Canadian Business Management Style

Canadian managers are not expected to manage in an authoritarian or paternalistic manner but are, nonetheless, expected to be decisive.

Management style could be characterized as informal and friendly with managers preferring to be seen as ‘one of the guys’ rather than as an aloof figure who stands apart from everybody else.

Managers will consult widely when a decision is called for and expect input from all concerned parties. The final decision remains, however, firmly with the manager and quick decision-making is respected by all. Failure to consult widely could lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction amongst team members who will feel that the manger is acting in a dictatorial manner.

The manager is not necessarily expected to be the most technically competent person in the team but will be judged more on his or her ability to manage the resource which is the team — interpersonal and man-management skills are considered of vital importance.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Canada only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.