Multinational companies have learnt through bitter experience that cultural differences can be very damaging in terms of bad communication, high staff turnover and low morale. In recent years research has shed light on the scale of the problem, and it is now widely recognised that cultural differences can severely undermine business performance. The Culture Factor examines why it is that cultural differences engender such difficulties and looks at the different kinds of cultural costs associated with international business. Through identifying the organisational processes that lead to classic 'cultural problems', the book shows in a practical way how businesses can manage cultural difference more effectively.

MARK NEAL is a lecturer in Industrial Sociology at the University of Reading. His research interests include cross-national management and cultural issues in multinational companies. He holds a PhD in International Management.