Diverse Workforce
Running head: DIVERSE WORKFORCE
The Diverse Workforce
Tamila Harris
University of Phoenix
SOC 315
Precious Dennis
November 11, 2006
The Diverse Workforce
Today’s businesses are expanding well past their countries borders and becoming global which necessitates operating outside the “country of origin” or adapting to national and local diversity aspects. Therefore, it is evident that companies, factories, and offices consist of very different people with various cultural backgrounds. Doubtlessly it has become normal that people of different countries and cultures are working together in diverse workplaces. Therefore, it is evident that managers begin to appreciate and learn how to manage and blend workers form different cultural backgrounds.
A variety of people from different countries and cultures inhabit large cities. Each culture possesses its own unique lifestyle, which is “imported” by the people. Singapore, for example, hosts four cultural and linguistic groups: Chinese, Eurasian, Indian, and Malay. Switzerland has four ethnic communities: French, German, Italian, and Romansh (Schneider, 2003, p. 139).
Far too often people do not realize how different cultures influence their lives, since their influence has been present for a long time. However, people are confronted with them on a daily basis. Multiculturalism has emerged as a dominant factor of people’s lives. It is necessary to assess the potential impact of culture since it influences the effectiveness of organizations and managers as well as on work and businesses. Unfortunately, the same situations can and will be interpreted differently across the corporate world. Being aware of this and embracing the difference can help businesses seek ways to use cultural differences in their favor, as a source of competitive advantage.
According to Grano (1999, p. 201) there are a number of negative aspects. On one hand, cultural diversity causes communication problems, people not...
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