Abstract
This study is set against the backdrop of China’s continued investment expansion in Africa, with a particular focus on the matrilineal cultural characteristics of the Akan people in Ghana. It explores the differences in gender roles between African matrilineal traditions and the Confucian patriarchal system and analyzes the cultural roots of the management conflicts faced by Chinese enterprises operating in Ghana. The findings reveal that Akan women occupy central roles in family, political, and economic spheres. This stands in sharp contrast to the male-dominated structure of Confucian culture. Divergent gender norms have created significant managerial challenges in transnational business operations, including misallocation of human resources, imbalanced participation in decision-making, and organizational cultural conflicts. Drawing on theories of cross-cultural management and gender as a social construct, this study proposes targeted strategies. It recommends that Chinese enterprises adapt their gender perspectives and develop culturally inclusive management systems when operating in matrilineal societies like Ghana. Such adaptation should be grounded in respect for local cultural traditions and aim to achieve dynamic alignment between corporate governance models and host society structures. This research contributes theoretical insights to the management practices of Chinese companies in Africa and offers a new analytical framework for application in matrilineal cultural contexts worldwide.
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How to cite this paper
A Comparative Analysis of African Matrilineal Traditions and Confucian Patriarchy: Gender Roles Among the Akan People of Ghana
How to cite this paper: Yuqi Sun. (2025) A Comparative Analysis of African Matrilineal Traditions and Confucian Patriarchy: Gender Roles Among the Akan People of Ghana. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 9(5), 1015-1020.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.05.025