Expatriates as change agents : communication, national culture, and change in global organizations

Abstract

Communication during times of organizational change can present unique opportunities and difficult challenges particularly when doing business in a multicultural environment. Success often depends on having in-depth understanding of culturally-based customs and negotiation styles by organizational actors. Hence, getting to know and understand cultural differences and finding common ground that can create better understanding between parties is an inherent part of doing business internationally. Globalization, the path that many businesses today follow in the process of stretching across borders, involves constant organizational change and cultural adjustment. Cultural influences on organizational change are especially apparent within multinationals (MNOs) headed by expatriates who often assume the role of change agents. The purpose of this study is to explore communication and change implementation by expatriates working in MNOs operating in Thailand. In-depth interviews are used to collect data from expatriates about issues pertaining to their role as change agents, cultural constraints, obstacles/facilitators of organizational change, and influence tactics. The results of this study suggest that cultural traits Western expatriates possess are fairly contrary to Thai subordinates. This automatically challenges the change agent role of expatriates and unconsciously conditions both parties to wrongly use unique Thai cultural traits kreng chai. This study addresses contributions, limitations, and direction of future studies.