The Yin Yang perspective on culture and cross-cultural management: Pilot studies from diverse national and organizational contexts

The aim of this panel is to discuss the emergent Yin Yang perspective on culture (Fang, 2012) and its applications in cross-cultural management in the age of globalization through case studies in diverse national and organizational contexts. An approach that is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, a Yin Yang perspective posits that all cultures (e.g., national culture, regional culture, organizational culture) are dynamic, and that apparently paradoxical value orientations are constantly shaped and re-shaped depending on situation, context and time. Through seven presentations, this panel will examine the potential of the Yin Yang thinking to address the challenges and benefits associated with managing people in diverse intra- and international business environments, as well as to gain deeper understanding of national cultures and intra-national diversity. Furthermore, the panel will address the relationship between the Yin Yang perspective and other dynamic approaches to the study of culture and cross-cultural management, thus building connections with some of the prevailing theoretical perspectives in these areas. In addition, the panel serves to stimulate discussion on the application of the Yin Yang thinking in the study of international human resources management, multicultural work teams and many other HR practices in a globalized context. Professor Rosalie L. Tung has accepted our invitation to serve as the discussant for this panel session.