Oil is one of the most important forms of energy and is

Purpose – This research investigates the generational differences in workplace communication, expectations and behaviors of employees from the perspectives of female leaders and their direct reports.Design – This study employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with 12 female leaders and 24 of their direct reports who are working in various organizations in Malaysia.Findings – Findings include three themes that emerged as key in determining and reflecting the female leaders’ experiences in communicating with their employees in the workplace: (1) attitudes towards power and authority; (2) being creative and taking risks and (3) workplace dynamics.Research Implications – The workplace setting and the leaders’ stance with regards to workplace interaction have seen adjustment towards a flatter and less-hierarchical structure in line with the challenges associated with the 21st century organizations.Practical implications – Leaders and members of the organizations should work towards balancing some traditional and emerging expectations and work practices to better engage with each other.Originality/value – This research highlights the interactions between two distinct groups that are gaining importance and influence in the current workplace; female leaders and the Gen-Ys and uncovers the unique blend between perceived cultural dimensions, the influence of technology advancement and overseas exposure in organizations in Malaysia.

International assignments remain a crucial aspect of multinational corporations' global strategy, even with their high costs. While multinational corporations (MNCs) must consider the advantages and disadvantages of hiring local employees for specific roles, expatriates' roles are still significant. Culturally adjusting to the local environment has always been a problem for most expatriates and their accompanying family members. Failing to adjust culturally will lead to mediocre performance and under-utilising the wealth of host country-related information that only locals possess. Therefore, this research highlights the influential role that accompanying expatriate spouses could play in ensuring the smooth communication and cooperation between expatriates and their local subordinates and the local community. Path analyses of 134 expatriate and spouse related matched datasets show that spouses are more positively accepted by the host country nationals (HCNs) as opposed to expatriates. New relationships emerged from the path analyses which indicated the influential roles that spouses play in establishing better rapport with the locals. As such it is suggested that spouses are the 'missing link' that could foster better social integration and cross cultural communication and adjustment between expatriates and the host country nationals. Theoretical and managerial implications are subsequently discussed and future research suggestions are then put forth.

The objective of this study was to fill a research gap, where the channels through which technology and knowledge were transferred remained unexplored in the existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) knowledge transfer literature. A case study method was adopted as it is appropriate for exploring the complex process of knowledge transfer. The findings obtained from the case studies were able to demonstrate a positive relationship between MNCs and local innovation where knowledge and technology can be diffused through training programmes offered by MNCs to local suppliers. It provides an understanding as to the extent to which MNCs, through linkages with local firms, may facilitate the innovation activities of said local firms. Policy implications are subsequently discussed and future research suggestions are then put forth.

The objective of this study was to fill a research gap, where the channels through which technology and knowledge were transferred remained unexplored in the existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) knowledge transfer literature. A case study method was adopted as it is appropriate for exploring the complex process of knowledge transfer. The findings obtained from the case studies were able to demonstrate a positive relationship between MNCs and local innovation where knowledge and technology can be diffused through training programmes offered by MNCs to local suppliers. It provides an understanding as to the extent to which MNCs, through linkages with local firms, may facilitate the innovation activities of said local firms. Policy implications are subsequently discussed and future research suggestions are then put forth.