Success Factors and Key Determinants for Optimizing Intercultural Collaboration in Global Procurement
Tholl, Selina (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052917879
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052917879
Tiivistelmä
Globalization has subtly yet profoundly shaped daily life and business. For companies, global procurement has represented more than just acquiring goods worldwide; it has served as a crucial means to reduce costs, access suppliers, and enter emerging markets such as India. However, global purchasing has often been associated with challenges. Different cultural contexts, individual working styles, and incompatible processes have created barriers to communication and collaboration.
This thesis examined the challenges of international collaboration, focusing on cooperation between a German company and its Indian subsidiary. The research identified specific obstacles and evaluated suitable solutions, aiming to strengthen collaboration and optimize processes. The study integrated theoretical approaches such as communication models, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and information management.
Based on literature review and qualitative methods, including expert interviews, the analysis revealed key barriers to intercultural collaboration. The findings showed that poor digital integration and cultural misunderstandings significantly impacted effective teamwork. To address these issues, the thesis emphasized the need to optimize communication, promote intercultural competencies, and implement clear organizational structures and standardized processes.
The case study concluded with actionable recommendations to improve digital connectivity, enhance cultural understanding, and facilitate cross-border cooperation. Companies that proactively addressed these aspects were found to increase business effectiveness and leverage the strategic benefits of international procurement.
This thesis examined the challenges of international collaboration, focusing on cooperation between a German company and its Indian subsidiary. The research identified specific obstacles and evaluated suitable solutions, aiming to strengthen collaboration and optimize processes. The study integrated theoretical approaches such as communication models, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, and information management.
Based on literature review and qualitative methods, including expert interviews, the analysis revealed key barriers to intercultural collaboration. The findings showed that poor digital integration and cultural misunderstandings significantly impacted effective teamwork. To address these issues, the thesis emphasized the need to optimize communication, promote intercultural competencies, and implement clear organizational structures and standardized processes.
The case study concluded with actionable recommendations to improve digital connectivity, enhance cultural understanding, and facilitate cross-border cooperation. Companies that proactively addressed these aspects were found to increase business effectiveness and leverage the strategic benefits of international procurement.