International Human Resource Management – LLC 4226
UNIT 7
MANAGING CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Unit Structure 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Overview Learning Outcomes Introduction to the Cultural Environment of Global Business Difference and Danger: What Is Cultural Diversity? Challenges of Diversity in Global Settings 7.4.1 Know Thyself 7.4.2 Frameworks for Understanding Culture Differences 7.5 7.6 Benefits of Managing Diversity Diversity Management Activities 7.6.1 The Diversity Driver 7.7 An OD Approach to Managing Diversity 7.7.1 Diversity Training 7.7.2 Culture Assimilator 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 Case for Practice Summary Key Concepts References
Unit 7
1
International Human Resource Management – LLC 4226
7.0
OVERVIEW
In this Unit, we look at cultural diversity in the global workforce. We attempt here to provide you with the knowledge, attitudes, and some skills that are required to understand, and succeed in, global assignments, and make the ‘miracle’ of organisational success in a multicultural environment.
7.1
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this Unit, you should be able to do the following:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Explain the meaning of cultural diversity in a global sense. Appreciate and explain the pertinence of understanding cultural diversity issues. Develop skill in using a framework to understand culture. Make an analysis of your own cultural competency. List the benefits of managing diversity. Develop knowledge and skill in methods for managing cultural diversity.
7.2
INTRODUCTION TO THE CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT OF GLOBAL BUSINESS
“A company is made up of [people] with different backgrounds, different cultures, different inclinations, different aspirations . . different jobs . . All of these [people] . . . of different ages and cultures, with different jobs, have to produce the miracle of their own striving together so that the company’s balance sheet can be good. Today and tomorrow”. Giovanni Agnelli, retired CEO, Fiat.
Unit 7...