...EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF MULTICULTURAL TEAM Abstract Multicultural teams have become more common in recent years, and contemporary international management literature has identified that the management of multicultural teams is an important aspect of human resource management. This paper has focused on the positive effects of using multicultural teams. Using data from 20 interviews in Mwanza Tanzania, the results show that management within multicultural team environments can be effective when project managers demonstrate an awareness of cultural variation. Participants further highlighted that, one of the critical components of building multicultural teams is the creation and development of effective cross cultural collectivism, trust, communication and empathy in leadership NAME: SARAH CHRISTOPHER KITELEJA 11/23/2012 EMPOWER STUDENT 2012 COUNTRY: MWANZA- TANZANIA A. Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION3 1.2 Objective of diploma paper3 1.3 Significant of the study3 2. BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM3-4 3. MANAGEMENT OF MULTICUTURAL TEAM…………………………………………………………………………………...4 3.1 Type of multicultural team & its diversity 4 3.2 Condition for higher performance4-5 3.3 management of Multicultural team……………………………………………………………………………..6-7 3.4 management of Multicultural team…………………………………………………………………………..7-9 4. THE USE OF DMIS IN MANAGEMENT OF MULTICUTURAL TEAM…………………………………………..10-12 5. CHALLENGES IN MANAGING MULTICULTURAL TEAM……………………………………………………………13-14 6. RECOMME...
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...1. INTRODUCTION Multicultural teams have become very common in recent years. With cross border mobility becoming much easier the number of people moving from one country to another has grown significantly. This has also led to more people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds intermarrying. Their children could be born and grow up in different countries and have hybrid cultural identities. Globalization and the advances in communication and transportation technology have reduced trade barriers and increased interaction among people. Multicultural teams have become more common in our organizations, and contemporary international management literature has identified that the management of multicultural teams is an important aspect of human resource management. Recent studies have focussed on the positive effects of using multicultural teams, for example, Earleyand Mosakowski (2000) stated that multicultural teams are used because they are perceived to out-perform monoculture teams, especially when performance requires multiple skills and judgement. However, there has been little research into construction-specific multicultural teams, and many construction organisations, although expanding into global operations do not fully appreciate the implications and are often unable to respond to cultural factors affecting their project teams. 1.1 Objective of the diploma paper • To explain challenges faced by Multicultural team and how to manage them • To give recommendations on...
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...workplace is a challenge that must be addressed to lead an effective team. A culturally diverse workforce has many competitive advantages. Frist, by capturing cultural diversity, the company will gain an added value and competitive advantage over companies that have ignored this challenge (Gwynne, 2009). People despite their cultural upbringing, feel valued. By tapping into the human value of each individual, managers will gain an increased commitment and productivity, strengthen work relationships and retain the best employees. The second, benefit is business growth. Targeted audiences in a global market, come from multicultural backgrounds. Members with different multicultural background will bring ethnic authenticity (Gwynne, 2009). This means language skills, knowledge of business network and cultural sensitivity from their home countries. This is an added asset that the company can use to gain a competitive advantage into targeting a new audience. A third advantage to a multicultural team is the potential to gain new a consumer base at home. A perfect example of this is Avon Company. Once an unprofitable company, Avon was able to turn business around by placing African-American and Hispanic managers in charge of marketing (Gwynne, 2009). People from culturally diverse backgrounds not only like to work for companies with a good reputation for managing diversity, they also prefer to buy from these organizations. A final added...
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...Multicultural Workforce In the past American business experienced few examples of multicultural workforce. Due to globalization large companies and small businesses are experiencing a growing multicultural workforce. These cultural changes are contributing to business success and at the same time affecting teamwork and communication. A multicultural workforce is one in which a company’s workers come from various ethnic, racial, religious, and gender backgrounds. In the past business leaders in the United States had limited experience working with a multicultural workforce and little was written or taught on the subject. However, today’s business owners, managers and corporate executives recognize that culturally diverse workforces contribute to success. A diverse multicultural workforce boosts a company’s success by bringing new ideas and ways to enhance decision making, creativity and innovation, marketing to foreign and ethnic minority communities, and distribution of economic opportunity. Researchers believe that most cultural challenges arise from three basic cultural preferences; how individuals approach work, how individuals share information, and how individuals view time. The researchers believe these three preferences have an enormous impact on teamwork effectiveness. However, cultural differences can be a factor contributing to increased costs when higher turnover rates, increased interpersonal conflict and communication breakdowns occur...
