Lists
Lists
Konis, Elmos (2005) Development of a theoretical model of Cypriot business leaders and their environment by means of an exploratory investigation. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
This thesis was initially conceived primarily due to the fact that there is little scientific knowledge about the Cyprus business environment and the people who are in charge of it. Although culturally sensitive business leadership studies have recently increased in amount and scope, Cyprus has not been included in international studies. And, despite the country's emerging prominence due to its recent accession into the EU and its economic achievements, the architects of this success, the Cypriot business leaders, have never been adequately investigated. The existing literature is sporadic and can rarely be described as the result of rigorous scientific research.
Unfortunately, there is still little agreement regarding how relevant research should be conducted. Moreover, there is increasing recognition that an overwhelming number of business theories have disregarded the significance of culture.
Considering the above, a range of research approach possibilities were reviewed. Taking into account the fact that little was known about Cypriot business leaders and their environment, a holistic exploratory approach was deemed to be most appropriate. As a result, the selected application consisted of a qualitative research orientation which, however, retained some of the advantages of more positivist approaches. This course of action resulted in an otherwise impossible thickness in data which encompassed the rich context in which the business leader was immersed. The temptation of forcing the study in hypothesis-driven directions was resisted in favour of a more sweeping, thus risky, approach, where the goal was to 'allow' key issues to emerge. Consequently, a more inclusive profile of the Cypriot leaders was compiled, retaining the importance of the context within which they function. While this was a significant achivement in itself, it was hoped that finally a theory regarding the studied leaders and their contextual situation would emerge.
Indeed, by first identifying key emergent common properties and then by organising them into categories, distinct patterns began to appear. Even though it proved very difficult to place convenient specific labels on the individuals themselves, more important behavioural and attitudinal distinctions did take shape. These dimensions were based upon and influenced by the internal and external environments forcing themselves upon the business leaders and their operations. The business environment is inevitably affected (and even afflicted in certain circumstances) by what is the traditional Cypriot culture: a less than fully organised society which is intensely kinship-oriented. Being as such implies that family and friends can take precedence before what may be called professional business behaviour. As a result, these leaders are not beyond nepotism and cronyism. But it is not that simple anymore. The world is changing (e.g. competition, globalisation) and the 'traditional model' may not be as effective as it was in the past. The Cypriot leaders, through foreign education and/or travel, are well aware of a more 'correct' professional business approach of the more developed countries. Although the traditionally based model has served them well in the past, they recognise the need for change toward more 'professionalism'. This dilemma between old and new, between tradition and professionalism, is the essence of the emergent core phenomenon: a problematic business environment.
It is at an interesting and challenging chronological and structural quandary that this thesis was conducted. Truly, Cyprus business is at a crucial crossroad. The Cypriot business leaders are literally caught between two methodological approaches, both bearing advantages and disadvantages. Thus, they are reluctant change catalysts.
This thesis contributes to the convergence/divergence literature. However, it does not tilt the balance. Culture seems to be holding on, while giving in at the same time. This study also serves to point out the difficulty in conveniently using national boundaries as contextual bases. Specific cultural dimensions (e.g. kinship orientation, size) are universally significant in national, organisational and individual behaviour.
 |
View Item |