| Synopsis: |
This book sets out to examine the economic effects of various cultural factors (including, but not limited to, ethnicity, language and religion), as well as to present a methodological framework for the management of cross-cultural economic activities that could be misinterpreted by existing economic theories. One of the most important findings in this book is the clarification of conditions under which culture may not be a cause of misunderstanding and conflict, but a source of creativity and profitability of international and intercultural co-operation. It also identifies various cultural conditions under which economic policies can (or cannot) be optimally arranged during the dynamic process of economic globalisation. The theoretical results and empirical findings in this book are intended to supplement current studies on development economics and international economics and trade, as well as to help policymakers to reappraise the roles of 'cultural factors' in, and to introduce the optimal economic and cultural policies into, cross-cultural economic management. |