Question

Contrast ethnocentric, polycentric, and geocentric managers, and give a behavioral example of each. MGMT1010

Answer 1

Ethnocentric managers believe that the best work practices originate from their homeplace only. They have little belief over the foreign employees and they consider them inferior. Polycentric managers are of opinion that the local managers' approach to run the business are the most appropriate, while geocentric approach is to include the best work practices from across the world without being bound in region or segments of people. The example of ethnocentric managers is a Korean company which hires only Koreans for all key positions irrespective of the location it operates, considering them superior to the others. Example of polycentric management is a company that hires only local manpower to run the business in a country, believing that  the local input and participation of local talent is must for being successful in a market. Eample of geocentric approach is a global company that has transnational culture and an employee is hired on its merit and competence irrespective of his /her ethnicity, race or cultural beliefs.