In this Linkedin article I found a very interesting synthesis of the leadership style around the word in a graphical way:
His author, an "Ethics and compliance officer" of a multinational company, based on the book "When Cultures Collide" summarize it as follows:
1/ British managers are diplomatic, casual, helpful, willing to compromise, and seeking to be fair, though they can be ruthless when necessary. Unfortunately, their adherence to tradition can result in a failure to comprehend differing values in others.
Emilio Ibañez, based on Richard D. Lewis book
2/ American managers are assertive, aggressive, goal and action oriented, confident, vigorous, optimistic, and ready for change. They are capable of teamwork and corporate spirit, but they value individual freedom and their first interest is furthering their own career.
3/ French managers tend to be autocratic and paternalistic, with an impressive grasp of the many issues facing their company. Opinions of experienced middle managers and technical staff may be dismissed.
4/ Swedish management is decentralized and democratic. The rationale is that better informed employees are more motivated and perform better. The drawback is that decisions can be delayed.
5/ German managers strive to create a perfect system. There is a clear chain of command in each department and information and instructions are passed down from the top. Nonetheless, considerable value is placed on consensus.
6/ East Asian countries tend to have a Confucian hierarchy, where the group is sacred and leaders are seen as benevolent.
7/ In Latin and Arab countries, authority is concentrated in the chief executive, and family relations are very important, with ubiquitous nepotism.
This is a universal truth; different cultures can have radically different leadership styles, and when you have to work with them you have to understand them. In my experience with global SMEs (not big multinationals) as Fractional CFO or advisor the same things happens and it affects to comunication and the way I relate with the team I am working with or the team I am developing (leading it).