Dr. Maria Fregidou-Malama-Cross-Cultural Leadership-Excellence in Leadership and Management Award 

University of Gävle-Sweden 

Author Profile 

• Scopus 

Early Academic Pursuits

Maria Fregidou-Malama began her academic journey with a strong focus on agricultural economics, particularly examining the interactions between agricultural cooperatives and state regulations. Her doctoral thesis, "Lantbrukskooperationen och staten: Samspelet rörande föreningslagen," completed in 1994 at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, explored the legislative processes affecting agricultural cooperatives. This foundational work laid the groundwork for her extensive research career, highlighting her interest in the intersection of agriculture, economics, and policy.

Professional Endeavors

Fregidou-Malama has built a diverse and impactful career within the realm of business and economic studies, particularly through her role at the University of Gävle's Faculty of Education and Business Studies. Her academic endeavors span a broad spectrum, including teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in international conferences, contributing to the global discourse on cooperatives, marketing, and gender equality in business settings.

Contributions and Research Focus

Fregidou-Malama's research portfolio is extensive and multifaceted. Her early work, such as the 2000 article in the "Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics," delved into the legislative dynamics between agricultural cooperatives and the state in Sweden. Over the years, her research evolved to include a broader range of topics. For instance, her 2009 paper in the "Journal of Services Marketing," co-authored with A.S. Hyder, examined services marketing in a cross-cultural environment, using Egypt as a case study. This work underscored her growing interest in international marketing and cross-cultural studies.

Another significant area of her research is the marketing of health services. Her 2015 publication in the "International Business Review," co-authored with Hyder, investigated the impact of culture on the marketing of health services, focusing on Elekta in Brazil. This study highlighted the complexities and nuances of marketing healthcare in different cultural contexts, further establishing her expertise in international business and marketing strategies.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Fregidou-Malama has been recognized for her contributions to the field of business and economic studies. Her work has been published in numerous respected international journals, such as the "Journal of Services Marketing," the "Journal of Asia Business Studies," and the "International Business Review." These publications have cemented her reputation as a leading scholar in her field. Additionally, her participation in and presentations at international conferences reflect her status as a thought leader and her commitment to advancing academic discourse on a global scale.

Impact and Influence on Cross-Cultural Leadership

Fregidou-Malama's research has had a significant impact on both academic and practical aspects of business and economic studies. Her studies on the interplay between cooperatives and state legislation have informed policy discussions and provided valuable insights for cooperative organizations. Furthermore, her work on international marketing strategies, particularly in emerging markets, has offered practical guidance for multinational companies navigating complex global environments.

Her collaborative approach, often working with other scholars like A.S. Hyder and E.H. Chowdhury, has enriched her research, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to her studies. This collaborative spirit has not only broadened the scope of her research but also fostered a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the subjects she explores.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Maria Fregidou-Malama continues her academic career, her legacy is already well-established. Her extensive body of work serves as a valuable resource for future researchers, policymakers, and business leaders. Her contributions to the understanding of cooperatives, international marketing, and gender dynamics in business are particularly noteworthy.

Looking forward, her future contributions are likely to build on her existing research, exploring new dimensions of international business and marketing. Her ongoing projects, such as the study on constructing organizational culture in international subsidiaries, promise to add further depth and insight into her areas of expertise. Given her track record, it is expected that her future research will continue to influence and shape the fields of business and economic studies, providing valuable knowledge and guidance for years to come.

Conclusion

Maria Fregidou-Malama's career is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and improving the dynamics of business, cooperatives, and marketing on an international scale. Her research has spanned several important areas, from the legislative processes affecting agricultural cooperatives to the intricate challenges of marketing healthcare services across different cultures. Her scholarly contributions have had a lasting impact on both academic theory and practical applications in the field. As she continues to explore new avenues of research, her work will undoubtedly remain a vital part of the academic and business communities.

Cross-cultural leadership is the ability to effectively lead and manage individuals and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. This form of leadership requires a deep understanding of various cultural norms, values, and communication styles. Leaders in a cross-cultural context must be adept at recognizing and respecting cultural differences while fostering an inclusive environment that leverages these differences to enhance team performance and innovation. Effective cross-cultural leaders demonstrate cultural intelligence, which includes being aware of one's own cultural biases and adapting leadership styles to suit the cultural context of their team members. This adaptability not only enhances interpersonal relationships but also drives collaboration and productivity within multicultural teams.

Notable Publications 

• Constructing organizational culture in an international subsidiary: Elekta healthcare services in Greece
• International marketing strategy of emerging market firms: the case of Bangladesh
• Multilevel trust in international marketing of healthcare services: A five-country comparative study
• Innovative product marketing strategy: multinational companies in Bangladesh
• Health Care Services Marketing of Swedish Innovation – A Comparative Study
• Impact of culture on marketing of health services - Elekta in Brazil
• Services marketing in a cross-cultural environment: The case of Egypt