A Christian-ethical comparison of leadership styles in the West and in Tanzania and their impact on cross-cultural partnerships

Abstract

This dissertation is a Christian-ethical comparison of Western and Tanzanian leadership styles and their impact on cross-cultural partnerships. Christian ethics and the two cultural models by Hofstede, and Hampden-Turner and Trompenaars provide a framework for the analysis, interpretation, comparison and evaluation of both leadership styles. This study combines theoretical and empirical qualitative research in a dialectical process. The data are generated through interviews, observations, case studies, group discussion and literature. The main leadership features of character, relationship, power and conflict in the West and in Tanzania are described and compared. Furthermore, Western and Tanzanians enter into a cross-cultural dialogue on leadership issues to discover the differences, strengths and weaknesses and what they can learn from each other. Both leadership styles are evaluated in light of the Scripture. Practical action steps are proposed to move towards a truer Christian leadership style. Finally, the impact of the different leadership styles, challenges and hindrances for partnerships are addressed and a way to foster partnerships is proposed.