Title: A case lesson on applying team learning in a cross-cultural workplace

Authors: Ravee Phoewhawm; Pradtana Yossuck; Somkid Kaewthip; Bongkochmas EK-Iem

Addresses: School of Administrative Studies, Maejo University, 63 M. 4, Tambol Nongharn, Sansai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand. ' School of Administrative Studies, Maejo University, 63 M. 4, Tambol Nongharn, Sansai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand. ' School of Administrative Studies, Maejo University, 63 M. 4, Tambol Nongharn, Sansai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand. ' School of Administrative Studies, Maejo University, 63 M. 4, Tambol Nongharn, Sansai District, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand

Abstract: The opportunity for teams in a cross-cultural working environment to learn from their errors and mistakes is imperative in order to make the company become more flexible, effective and competitive in the global scale. The study aimed at helping the team by proposing for team learning to occur so that the team can see the holistic picture of the working environment and to configure the right methods for taking action against hindrances that are causing conflict for teams to learn as well as to achieve their company's philosophy and mission. The 'blame vs. gain behaviour' tool was applied to help the team ponder over their current drawbacks and assist in devising a plan to move forward. Despite proposing a new work flow, the approach was never fully materialised. As a result, this study has developed a case lesson of its own on applying team learning in a cross-cultural workplace.

Keywords: blame behaviours; gain behaviours; cross-cultural workplaces; cultural dimensions; redirecting; reflection; teams; team learning; work pressures; holistic pictures; working environments; conflict; company philosophies; company missions; work flows; Lamphun; Thailand; cultural differences; innovation; learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2013.050581

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2013 Vol.13 No.1, pp.50 - 68

Published online: 31 Jul 2013 *

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