Developing Multicultural Leadership Final

Developing Multicultural Leadership

SpeakEasy Communications, Inc.

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• Diversity and Inclusion– Workforce more diverse now than at the

beginning of the Industrial Revolution with more:

– Nationalities represented– Women– Minorities– Older workers– Languages spoken

Our Changing Workforce


Changing Workplace Dynamics

• By 2010 one-third of the US work force will be:– Hispanic– Black– Asian– Middle Eastern

• Cultural diversity will change– Policies & procedures– Conflict resolution– Corporate mission statements


But What Does Culture Really Mean?• Culture: There’s No Escape!

– Embraces all aspects of human life…especially the workplace, and it’s constantly shifting• Cross culture• Culture shock• Cultural diversity• Cultural competence• Cultural barrier• Pop culture• Culture vulture

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What Is Culture Anyway?

• What we observe is the tip of the iceberg!– Behavior– Beliefs– Values– Language– Celebrations– Gestures– Time– Art


Which Are Above the Surface?

Gestures Holiday Customs

Nature of Friendship Style of Dress

Personal Space Eating Habits

Art Literature

Concept of Fairness Concept of Time

Handshake Music

Values Morals

Eye Contact Ceremonies


Big “C” & Little “c” Culture

• Big C Culture: The best of human life• Music• Literature• Art

• Little c Culture: Hearthstone Culture– Everything in human life!

• Beliefs• Behavior• Values• Language


Everything Has “Culture”

• Name it….and it probably has “culture”– Countries– States– Cities– Suburbs– Neighbors– Ethnic groups– Companies, i.e. Wal-Mart


ABCs of American Culture From The Outside Looking In1. You Can’t Argue with Success

• Most praised & sought after thing in American life

• Failure is not an option• Having the “American Dream”

2. Live & Let Live• Freedom & privacy• Stay out of my way• Get off my back


ABCs of American Culture

3. Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!• Have as much fun as possible• Entertainment: shopping & eating• The only time we aren’t watching the time

4. Shop Until You Drop • Shopping as recreation• Major topic of conversation• Be a “smart shopper”



5. Just Do It!• Action is the key to success

More valuable than planning Speak louder than words

• Don’t like rules & regulations• Get an idea and just RUN with it

6. No Pain…No Gain• Success involves pain & sacrifice• Don’t be a wimp – Hang tough!



7. Enough Is Enough• Human rights & dignity• Stand up for yourself• Won’t tolerate interference

8. Time Is Money• Time & Money conscious• The buck stops here!• To annoy us, talk on the phone like I have

nothing else to do• I don’t want to take up any more of your time!



9. Rules Are Made to Be Broken• Think for yourself• Think outside the box• Obey rules most of the time• Might have been appropriate at one time,

but not now

10.God Helps Those Who Help Themselves• It’s better to be independent• Do it yourself



Our understanding of other cultures is LOW!• Immigrants expected to acculturate quickly• My way or the highway• Little interest in foreign cultures• Learn English overnight!


American Culture Emphasizes?

• American Culture Emphasizes These Cultural Ideals…or Does It?– Group or Individual

• Every man for himself• All for one or one for all?

– Punctuality– Language– Freedom– Diversity


Workplace Culture

• “Way of Life” for Your Employees– Laws – Language– Dress Code– Schedule– Authority – Power Relationships– Policies & Procedures– Conflict Resolution

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Workplace Culture

• Varies by situation– Private or public sector

• Industry– Manufacturing or Service

• Union or Non-Union• Subcultures

– Administration & Finance– Shipping & Receiving– IT


Why Is This Important?

• Cultural Clashes or Misunderstandings– Prevents individuals from developing potential– Hinders organizational effectiveness– Decrease profits– Lapses in safety practices– Employee turnover– Increased training costs– Affects your customers!


Why Is This Important in Business?• It Affects Business Transactions and Profits

– Customer’s Buying Habits– Consumption Habits– Cross-cultural knowledge gives competitive

advantage– How employees treat customers


Assessing Workplace Culture

• Does your company practice what it preaches with regards to culture?


Comparing Corporate Cultures

• Similarities & Differences

– What similarities do you see?

– What differences do you see?

– What changes would you make?

– How important involving employees in all sectors was to the development of both company’s statements?


Cross Cultural Manners

• Global Etiquette– Building relationships is often

more important than getting down to business

– Dress conservatively. – Observe the chain of command– Understand the handshake– Use courtesy titles and polite forms of address

rather than first names– Show respect when exchanging business cards– Time & Space


Developing Multicultural Leadership1. Self-knowledge

2. Global thinking

3. Cultural curiosity

4. Flexibility

5. Inclusion

6. Managing diversity

7. Communication & Leadership

8. Credibility & Patience

Documents

Developing Multicultural Leadership Final