... Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is a full service voice and data communications company. The company is one of the world’s largest and successful telecommunications companies. Despite the success that Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. had experienced, the company will eventually face some cultural changes in the future. Also, a diverse workforce will have an effect on teamwork as well as communication. However, Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is not the only large company that will come across cultural changes. Nowadays, the trend for many companies is to expand into another country with the goal to gain a diverse workforce and to enter an international market. Although this trend is extremely beneficial for the company’s success and survival, there are some negative aspects as well. Possible Cultural Changes in Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. The world is becoming more diverse and most large companies are multicultural. Diversity definitely has brought new importance to the workplace. Because of the increase of diverse employees from all over the world, it is almost impossible for Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. to not counteract any cultural changes. Combining people from different backgrounds can cause tension in the workplace. People of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions, genders, ages, etc. interact with each other differently and perceive things in different ways. In addition, the working environment and culture at Worldwide...
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...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term "multicultural workforce" which represents the personal characteristics of employees in an organization is today superseded and replaced by a much broader term, "cultural diversity".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 driven and ranked competition for a diverse workplace. It was carried out to help acquire and retain a multicultural workforce...
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...components “diversity awareness, understanding of diversity, and diversity skills” (Bucher, 2015, p.38). When dealing with people from different cultures, it is important to communicate effectively. In order to do so there are skills that should be adapted. An “integral part of developing diversity consciousness is developing diversity skills” (Bucher, 2015, p.37). Bucher states that the five skills essential to success at work are speaking, solving problems, taking initiative, ability to relate to others and teamwork. Being a diversity conscious leader means being well versed in the skills listed above. Teamwork is important for many reasons. Companies are “turning to teams to solve problems and create better products and services” (Bucher, 2015, p.44). Cross-Cultural Communication Why do you agree or disagree that leaders must communicate inclusively in a multicultural world? In preparing your response, consider: What barriers to successful cross-cultural communication exist? What skills do...
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...Analyzing the Benefits of Cultural Diversity in Organizations Name Institution Instructor Course Date Submitted Managing Cultural Diversity in Organizations Chapter 1: Introduction Human resource management is one of the core functions of business managers. Organizational productivity is influenced by the degree of effectiveness with which employees are managed and directed to perform their duties. One major challenge that human resource managers face in this regard is promoting harmony and coexistence in multicultural workplace environments. Since the beginning of the 18th century Industrial Revolution in Europe, business companies have had to deal with a growing number of people from different cultural backgrounds. This demographic transformation of the workplace was a result of advancements in the transport industry. The invention of the steam engine, and later on, the airplane, facilitated fast movement of goods and people across international boundaries. Over time, companies expanded their business activities beyond their local markets, giving rise to multinational corporations. Satair U.S.A is a multinational corporation with branches in several countries around the world. The company specializes in aircraft maintenance and the distribution of aircraft spare parts. As a multinational company, Satair employs people from different cultural backgrounds in its plants around the world. Consequently, the...
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...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 purpose of this paper is to forecast possible cultural changes within Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc., a multinational company, and present a research analyzing how a multicultural workforce might affect teamwork and communication. Background Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is a multinational corporation privately held which engineers, designs, manufactures, and sells as a global...
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...Exercise 2 – Cross-Border Teamwork Alexander Braeunig Ramkhamhaeng University Course: BUS 7100 – Managing Human Capital Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Aysar Sussan Term: 01/2015 Submission date: 26th of July Abstract The word “cross border teamwork” becomes nowadays more popular in every multinational organization. Global business Management needs cross-border teamwork for effective communication and contribution. Big companies have subsidiaries in various countries which differ in culture, time zone and language and other important aspects. This makes effective cross-border teamwork sometimes very difficult however it helps companies to improve competitive advantages and achieve goals properly when doing right. This exercise consists of 3 parts and focuses and setting up and forming such a team. Furthermore issues coming along with running a team and resource sharing will be discussed as well. Question 1 – Forming a cross border Team The main function of Human Resource Management is selecting and recruiting members. Virtual Teams are somehow different than local teams. It needs special qualifications such as proficiency in using communication software such a skype etc. for conferences. Furthermore an ability to form team relationships quickly and effectively is important in order to have a good engagement within the team. Proper communication both written and spoken in a virtual environment across cultures is necessary. As a next step team members must be provided with...
