Influence of leadership on motivation in an intercultural context. Illustrated by the comparison of the leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook (Apple Inc.)

Hausarbeit , 2015 , 26 Seiten , Note: 1,0

BWL - Unternehmensführung, Management, Organisation

In order to survive in the global competition companies have to establish a competitive advantage concerning quality, cost structure and productivity. Therefore, the reasons for the increasing internationalization are, for example, long-term cost advantages, limited availability of raw materials or skills shortages (Dülfer, Jöstingmeier 2008).

A high level of motivation leads to job satisfaction, goal-oriented behavior and thereby to better results (Kreitner, Kinicki 2013; Kleinbeck, Kleinbeck 2009). It is the task of a leader to motivate the workers at the best. Particularly with regard to the increasing internationalization and more complex global interdependence this task is getting more arduous. In addition, the personal traits of a leader influence the leadership style in a favorable or obstructive way.

Considering the above named difficulties the following thesis presumes a possible linkage between leadership and motivation:

The stereotypical use of motivation theories does not maintain the successful motivation of employees in an intercultural context. The key to efficient leader-ship is the consideration of individual needs of employees.

In order to verify or disprove the thesis this paper begins by determining the conceptual background of the terms leadership and motivation and taking a closer look at selected motivation theories. With the presentation of the case of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, the former and the current leader of Apple Inc., the impact of personal traits on leadership and motivation is taken into consideration additionally.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Motivation and leadership are influenced by intercultural differences
• Conceptual definitions
  • Leadership
  • Motivation
• Motivation theories
  • Content theories
  • Process theories
• Adjustment of motivation theories to an intercultural context
  • Awareness of cultural differences
  • Implementation of a further basic need
  • Create an appropriate reward system
• Case: Comparison of the leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook concerning motivation of their employees
• Conclusion and further considerations

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This work aims to explore the relationship between leadership and motivation within an intercultural context, emphasizing the importance of considering cultural differences in the implementation of motivation theories. The study utilizes the case of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook at Apple Inc. to illustrate the impact of leadership styles on employee motivation.

• Influence of cultural differences on motivation and leadership
• Application of motivation theories in intercultural contexts
• Comparison of leadership styles and their impact on employee motivation
• The significance of individual needs in motivating employees
• The role of organizational culture in fostering motivation

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Motivation and leadership are influenced by intercultural differences: This chapter introduces the concept of intercultural differences impacting leadership and motivation, highlighting the limitations of universal management theories. It emphasizes the need to consider diverse cultural backgrounds in today's globalized business environment.
• Conceptual definitions: This chapter defines key terms like leadership and motivation, providing a foundation for understanding the relationship between these concepts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts within an intercultural context.
• Motivation theories: This chapter explores different motivation theories, categorizing them into content and process theories. It provides a framework for understanding the various factors that influence employee motivation.
• Adjustment of motivation theories to an intercultural context: This chapter discusses the challenges of applying motivation theories in diverse cultural contexts. It highlights the need for cultural sensitivity and emphasizes the importance of adapting theories to specific cultural contexts.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The core themes and concepts of this work include intercultural leadership, motivation theories, cultural differences, employee needs, organizational culture, leadership styles, and case study analysis, exemplified by the leadership styles of Steve Jobs and Tim Cook at Apple Inc.

• Hochschule: Hochschule Emden/Leer
• Veranstaltung: International Strategic Leadership
• Note: 1,0
• Autor: Carina Reinfeld (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2015
• Seiten: 26
• Katalognummer: V305134
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668052369
• ISBN (Buch): 9783668052376
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: International, Strategic, Leadership, Führung, Motivation, Motivationstheorie, Theorien, Apple, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, Culture, Unternehmenskultur, Persönlichkeitsmerkmale, personal traits, leader, Unternehmensführung, Management by objectives, Führungsstil, Konzept, Inhaltstheorie, Prozesstheorie, interkultureller Kontext, interkulturell, Maslow, Bedürfnispyramide, Locke, Motivation through goal-setting, kulturelle Unterschiede, differences, Bonussystem, reward, Hierarchy of needs, Hofstede, cultural dimensions, Kulturdimensionen, Organisationskultur, organizational culture, Globalisierung, globalization, Internationalisierung, internationalization, leadership style