A critical review of available literature is presented, which relates to the impact of culture on communication behaviour in public and private organisations. This is in order to identify deficiencies in the area of study as well as to draw some lessons for future research. The focus is primarily on the effect of culture values on communication in Libyan public and private organisations. Key issues associated with definitions of culture, communication behaviours and organisational culture are considered and discussed. In addition, a critical review and synthesis of related studies on the effect of local Libyan cultural values on the communication behaviour of individuals in organisations are addressed. In conclusion, the paper argues that the role of culture in communication behaviour in organisational settings is complex. The paper also points to the fact that Libyan culture reflects ‘high power distance’, ‘masculinity’ and uncertainty avoidance. The implications of these complex issues to research strategy  and design are also documented together with recommendations for researchers.\ud
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Keywords: Culture, Libyan local culture, Communication behaviour, public and private organisation