Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013)

View Issue TOC

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

Marie-Ange Hoareau, Seychelles Digital Research Centre Anoushka Labiche, Department of Research, Seychelles School of Arts and Social Sciences Davidina Ernesta, Department of Research, Seychelles Centre for Population Studies
Published: January 22, 2026

Abstract

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.

Full Text:

PDF (English (United Kingdom)) HTML (English (United Kingdom))

Read the Full Article

The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.

Open HTML Open PDF

How to Cite

Marie-Ange Hoareau, Anoushka Labiche, Davidina Ernesta (2026). A Systematic Review of Cross-Cultural Management Challenges in Pan-African Enterprises: A Seychellois Perspective (2010–2025). African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013), 50-70.
EndNote (RIS) BibTeX

Keywords

Cross-cultural managementPan-African enterprisesSystematic literature reviewSeychellesOrganisational cultureAfrican business environmentInternational human resource management

Research Snapshot

Desktop reading view
Language
EN
Formats
HTML + PDF
Publication Track
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2013)
Current Journal
African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance

References

  • Bartosik-Purgat, M., & Guzek, M. (2024). Instead of introduction. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-1
  • Bartosik-Purgat, M., Jankowska-Brzóska, A., & Staszków, M. (2024). Internationalisation of the company. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-10
  • Bednarz, J., & Klimczak, A. (2024). Expansion of cosmetic manufacturers to the GCC countries – challenges and cultural adaptation of products. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-4
  • Brookes, L., Burnham, K., van Zijl, W., & Maroun, W. (2025). Financial reporting challenges of small- and medium-capitalisation JSE-listed companies. South African Journal of Business Management. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v56i1.4810
  • Bączyk-Lesiuk, K., Cybulska, A., & Guzek, M. (2024). Challenges in managing a Polish-Ukrainian team. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-13
  • Ecim, D. (2024). Components of integrated thinking: Evidence from South African listed companies. South African Journal of Business Management. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4080
  • Elston, J.N., Pinto, H., & Nogueira, C. (2024). Tides of Change for a Sustainable Blue Economy: A Systematic Literature Review of Innovation in Maritime Activities. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411141
  • Filimon, N., Fusté-Forné, F., & Medina, F.X. (2024). Codorniu's “cava” in China. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-5
  • Flory, O.O., & Nyaronga, G. (2025). Cross-Border Transport Corridors: Assessing the Influence of Policy, Technology, and Sustainability Practices on Regional Development, East Africa. PAN-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT. https://doi.org/10.61538/pajbm.v9i1.1638
  • Hadryś, A., & Kasprzyk, P. (2024). Women on board in the Volkswagen Group. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-17
  • Islam, Y., Mindia, P.M., Farzana, N., & Qamruzzaman, M. (2023). Nexus between environmental sustainability, good governance, financial inclusion, and tourism development in Bangladesh: Evidence from symmetric and asymmetric investigation. Frontiers in Environmental Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.1056268
  • Jankowska, B., & Kubala, M. (2024). The adoption of ESG practices in corporate strategies – does cultural background matter?. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-16
  • Jolly, C.M., Nyandat, B., Yang, Z., Ridler, N.B., Matias, F., Zhang, Z., Murekezi, P., & Menezes, A.M.B. (2023). Dynamics of aquaculture governance. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12967
  • Kayyali, M. (2025). Navigating the Global Business Landscape. Improving Business Through Marketing, Cross-Cultural Management, and Public Relations. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1544-7.ch001
  • Khan, A., & Siddiqui, H.A. (2025). Cross-Cultural Branding and Reputation Management. Improving Business Through Marketing, Cross-Cultural Management, and Public Relations. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1544-7.ch006
  • Lawal, T. (2024). Rethinking Jurisdictional Barriers to Practising Law Abroad: A Soft Technological Deterministic Approach. Law Technology and Humans. https://doi.org/10.5204/lthj.3319
  • Leogrande, A., & Costantiello, A. (2023). The Impact of Government Expenditure on Education in the ESG Models at World Level. Preprints.org. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.0286.v1 http://dx.doi.org/10.20944/preprints202305.0286.v1
  • Lubchenco, J., Haugan, P.M., Ota, Y., Adhuri, D.S., Bavinck, J.M., Cisneros-Montemayor, A., Fabinyi, M., Jentoft, S., Lau, S., Mallory, T.G., Olukoju, A., Putten, I.V., Stacey, N., Voyer, M., & Weeratunge, N. (2023). The Human Relationship with Our Ocean Planet. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-16277-0_11
  • Muzvondiwa, E., Msipah, N., Nzero, I., & Mukuze, K. (2024). Cross-Cultural Influences on Management Practices in Chinese Companies in Zimbabwe: Views from Non-Management. Indonesian Journal Of Business And Economics. https://doi.org/10.25134/ijbe.v7i2.10952
  • Okuonzi, S.A. (2023). Lessons for Epidemic Emergency Policy: A Scoping Review of Ebola and COVID-19 Pandemics in Africa. Health. https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2023.157053
  • Omol, E., Mburu, L., Abuonji, P., Abdulqadir, I., Asongu, S., Achieng, M., Malatji, M., Alaloul, W., Liew, M., Kennedy, I., Attaran, M., Barai, S., Sultana, K., Birhane, A., David, O., Grobler, W., Ekundayo, T., Holden, K., Klyton, A.V., & Kazim, F. (2024). Pioneering Digital Transformation in African: The Path to Maturity Amidst Unique Challenges and Opportunities. Canadian Journal of Business and Information Studies. https://doi.org/10.34104/cjbis.024.035048
  • Peng, X. (2025). Cross-cultural Management Challenges in Global Teams and Strategies for Improvement. Journal of Business and Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.63887/jber.2025.1.4.11
  • Pešić, A.M., Glavonjić, T.J., Денда, С., & Jakovljević, D. (2023). Sustainable Tourism Development and Ramsar Sites in Serbia: Exploring Residents’ Attitudes and Water Quality Assessment in the Vlasina Protected Area. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115391
  • Rakowska, W., Puślecki, Ł., & Malicka, D. (2024). Cultural barriers in Foreign Direct Investments. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-11
  • Sang, W. (2024). New Media for Cross-Cultural Communication: Tiktok's Cultural Dissemination and Challenges in the Global Market. Transactions on Economics, Business and Management Research. https://doi.org/10.62051/564ppw05
  • Sheng, L.X. (2025). Cross Cultural Management Practices in International Business: Challenges and Strategies. Journal of Digitainability, Realism & Mastery (DREAM). https://doi.org/10.56982/dream.v4i10.319
  • Steier, M. (2024). Danish values in the structures of the Polish subsidiary of VELUX. International Business and Culture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032636962-12
  • Yao, Y., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Z., & Fan, M. (2024). Are cities ready for climate change? Exploring the spatial discrepancies between urban vulnerability and adaptation readiness. Frontiers in Climate. https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2024.1293651