Traditionally, literature and researches on cross-cultural interactions in Multinational Companies (MNCs) and their foreign subsidiaries emphasize typically negative aspects of such relationships. Researchers widely discuss problems faced in a cross-cultural setting and how they affect overseas operations. Less effort has been made so far to study the positive aspects of human interactions in MNCs. Generally, cross-cultural interactions are a peculiar type of social interactions that may contribute to building of social capital of MNCs as well as creativity and innovations, among other positives, which all have a beneficial influence on MNCs’ functioning. Thus, there is a need for a deeper understanding of mutually oriented human behaviors when the borders are crossed. Since the author wants to present a more balanced approach for analysis of human relationship in multicultural settings, the aim of the paper is to identify negative and positive aspects of cross-cultural interactions. The author’s main research was focused on the barriers to cross-cultural interactions while the pilot study also reflects the evidence of positive aspects of such an interaction. The data were collected via a qualitative study in foreign subsidiaries of MNCs in Poland. The analysis provided in the article may contribute to a better understanding of the genuine nature of cross-cultural interactions. There is also emphasized that creativity and innovation may be enhanced in MNCs due to cultural diversity.
assosiate professor, Management Department, Faculty of Finance and Management, Gdansk Banking School, doctor habilitata in management, PhD in economics
