Abstract
In the globalized world today national boarders are being washed out and people move out of
their natural environment and over seas. Organizations have internationalized and opened up for
foreigners in their environment, the internal business environment is then no longer only
represented by employees from the host country but often consist of an international
environment.
This research aims to explain how culture and cultural differences can impact the internal
environment in an organization, and how cultural differences can impact on a project team and
the project outcome with focus on the Norwegian oil and gas Industry.
Interviews of four project managers with different nationality were conducted to gather the
appropriate information regarding the research topic. The empirical findings were discussed and
analyzed with regards to the four objectives and the appropriate literature.
The study finds that cultural differences that occur in the Norwegian oil and gas industry tend to
influence internal communication and the project outcome negatively in a project team. It is also
evident that individuals from Scandinavia and Asia do not work effectively and without error
when put on the same team. However, when the project team consist of individuals from the
same nationality or similar culture it usually have a positive effect on the project overall.
Personality differences are one of the main reasons for errors in a project team, and not
nesesarely cultural differences. This research also highlights the importance of training and
knowledge in regards to cultural differences, and individual’s ability to apply their knowledge
when issues occur.
Finally, the research implies directions for further research and emphasis the importance of
investigating other cultures and nationalities that are not mentioned in this dissertation but are
represented in the industry and can have an influence in regards to cultural differences in project
management. Author's keywords: Cultural
differences,
project
management,
Norwegian
oil
and
gas
industry,
communication.
