Title: Does gender make a difference in leadership and stress orientations? An empirical study of German and Russian working adults

Authors: Natalia Ermasova; Lam D. Nguyen; Mary D. Bruce

Addresses: Governors State University, 1 University Park Avenue, University Park IL, 60484, USA ' Zeigler College of Business, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, USA ' College of Arts and Sciences, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, Room C3341, University Park, IL 60484, USA

Abstract: This paper examines stress, task, and relationship orientations of people in the high-context cultures of Russia and in the low-context cultures of Germany. As a result of the analysis of 462 responses, some significant differences were found between the two samples. Gender is a significant factor in task orientation. However, gender did not demonstrate any differences in the relationship orientations of these respondents. Gender and place of birth together are significant factors in overload stress perceptions. The literature on German and Russian cultures is presented along with practical applications, suggestions, and implications for future studies. This study fills the gap in the management literature and offers a unique analysis of the leadership orientation and stress orientation of German and Russian adults. Organisations will have a significant competitive advantage from the correct adaptation and alignment of the organisation's management practices with the national culture.

Keywords: cultural differences; leadership; gender; stress orientation; Germany; Russia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCM.2018.091594

International Journal of Strategic Change Management, 2018 Vol.7 No.2, pp.87 - 108

Received: 03 May 2016
Accepted: 19 Dec 2016
Published online: 08 May 2018 *

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