A Systematic Review of Cross-Cultural Management Challenges in Pan-African Enterprises: A Seychellois Perspective (2010–2025)

This systematic literature review synthesises scholarly evidence from 2010 to 2024 to analyse the cross-cultural management challenges confronting Pan-African enterprises operating within Seychelles. It addresses a significant gap in the literature concerning how the unique socio-cultural fabric of Seychelles—characterised by its Creole heritage, small island dynamics, and confluence of African, European, and Asian influences—intersects with the diverse managerial practices of mainland African corporations. Employing the PRISMA framework, the methodology entailed a systematic search of four major academic databases using defined search strings, application of explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria, and quality assessment of selected peer-reviewed articles and case studies. Key findings identify predominant challenges, including communication barriers due to linguistic diversity, divergent expectations between hierarchical and consensual leadership models, and conflicts arising from differing conceptions of time, negotiation, and workplace ethics. The analysis concludes that these frictions are frequently compounded by a lack of nuanced, context-specific management strategies. The review’s significance lies in its contribution towards more effective, culturally intelligent frameworks for Pan-African business integration. It posits that for Pan-African enterprises to thrive in Seychelles, leadership must cultivate hybrid practices that genuinely respect local norms while constructively leveraging continental synergies, thereby supporting more sustainable and equitable business governance.