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...From the past until now, the Japanese were and still are one of the biggest investors in Thailand, under this cross-cultural context; the Japanese management system applied in Thailand is mismanaged. In the article Culture and Conflict: Japanese managers and Thai subordinates, Fredric William and Jun Onishi did their research based on the cultural dimensions of Hofstede’s conceptual framework, it conducted a study on possible conflicts between Japanese and Thai subordinates when they have different perceptions. The research provided evidences that the expectation of Japanese managers and Thai subordinates adapting in a different cultural context are reversed according to three aspects which are culture characteristics based on Hofstede, Japanese HRM system, and unique Japanese social and business practices. The authors collected data from ten Japanese manufactures to research and find the differences in real situation. From the culture dimensions, we can see the differences as follow: 1) Thai subordinates have higher power distance, they believe that company should have clear hierarchy. 2) Thai are less individualistic, they prefer to receive instructions than come with own ideas. 3) Japanese have higher masculinity, they always work voluntarily on weekends. 4) For the uncertainty avoidance, Japanese managers prefer specific company rules but Thai subordinates prefer flexibility. 5) Thai subordinates do not like long-term work plans which the Japanese managers set for them...
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... which is facing a major issue related to cultural change. The company faces problems with the change in culture especially the extent to which multicultural teamwork has affected the company’s teamwork and communications within the organization. Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc., which was started in 1986, serves as a solution provider to its clients by providing phone services and data service in lodging services including restaurants and others in public venues all over the world. The need to serve the whole population has landed the company into problems for they have to hire workers from diverse cultures. The companies need to meet the modern organizational structure (one with employees from a wide range culture, gender, religion, race, ethnicity, and age) landed into more trouble. Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc., needs to reorganize the structure to accommodate multicultural differences to avoid future issues in the company. Multiculturalism can affect Team Work and Communication in Large Companies There are various implications of cross cultural communication and teamwork in big companies, but this is a broad study that has been explored by many researchers. The big companies in corporate America have been particularly affected by multiculturalism. By understanding the implications of different cultures, corporate heads can increase their team’s value. If not addressed, different communication styles, cultural backgrounds, and personalities can pose a...
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...Championing Character Through Children's Literature List updated 12/17/09 | | |A Bad Case of Stripes - David Shannon (respect for differences) | | | |A Castle on Viola Street - DyAnne DiSalvo (citizenship, volunteerism) | | | |A Taste of Colored Water by Matt Faulkner (justice, equality, respect for differences) | | | |Agate by Joy Morgan Dey (celebrating differences, respect for self) | | | |Alley Oops - by Janice Levy (anti-bullying, respect, "wrestling" with good choices) | | | |America Is Her Name - Luis J. Rodriguez (compassion, empathy, confidence...
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...which of course includes the environment one is growing up and living in.2 Furthermore, Ghostine describes his view of leadership as a simple strategy that can be articulated, or communicated clearly to people, so that they can be engaged emotionally with the journey and feel valued. In class we said that a good leader acts as a role model and inspires people3; good communication and engagement are important aspects of good leadership. Sonia Kalesnikov-Jessop asks Ghostine in her fourth questions about his experience in managing a work force across cultures and he answers that value creation is the base everywhere. People have the same level of commitment and passion for the company and drive. Nevertheless, he says, there are some cultural differences. As a 1 2 3 “Do you remember the first time you became a manager?“ & “What did you learn form those early days?“...
