‘In Culture and Project Management Omar Zein offers a masterful review of well-known and accepted theories related to how different types of cultures may look at the same event or experience and why this matters when doing business together. What sets this book apart, however, is that Zein also explains why typical approaches to developing rapport for a multicultural team over the long term are quite different from managing short-term projects where time is of the essence. Best of all, he offers clear strategies for short-term managers on what to consider as they assess the international makeup of their team and how then to work with this diversity to achieve the successful and timely completion of their projects.’
Ruth E. Van Reken, co-author, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds; co-founder, Families in Global Transition

‘A very understandable and approachable description with great examples of the concrete impact culture has in one of the work-life areas, the area of project management. A must read for every international project manager, with examples relating to both short-term projects and long-term programs.’
Egbert Schram, Managing Director, Itim International and the Hofstede Centre

Omar Zein's Culture and Project Management explores the cultural impact on projects and their management, providing the reader with an understanding of the main elements of cross-cultural theory within the project environment. These include our perception of context, achievement, power and group dynamics; and how we approach ambiguity and time. He then identifies key aspects of project management where cultural sensitivity is essential (for example, planning, risk management, project communication and leadership) and offers a structured plan for developing what he calls 'cultural tuning' within a project environment.

The book draws on the author’s research and his professional practice experience of working on transnational projects. His review of the different theories alongside examples and stories of their practical application, offers project managers a new and extraordinarily rich perspective into the likely dynamics of their projects. Making appropriate adaptations to standard processes, choosing what, how and through whom you communicate with stakeholders may be signal elements in the success or failure of your projects; Culture and Project Management will show where to start.