The Culture Factor

Why Cross-Border Leadership Demands Cultural Insight 

When companies expand internationally, much of the focus is on strategy, regulation, and finance. Yet time and again, our work at Friisberg shows that it is culture, not numbers, that makes or breaks a cross-border venture. 

We see this clearly when supporting acquisitions, management audits, or leadership appointments across our 40+ global offices. A business may acquire the assets and systems of a foreign company in a matter of weeks, but winning the trust, engagement, and commitment of its people requires cultural fluency. 

Why Culture Matters in Business 

• Leadership styles differ: In some countries, decisions are consensus-driven; in others, rapid authority is expected. 

• Communication norms vary: A polite “yes” in one culture may mean “no” in practice; direct feedback in another may be seen as rude elsewhere. 

• Work–life expectations contrast: Benefits, boundaries, and attitudes toward flexibility differ widely, often surprising foreign owners or investors. 

For leaders, failing to understand these nuances can slow integration, erode trust, and undermine performance. 

Friisberg’s Perspective 

At Friisberg, our consultants combine deep local knowledge with international reach. Whether it is a Swedish firm acquiring in Central Europe, a UK company expanding across the Atlantic, or a global investor entering Hungary, our role is to help leadership teams bridge cultural differences. 

We do not just conduct executive search or management audits - we interpret cultures, equipping clients to adapt, integrate, and thrive across borders. 

Launching Our Series: The Culture Factor 

To bring these insights to life, we are launching a series that explores business culture across different countries where Friisberg operates. Each article will highlight the workplace norms, leadership styles, and cultural surprises that matter most for international businesses. 

• Hungary: Authority, negotiation, and resilience 
• Germany: Precision and structure with a distinctly collaborative mindset
• UK: Pragmatism, politeness, and subtle hierarchies 
• Sweden: Consensus, equality, and the strong line between work and private life 

And more perspectives will follow. 

Why This Matters for Leaders 

The world’s most successful international businesses know that culture is not soft, it is strategic. It shapes leadership, decision-making, employee engagement, and ultimately, financial performance. 

At Friisberg, we help organisations see culture not as a challenge to overcome, but as an opportunity to create stronger, more resilient leadership. 

Note: These insights reflect common patterns observed in professional settings. Every individual and organisation is unique, and no culture can be defined in absolute terms. Our aim is to highlight trends that international leaders may encounter when working across borders, and to share how Friisberg helps clients navigate these differences with respect and effectiveness.