What does effective cross-cultural management require?

Effective cross-cultural management requires cultural sensitivity and awareness because it involves understanding and valuing the diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs of individuals from different cultures. This awareness helps managers to navigate cultural differences, foster an inclusive environment, and enhance communication among team members from diverse backgrounds.

Cultural sensitivity allows managers to recognize how cultural factors influence employees' behavior, communication styles, and work preferences. By being aware of these differences, managers can tailor their approaches to suit the varying needs of their workforce, ultimately leading to better collaboration and productivity.

The other options do not support effective cross-cultural management. Highly standardized protocols may neglect the unique aspects of different cultures, while minimizing cultural differences could suppress individuality and inhibit team members from contributing their diverse perspectives. Promoting one dominant culture undermines the value of diversity and can lead to engagement and morale issues among employees who feel their cultural identity is not respected. Thus, cultural sensitivity and awareness stand out as essential for successful cross-cultural management.