Cultural perspectives on leadership effectiveness. A comparative study between Italy and South Korea

This study explores the impact of differentiation of self on effective leadership across diverse cultural settings, specifically contrasting individualistic and collectivistic societies. Grounded in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions framework and Bowen’s family systems theory, the research underscores the necessity for leaders to balance personal autonomy with relational connectedness. In individualistic cultures, leadership is characterized by a focus on independence, innovation, and personal responsibility, whereas in collectivistic cultures, it emphasizes group cohesion and adherence to hierarchical norms. The study examines leadership behaviors shaped by the differentiation of self in two distinct cultural contexts: Italy, representing a Mediterranean individualistic society, and South Korea, rooted in Confucian collectivism. Using a sample of young adults from both countries, the research investigates how differentiation of self influences leadership effectiveness across cultural boundaries. These findings offer valuable contributions to intercultural leadership and psychology, enhancing understanding of leadership dynamics in an increasingly globalized organizational environment.