The collective culture shock in transition countries ‐ theoretical and empirical implications

Abstract

Individual culture shock is a well known and evidenced phenomenon. It describes the psychological and also physical reactions of a person staying abroad. These reactions are the result of confrontation with a foreign culture. According to the authors such reactions also exist on the level of society as a whole. This “collective culture shock” influences management and business relations and causes problems. A theory of the collective culture shock is developed that analyses these problems and provides a framework for solutions. This theory suggests that cultural processes and features in transition countries that are usually attributed to the communist heritage are the result of collective culture shock.

Citation

Feichtinger, C. and Fink, G. (1998), "The collective culture shock in transition countries ‐ theoretical and empirical implications", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 19 No. 6, pp. 302-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739810240821