ABSTRACT
In this book I compare the ways knowledge is transferred between members of a high-context culture (Japan) and members of a low-context culture (German). A cross-cultural comparative study tries to find both the similarities and the differences that exist across cultures regarding a particular management issue (Thomas 2002). Conducting cross-cultural management research, the researcher has to be
as objective as possible. It is important not to present one cultural perspective as dominant (Adler 1983). Before starting the investigation, the researcher needs to choose relevant theories, concepts and constructs and decides on how data about the phenomenon under investigation are to be collected. A detailed process for the collection of data is necessary, especially on an international level (Usunier 1998). Data collection can be conducted via qualitative and quantitative research methods. Thomas (2002) defined six types of cross-cultural management research (Table 6.1). In this book I will present the result of an intercultural study comparing
knowledge transfer processes in two different cultures and also investigate the results of these processes.
