Sensegiving in Multicultural Contexts for Positive Public Outcomes

Using the implementation of Mauritius’s Metro Express Project as a case study, the authors examine how “sensegiving,” that is, the process of influencing stakeholders’ understanding, can be effectively applied in multicultural contexts. They introduce the concept of “cultural chameleonizing,” which involves being receptive, adaptive, and unifying to address diverse cultural sensitivities and foster stakeholder acceptance in public projects. The findings highlight that successful sensegiving in multicultural environments requires public managers to actively listen, adapt to cultural practices, and frame initiatives as inclusive national projects to achieve positive public outcomes.