Cross culture and diversity management

BY:SANIYA AGGARWALRADHIKA SHARMA MANIKA JASWALSAHIL SHARMA

INTRODUCTION

We know that we are living in a global age. Technology has brought everyone much closer together. This means that people of different cultures find themselves working together and communicating more and more.

This is exciting, but it can also be frustrating and fraught with uncertainty. How do you relate to someone of another culture? What do you say, or not say, to start a conversation right? Are there cultural taboos that you need to be aware of?

DIVERSITY

Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.

There are differences among employees and that these differences, if properly managed, are an asset

to work being done more efficiently and effectively.

Examples of diversity factors are race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, a disability and work experience

Importance of Diversity

Diversity factors are to be understood and respected.

Developing a self-concept is an individual responsibility.

Everyone is to contribute positively for group dynamics and successful outcome

Hence, awareness about the others culture becomes imperative .

CULTURE

Culture can be defined as the acquired knowledge that people use to interpret experiences and generate social behaviour.

It is important to recognize that culture is learned and helps people in their efforts to interact and communicate with others in the society.

When placed in a culture where values and beliefs are different, some people have a great deal of difficulty adjusting

IMPORTANCE

First, it captures how the members of the society live—for instance, how they feed, clothe, and shelter themselves.

Second, it explains how members behave toward each other and with other groups.

Third, it defines the beliefs and values of members and how they perceive the meaning of life.

Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

Power distance(PD)

• This refers to the degree of inequality that exists – and is accepted – among people with and without power.

Uncertainty avoidance(UAI)

• This relates to the degree of anxiety that society members feel when in uncertain or unknown situations.

Individualism(IDV)

• This refers to the strength of the ties people have to others within the community. A high IDV score indicates loose connections

Masculinity(MAS) • This refers to how much a society sticks with, and values, traditional male and female roles. High.

Long term orientations(LOS)

• This refers to how much society values long-standing – as opposed to short-term – traditions and values.

IMPORTANCE

Cultural norms play a large part in the mechanics and interpersonal relationships of the workplace. When you grow up in a culture, you take your norms of behaviour for granted. You don't have to think about your reactions, preferences, and feelings.

When you step into a foreign culture, suddenly things seem different. You don't know what to do or say. Using Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions as a starting point, you can evaluate your approach, your decisions, and actions based on a general sense of how the society might think and react to you.

ADVANTAGES OF DIVERSE CULTURE IN THE WORKFORCE

Improved MoraleBroader PerspectiveGlobal ImpactCommunity Relationships

HOW CROSS-CULTURE DIFFERENCES MAY COMPLICATE WORKPLACE ISSUES

TeamworkLifetime employmentPay-for-performance systemUnion-Management relationshipsAttitudes towards ambiguity

BARRIERS TO CULTURAL ADAPTATIONS

ParochialismIndividualismEthnocentrismCultural DistanceCultural Shock

OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO CULTURAL ADAPTATIONS

Careful SelectionCompatible AssignmentsPre-departure TrainingOrientation and support in the new countryIncentives and GuaranteesPreparation for re-entry

India Saudi Arabia

CULTURE Democratic Based on Islam

WORKING HOURS

10:00 AM- 4:00PM

10:00- 1:00 PM and 4:00 – 8:00 PM

HOLIDAYS Saturday and Sunday

Thursday and Friday

PROMOTION Based on Age and Seniority

Based on Age

India Saudi Arabia

HANDSHAKE Women offers first in most business meetings.

Man offers his hand first while shaking hands with woman.

BUSINESS CARDS

In English only

English and Arabic.

GIFTS Don't offer alcohol to a Muslim or beef to a Hindu.

Don’t offer alcohol pork, knivespigskin, perfumes with alcohol.

Case

An American Company that manufactures golf balls packaged the balls in packs of four.

They were successful and began selling internationally.

However they were not so successful in Japan.

Reason???????

Answer

In Japan number four holds the meaning of death

And learning?????

Learning

If you want your businesses to succeed internationally, cultural sensitivity must be at the heart of everything

THANK YOU