Quappe and Cantatore discuss the dynamics of cultural differences in today’s workplace. They argue that demographic shifts in populations and globalization make managing culture a must. They further explain that it is possible to identify, manage and benefit from cultural differences, and that the management of cultural differences is part and parcel of every job.
We are living in a global village where managers can more rapidly travel, communicate and work across cultures. The reduction in physical distance had made us more aware of cultural differences. Without leaving our country, even our home, we can work for a foreign-owned company, buy raw materials abroad, sell products to non-native customers and have regular conference calls with our colleagues from all over the world. Terrorist attacks and the threat of war and retaliation make us vividly aware that culture matters.
Whether cultural differences will be a help or hindrance to the building of a global village is increasingly a key issue for everyone in today’s environment.
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A Multicultural Society, a Multicultural Workforce: Demographic shifts in world population
US society will continue to become more multicultural within its own borders. People now considered “minorities” will, in fact, become “majorities” in various areas of the country in the not distant future.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of African-, Asian-, Native-, and Hispanic Americans represented just 7.6% of the workforce 50 years ago.
In 2000, that number more than doubled to 16%, and, according to the Hudson Institute, is projected to surpass 30% by 2020.
Today, minorities buy more than US$1 trillion worth of products and services annually.
The workforce has become more multicultural as a result of globalization as well. Companies integrate groups of businesses around the world through strategic alliances,...