new to such environment, and also the organization should be aware of the cultural background of where their business is established and adapt the business operations to the culture. Based on the findings of this study, a schematic model was established to explain the pattern of relationships among the variables of this study.