ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at some of the issues associated with implementing solutions to problems. The implementation process needs to pay careful attention to cultural issues within the workplace. In low power distance cultures, solutions that are perceived to be imposed from the top down may be rejected, especially if there has been no participation in the problem-solving and decision-making process. Very few cultures like change, but in cultures that have high uncertainty avoidance, any change is likely to provoke greater levels of anxiety. The use of e-learning presents a specific set of challenges. Most e-learning materials rely quite heavily on reading and may present difficulties in cultures where people are less accustomed to this activity. This can be complicated further if the language used on-screen is not the person's first language. Cultures with an aversion to uncertainty will expect there to be a clearly defined timetable or structure for the training programme.