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...ABSTRACT Workplace diversity exists when companies hire employees from various backgrounds and experiences. Many companies see workplace diversity as an investment toward building a better business. Although workplace diversity provides many benefits, it also poses many challenges to employees and managers. To reap the benefits of workplace diversity, employees and managers must understand the challenges and know how to effectively deal with them. Diversity is commonly interpreted in relation to ethnicity, gender and culture. Diversity also captures the differences and similarities between individuals and group, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender, culture, age, sexual orientation, religion, language, education, family status, physical and mental ability. These demographic variables are related to other important diversity characteristics such as values, attitudes, interaction styles, physical and cognitive abilities and non-work commitments. The impact of diversity is both positive and negative. The research questions was: How can diverse workforce affect the organization? Table of Contents Chapter 1. Introduction 4 Background of the Study 4 Statement of the Problem 4 Purpose of the Study 5 Research Questions 6 Chapter 2. Literature Review 6 Chapter 3. Methodology 12 Data Analysis 12 Final Results 14 References 15 CHAPTER 1. BACKGROUND Today, globalization has become...
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...Final Research Paper Global organizations are recovering from the 2008 financial crisis and are repositioning themselves for aggressive growth. As the economy recovers, organizations worldwide realize the need for highly connected, ambitious and valuable contributors forcing companies to develop innovative ideas and find human capital to develop capabilities and share expertise. Globalization has changed the face of 21st century workforce. In today's fast paced and growing economy, there is an exponential increase of cultural diversity within big businesses and corporations. There is an opportunity to "achieve higher levels of productivity and extraordinary performance" (Nykiel) for large corporations with a multicultural workforce. At the same time, it may also "be more challenging in a multicultural work and managerial environment" (Nykiel). Workforce Diversity Statistics The term "multicultural workforce" which represents the personal characteristics of employees in an organization is today superseded and replaced by a much broader term, "cultural diversity". Diversity refers to the way organizations respond to a multicultural workforce. The strategy in large organizations is to leverage differences in employees to increase creativity and have a competitive advantage in a fierce market. In the 2014 survey conducted by Diversity Inc; which is the leading publication for the education and benefits of large organizations, 1215 companies participated in an empirically...
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...Final Research Paper-Multicultural Workforce COMM/215 December 1, 2014 Introduction-Worldwide Telecommunications Company Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations. It is driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology (The Levin Institute, 2014). Indeed, globalization has made our world smaller. As the markets for products, services, labor, and capital increasingly integrate worldwide, we are witnessing the increasing economic, cultural, demographic, political, and environmental interdependence of different locations around the world (Elfrink, 2014). In his book The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman perfectly captured the essence of today’s new era of globalization. By flat, Friedman meant that the world is connected. The lowering of trade and political barriers, and the exponential technical advances of the digital revolution have made it possible to do business or almost anything else, instantaneously with billions of other people across the planet (Friedman 2005). However, with a more global business environment comes a host of new challenges including managing a multicultural workforce comprised of people with widely differing backgrounds. In a multicultural environment, where the meanings of various behaviors and practices are as diverse as the people demonstrating them, incorrect assumptions could easily lead to miscommunication (Lankard, 1994). The...
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...Introduction "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." -Michael Jordan When talking about accomplishing success in any type of organization, we must mind the essential role of team working. A team that provides high performance is one of the most important assets for a company. But even if an organization has the best talents in its field, it is not enough unless their aptitudes are incorporated into collectively performing unit. Turning an average performing into high performing team can be done by utilizing the strengths of each team member and the cultural diversity of the entire group. In the contemporary world we live, it is very common to work in multicultural teams. These teams are perceived as highly potential based on the perception that the greater the diversity, the greater the creativity and productivity of a team is. Yet, there are certain challenges that international teams encounter and that is why it is of great importance to be aware of the cultural diversity around the globe. Despite of how influential is our own culture on our beliefs and behaviours we must be aware that we are not coming from the one and only “valuable” culture in the world. People often tend to believe that their own values and beliefs are the only “right” ones as they are embedded in their particular cultures. We must be aware that each of us, each singular culture might shine in a different way, but that does not mean someone...
