Connect by Similarities:Together we make a difference : A multi-method case-study exploring theorganizational culture of an MNC.

Abstract: Today’s international and connected environment has amplified the frequency of project business as a means to realize large transnational and global investments in world infrastructure. However, to realize an international infrastructure project, large collaboration among the right actors must be formed. A common and pressing issue is communication barriers and misunderstandings, hampering a single company’s capabilities to take full advantage of the opportunities auctioned or mutually created. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to explore the potential impact the organizational culture within a particular MNC had in regards to effective project formation and how to overcome these communication barriers. This thesis has been conducted with NKT, which provides turnkey cable solutions worldwide to connect various places and infrastructures. They are, therefore, active within a project business setting where they, together with other actors, collaborate intensively to deliver the solutions to their customers, i. e. nations. In 2021, they have set the work culture high on the agenda to connect a better world, a safer and more inclusive work environment, and advance more value to their stakeholders. We believe NKT provides an extraordinary opportunity to research in-depth how the organizational culture can be effectively utilized in project business since this is a unique scenario and NKT shows a high degree of cultural awareness. Thanks to our cooperation, we could conduct a multi-method case study to investigate the phenomenon thoroughly. The theoretical framework displays project business through collaboration, communication, and organizational culture using a constructionist perspective. The chapter concludes with a theoretical synthesis portraying the cohesion between these concepts. The methodology chapter illustrates how we performed this study, followed by the empirical chapter showing the rich material we have gathered. The analysis chapter links the findings to our theoretical framework, followed by the concluding chapter answering our research question and stating implications, recommendations, and suggestions for future research. The outcome of this thesis showcases the strength and importance of a harmonious organizational culture, coupled with open and highly systematic communication and documentation as a solid foundation for more collaborations using the network approach, which in turn increases trust, reputation, and capabilities to act on opportunities within project business. Significant implications are the importance of common vocabulary and interest, the significance of contexts and co-creation of meaning for communication, and the perfect alignment to mega-trends, in this case, sustainability.