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...Worldwide Telecommunications Team,”C” Joseph Collins, Megan Ward, Andrew Hoffart, Steven Rankin, Cheryl Bandy COMM/215 April 28, 2014 Irwin Shubert Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. and the cultural changes within Diversity has brought a new importance to the work place. With the world becoming more diverse, and the work place becoming more multicultural, political correctness, affirmative action and disparities in pay pushed their employers to change their recruiting practices. A progressive workplace should consist of employees of wide-ranging cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and ages, and other factors. When you add people from the different backrounds there’s always going to be tension. However, each individual from each different culture or reign can bring something different, something new and exciting to the table. Worldwide Telecommunications, Inc. is meeting this rather complicated issue directly in the hopes of turning it into an opportunity to promote a multicultural work environment that its customers can connect with. The various cultures of the workers will have an effect on the way that the community understands and interacts with the organization in an affirmative way. This distinctive idea will not be without its difficulties. A diverse workplace can lead to challenges and struggles as people from different cultures, ethnicities, religions, genders, and ages learn to work together...
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...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. The United States has historically been an immigrant...
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...developmental class I participated in, keeping in mind that this email was sent as a mass email. A great leader knows how to take action of leading a group of people or an organization, and taking control of a situation, a person who is a great leader and communicator knows how to identify the strength and weaknesses of others and establish a process of social influence, which maximizes their efforts, towards the achievement of a goal. In this training seminar we will focus on how to be an effective leader within your team and organization, but more so how you can become a successful communicator. We will focus on these factors: * Strengthen the ability of others to excel and recognize their accomplishments * Building collaborations, teamwork, and trust * Search for opportunities to change, improve and learn from you mistakes * Communicating your fundamental values and beliefs. * Expressing your image of the future and inspire other to share a common vision. | | Discuss who the intended audience is for this document as well as what the intended message is This Mass mail was designed to give the attendees an understanding of the topics that were going to be discussed this that session. The intended targeted audience is current leadership and possible candidates for future leadership roles. Rewriting the message In leadership roles, a leader is consistently faced with many decisions some of those decisions are based on information communicated through the...
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...Introduction This paper delves into multicultural teamwork as a source of experiential learning. The aim of this piece was to explore my thoughts, feelings and reactions to the sometimes turbulent, sometimes joyful live stories of a diverse collection of multicultural psychologists. Managing High Team Performance had taught us the many elements in forming and maintaining a team. This course involves team interaction to complete the team project. There are good and challenging times in the team. Through these experiences it allows us to be more aware of the negative as well as positive aspect of teamwork. Managing High Team Performance had taught us the many elements in forming and maintaining a team. This course involves team interaction to complete the team project. There are good and challenging times in the team. Through these experiences it allows us to be more aware of the negative as well as positive aspect of teamwork. All of my team members are come from different nation. In addition, my team members consist of: * Albert Anthonius Lim – Indonesia * Andrea Heredia – Peru * Daniella Gateka – Burundi * Pattaraporn Ounphaisankun - Thailand * Tobias Kretschmann – Germany Differences and Problems Workings in a group that consist of different members from all different countries are become a new and interesting point for me. All teams have commonalities towards the final goal of achieving success, the main difference among us being the greater number of variables...
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...organizational performance, whether performance is defined in terms of customer satisfaction, attendance, safety, stock price or productivity. Human resources plays an active role in the development of an organizational culture. Great workplaces with a great corporate culture are more financially successful than their peers. Great workplaces have lower employee turnover than their competitors and are able to recruit top talent that fits their culture and needs. The end result is that they provide top quality customer service and create innovative products and services that contribute to their overall financial success. There is a strong relationship between cultures and hiring that comes into play with employee sourcing, selection and retention. Cultural fit is the makeup of someone. It’s who they are and what they bring to the table. Generally it can’t be taught. If your corporate culture is not in synch with your candidate, it will be difficult to change them. Most people can pick up new skills with relative ease if you have the time to train them. Most companies pay relatively little attention to culture despite its importance. It has been proven that actively managing and developing culture through hiring can significantly improve employee retention and performance. In the end, this directly influences organizational profitability and growth. The Nation Media Group is a specific example of a multinational that has invested in developing a positive culture within the workplace environment...
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