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...Part 2 Cases Case 1A–Joint Venture #1: The Corning-Vitro Divorce This case analyzes the business venture and subsequent breakup of Corning Glass Works, and American company, and Vitro, a Mexican firm. Suggested Questions for Class Discussion 1. Did Vitro and Corning do enough research before engaging in a joint venture? 2. Was it wise to start with such a large venture? 3. Could some of the problems have been mitigated through cultural training during the joint venture? 4. Was two and one half years long enough to try to make the joint venture work? Was it too long? 5. What can the two companies do to prevent such situations from occurring in the future? Case 1B–Joint Venture #2: The Volvo-Renault Marriage This case presents an overview of the successful alliance between two automobile makers, Volvo and Renault. Suggested questions for class discussion: 1. How does this case differ from the situation presented in Case 1, the Corning/Vitro joint venture? 2. Did the “chemistry” between the two top executives contribute to the overall success of the venture? 3. Did not having a provision in the agreement for dissolving the relationship contribute to its success? 4. Did the purchase of each other’s stock help ensure success? Case 2–Moto Coming to America This case gives a detailed account of the “courtship”...
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...Global Cultural Changes in Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. Kayla Harvey, Monica Johnson, Angela Lambert, Joseph Caston COMM/215 August 25, 2014 Rebecca Kinney Global Cultural Changes in Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. Expanding in a global environment takes a company that is diverse and understands cultural diversity. As a leader in the cable industry, Worldwide Telecommunications has a diverse global portfolio with an emphasis on social development. The company is headquartered on the east coast and has satellite offices in various cities around the country. In each office, there is a diversity champion who aligns employees with business core values. This helps to keep the business ahead of competitors because global partners and stakeholders from international markets trust our business track record which has a direct, tangible return on their investment. In terms of expansion, branching into the European market will require a seamless integration for advance corporate advisors to setup the framework for follow on employees. Moreover, a robust cultural conscience is absolutely crucial to future endeavors and is driven home by upper management. With a workforce consisting of many different ethnicities, a focus on communication barriers is paramount to a successful business approach. As industry needs change, and expansion being imminent, cultural diversity is more important than ever. The full definition of cultural change is the modification of a society through...
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...0486 idri@idrinstitute.org INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP1 Milton J. Bennett, Ph.D. 1 This reading is an edited compilation of two articles by Milton J. Bennett: “Developing Intercultural Competence for Global Managers” in Reineke, Rolf-Dieter (Editor) (June, 2001) Interkulturelles Managment. Wiesbaden: Gabler Verlag, ISBN: 3409-11794-6 and “An Intercultural Mindset and Skillset for Global Leadership” from Conference Proceedings of Leadership Without Borders: Developing Global Leaders. Adelphi, MD: National leadership Institute and the Center for Creative Leadership, University of Maryland University College, 2001. Over the last twenty-five years, the field of intercultural relations has developed some sophisticated methods for developing intercultural competence. Gone are the days when the only approach to an assignment abroad was “sink or swim.” And fast disappearing are the organizations who still say “the way we do it here is the way we do it everywhere.” It is now possible to prepare global managers and leaders to learn how to learn in new cross-cultural situations, thus speeding up their adaptability and improving their productivity. For experienced hands, the new methods allow them to share their own experience more effectively with the next generation of leaders. New approaches can also add intercultural competence to the curriculum of a learning organization. Truly global organizations have moved beyond “think globally, act locally.” They have...
