Understanding and approaching the cultural gap between First World leaders and their Third World workforce: An African focus

The world is characterised by political, social and economic environmental changes. Internationalisation and globalisation for instance, have brought about world competition and require managers to interact with and manage people who are culturally diverse. The aim of this qualitative research article therefore, is to discuss an appropriate and relevant way in which First World leaders can understand and approach their Third World workforce in Africa. Important concepts are defined, with the focus on cultural intelligence and the significance thereof to the First World leaders’ understanding and approach towards Third World subordinates. Cultural intelligence can be improved by inter alia, obtaining knowledge of current leadership and management practices in Africa. Therefore, leadership and management in Africa are discussed, followed by a description of a cultural intelligence implementation model of leadership. Lastly, the focus is on servant leadership as a tool to implement cultural intelligence in the organisational context.   Key words: First world leader, third world workforce, culture, cultural intelligence, leadership, management.