IRMA-International.org: Creator of Knowledge
Information Resources Management Association
Advancing the Concepts & Practices of Information Resources Management in Modern Organizations

Challenges of Practicing and Honing Leadership Skills through Cross-Cultural Service Learning

Challenges of Practicing and Honing Leadership Skills through Cross-Cultural Service Learning
View Sample PDF
Author(s): Jeff Zimmerman (Northern Kentucky University, USA)
Copyright: 2017
Pages: 21
Source title: Organizational Culture and Behavior: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Information Resources Management Association (USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1913-3.ch088

Purchase

View Challenges of Practicing and Honing Leadership Skills through Cross-Cultural Service Learning on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

This chapter provides insight into the unexpected cross-cultural challenges faced by service learning project coordinators in an overseas setting. The chapter focuses on a service learning project geared towards undergraduate U.S. leadership students on a 5-week summer study abroad trip to Austria. The instructor sought to utilize the abroad experience to highlight the value of service learning as a medium to benefit the local Austrian community, while furthering the U.S. students' understanding of cross-cultural leadership. Like other individuals in a new host culture (i.e. expatriates), the service learning project coordinator (US instructor) faced a variety of unexpected cross-cultural challenges upon arrival in the host culture (Austria). This chapter highlights some universal cross-cultural challenges (lack of cultural and organizational familiarity, culture shock), why they can be expected, and why they are often difficult to resolve. Potential solutions addressing these challenges in the context of cross-cultural service learning projects are also explored.

Related Content

. © 2023. 12 pages.
. © 2023. 24 pages.
. © 2023. 16 pages.
. © 2023. 17 pages.
. © 2023. 15 pages.
. © 2023. 12 pages.
. © 2023. 19 pages.
Body Bottom