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...Division of Public Administration Problems in Applied Public Management In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration College of Business and Public Administration Governors State University By Shari Denise Holloway Winter 2007 Approved: ____________________________________________ Dr. Robert B. Donaldson Date: TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………….....4 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………...….5 WHAT IS DIVERSITY ……………………………………..........................................6 WHAT IS WORKPLACE DIVERSITY ………………….………………….….…….7 Corporate Culture and Diversity ………………………………….……………9 DIVERSITY POLICIES AND PRACTICES IN THE WORKPLACE………………14 Workplace Discrimination ……………………………………………………14 Glass Ceiling ………………………………………………………………….15 Affirmative Action…………………………………………………………….16 Equal Employment ……………………………………………………………17 FROM VALUING DIVERSITY TO MANAGING DIVERSITY …………………...18 MANGING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE: A Multicultural Approach ………………18 DIVERSITY FACTOR (THE ISSUES)………………………………………………21 Cultural Collision ……………………………………………………………..22 Benefits ……………………………………………………………………….22 Challenges……………………………………………………………...……..24 IMPLEMENTATION OF A MORE DIVERSE WORKFORCE………...…………..25 Building a Diverse, High-Quality Workforce…………..……………………...
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...Diversity in the workplace is natural to Canada with its multicultural population and more than 250,000 newcomers entering the country every year (Government of Canada). One of the distinguished features of Canada’s current workforce is its growing diversity. As a concept, diversity refers to a broader set of qualities than race and gender. Its dimensions include, but are not limited to, age, ethnicity, educational background, geographic location, income, marital and parental status, religious and moral beliefs, physical abilities, working experiences, and job classifications. For example, for the first time in history, today’s workplace accommodates four different generations — the Matures, the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and the Generation Y. Each age group brings different perspectives on life and work; all of them relate differently to the same working environment; all of them bring new ideas that benefit the workplace on different levels. It is a great challenge for both employers and employees to learn to value and to embrace differences and not get caught up in stereotyping those who look, think and act differently. It is a great need to start learning about diversity by talking to people, asking questions and listening. The more we know about differences, the more we understand them and the more we can appreciate and value their contributions to the workplace. Employers need to learn how to integrate and manage their diverse workforce; employees need to recognize the challenges...
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...1. Should he or the others attempt to respond to negative reactions to the composition of the new Executive Committee? What should they say? To whom? When? How? It is extremely important that Voser respond to the negative reactions to the composition of new Executive Committee. He should respond because the composition of the committee does not reflect the organization's mission of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). The committee composition is not in line with Shell's corporate culture. The employees of Shell are beginning to show signs of dissatisfaction, distrust, anger and disbelief. This situation has to be carefully handled and managed by Voser to prevent it from worsening. It can easily become much worse if not handled properly and promptly. Voser's commitment to D&I has now been questioned. Therefore I believe he should try to gain the trust of his employees again by attempting to clarify his position. Voser needs to hold a meeting with senior and middle level of management where he should address and clarify his position and actions. He needs to communicate his efforts and achievements of getting D&I implemented. Voser should explain how hard he worked towards achieving the objective of implementing diversity and inclusion in organization. He needs to mention all of the difficulties which came in his way of achieving his objective and commitment while discussing the actions and major steps he took to make D&I a reality. Voser left no stone unturned in his commitment...
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...manufacturer of beauty and home products organization. The company was as established in 1886 under the name of California Perfume Company (CPC) and then was changed to Avon Product, Inc in 1939 by the same founder David H. McConnell and remained the same to current period. Avon is a globally famous and successful in its direct selling strategy if selling door to door, the company creates more than $10 billion in annual revenue. Avon Company has acquired a strong and attractive brand portfolio that attracts multiple of customers around the world. The company is selling in more than hundred countries operated with forty six thousand employees and has over six million representatives. Avon is a multi marketing company. The company chairman and CEO is Andrea Jung who was promoted to the position in the year 1999. She is so far in the position of CEO for twelve years as is considered to be the longest termed female CEO among five hundred companies. Avon was primarily directed for female customers; however the company expanded its products line and now offers varieties of products including male, toys and home products. The company is largely under control of women and serving under the goal of women empowerment and continues to help women by providing fund for education purposes and researches such as for breast cancer. 1) Evaluate Avon’s Strategic International Human Resources practices in global market regarding development of a global management cadre, HCNs and building company...
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