Forming cohesion in culturally heterogeneous teams : Differences in Japanese, Pacific Islander and Anglo experiences

Purpose – Aims to create a better understanding those factors that influence group cohesion in culturally heterogeneous teams. Design/methodology/approach – The hypotheses presented were tested on a sample of 250 students from a small Hawaiian university, comprising 140 Anglo, 28 Japanese and 82 Pacific Islander representatives. Findings – The processes and actions that influence cohesion very significantly. Broadly, the research indicates that individuals from different cultures experience the same behaviours in multicultural teams differently. Practical implications – There needs to be a willingness to examine the group experience from the point of view of the cultural other and then to explore that experience in an open way. Originality/value – This study helps to fill one gap in the understanding of culturally heterogeneous teams but is also the starting‐point for additional investigation into the complex dynamics of such teams.