Organizational Change

More than ever before, people from widely diverse cultural backgrounds work together in teams. They may dress alike, speak the same language, even share religious beliefs, yet the cultural differences, countries or regions of origin will affect communication.  

The dynamics of how work is accomplished is strongly affected when groups have significantly different cultural backgrounds. Research demonstrates that work behavior develops within cultures according to dominant religious, governmental, educational, and family practices. Workers from differing cultures develop expectations that when unmet, result in confusion, anxiousness and sometimes hostility. 

This is also true for multi-disciplinary groups consisting of diverse job functions. Coworkers from the sales department, research and development, and production each have widely differing views on communication, leadership and decision-making. Projects that call for a high degree of cooperation among these groups encounter delays and resistance. This has a detrimental effect on productivity.

Integrating diverse groups will ask the members, individually and corporately, to examine the underlying values and expectations they bring to work. Collaboration and effective integration may entail a review of procedures, communication, motivations, and responsibilities. The end result is an understanding of the source of differences and a plan for dealing with them in the future. Cooperation and productivity is measurably improved with this powerful process.

For this product, contact: Mark@EffectiveOrganizationalChange.com