Free Essay About Cross Cultural Differences In The Workplace

Managing a multicultural workplace can be a challenge. Understanding the background of multiple people from different backgrounds can not only be confusing, but also perplexing when running a business. Managers who are not equipped to be respectful and understanding of the many obstacles that come with managing such a workspace will certainly be doomed to fail. However, those who are prepared to understand that all it takes is understanding, alterations in communication, and the possession of several managerial qualities will be sure to succeed. Most importantly, any manager must be prepared to put these theoretical ideas into action in order to ensure all employees are respected, comfortable, and able to communicate easily throughout the organization, ensuring success for themselves and the business.
It is important for managers to understand the cultural diversity of their workplace in order to manage it properly. To begin, it is important that a manager be versed in the differences between the cultures of the east and the west. For example, the west values individuality and autonomy. The voice of the one person can count for more than the voice of the collective while the eastern culture is the opposite. The eastern culture values uniformity. Individuality may make a person from eastern culture uncomfortable, or it may be foreign to them, while eastern practices may make an individual from western culture rebellious, or equally uncomfortable. In order to quell these issues, as well as many others, a manager must make certain adjustments to the workplace, and must have certain qualities.
Communication can become a struggle in the workplace over the most common things, and culture can make this an even more trying issue. Some employees will experience culture shock, which can cause them to feel isolation, anxiety, and even a reduction in their job performance. These and several other symptoms will not only force communication, but it will also make it difficult to achieve. On top of these issues, as stated, culture can complicate communication. In order to make the communication easier, we can examine previous cross-cultural communication, allowing manager and employee to open up to one another more successfully. When has worked successfully or unsuccessfully between cultures previously can be used as a tool in the workplace today, as we have already observed practices between cultures, enabling us to assess what is similar and different between us. A manager can then assess what employees need to be sensitive to, and how the workplace should be modified in order to permit for communication that is more agreeable. It is important managers understand how culture and cross-cultural communication shape their reactions and the reactions of those around them so they can set a good example, but also guide their employees in a respectful and proper way. Each individual’s point of view will then be seen adequately, the workplace will not have to cater unnecessarily to one culture, and everybody will be heard.
Perhaps one of the most important ways to maintain a successful multi-cultural workplace is to have the traits of a successful manager. There are six traits a manager must have in order to achieve this title. Initially, they must have the capacity and ambition to create, communicate, and execute a clear vision. They must also be able to complete the goals while motivating their team to help them. It requires the manager to coordinate all employees, regardless of background, while successfully communicating goals to them. A successful manager also delivers results. Not only does this inspire trust in employees, but it also opens up channels of communication. Delivering results emphasizes success, as well. In a multi-cultural workplace, a manager must also act with integrity. This is a form of communication, individuals of every background understand, as they consistently stick to a value system that is understandable based on their behavior. Maintaining key relationships is also a part of being a strong leader, as it instills trust, and shows power. If none of these is enough to exhibit appropriate leadership skills, a manager must do this. Show proper people skills by being personable, friendly, and respectful of employee backgrounds is essential when leading a multicultural workplace. An organization is only as strong and cohesive as its leader. Lastly, while a manager may have all of these qualities, making them appear to be an excellent candidate, they must actually be aware of culture value and able to build relationships with others in the real world based on this awareness. A manager must have a sense of the way the world is headed, but also must not be afraid to take the organization in that direction. They must be prepared to do this not only for the sake of the business, but for the comfort and respect of the employees. Actions in the real world count more than what is written on a resume, and this is more indicative of who will make an effective manager.
In sum, the website showed that managing a multicultural workplace can be overwhelming, but is easily done with the right tools. Respect is paramount in these situations, as all humans are owed it first. Moreover, managers must be prepared to understand those from different cultures than their own, and must be prepared to learn from the past and plan for the future. If they possess the six traits that create a good manager, and more importantly put them into action, there is no reason why a multicultural organization cannot be successful, as well as a comfortable place to work for all who are involved.