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How do Dutch expatriate leaders adapt their leadership style when managing teams in Nigeria?
Daalhuisen, L.S.F (2025) How do Dutch expatriate leaders adapt their leadership style when managing teams in Nigeria?
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| Abstract: | In the current global business environment, leading across cultures is becoming increasingly important. It is required from expatriate leaders to have the ability to adapt their leadership styles to different regions and teams with members from various nationalities. This thesis explores how Dutch expatriate leaders adapt their leadership style when managing teams in Nigeria. By using a qualitative and emic-based approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews among five Dutch expatriate leaders working in various sectors in Nigeria. Key themes that emerged include the importance of hierarchical structures, communication norms, work ethic, advanced planning, the impact of expatriate identity and cultural sensitivity. The findings show that core Dutch values, such as direct communication and servant leadership, remain intact. Adaption takes place in terms of hierarchical structures, exhibiting power, the embracement of a more flexible approach to planning and the influence of expatriate identity on workplace dynamics and perceived authority. This research contributes to the literature on cross-cultural leadership by providing a targeted investigation of the underexplored Dutch and Nigerian leadership values and challenges, offering valuable recommendations and insights for Dutch leaders preparing for or currently in expatriate assignments in Nigeria. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106883 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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