In today's business environment, what is the importance of a culturally diverse workforce?

Answer 1

Today, most organizations, large and small operate in a global economy. In this global context, different groups with diverse backgrounds and/or diverse factors (e.g., gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion) bring differences in perspectives, values, work ethics and ways of working into an organization, as well as differences in language, national origin and culture. Some aspects of diversity may be “visible” while others are “invisible. Diversity of thinking usually leads to a better overall result, as the needs diverse customers will be considered.

Business leaders grapple with challenges—such as developing global leaders, supporting global teams, training for cross-cultural competencies, keeping pace with changes in immigration law and working with clients and colleagues worldwide—applying U. S. diversity initiatives in a global context can be problematic. For example, in Asia, saving face means not putting people in embarrassing or uncomfortable situations.

Further, challenges regarding managing workplace diversity in a global context are often related to underlying differences that affect intercultural relations in the workplace, such as stereotyping, degrees of language and cultural fluency, nonverbal communication, and different cross-cultural communication styles. The level of cultural diversity is also a factor in the complexity of intercultural communication and understanding. For example, culturally, there are different ways to make sense of a situation or convey bad news or different degrees to which one mixes business with personal life.

Answer 2

The importance of a culturally diverse workforce is different for different business environments and the positions within the organization.

If it's unskilled labor, I don't think it matters much.

If you got ten 40-year white old guys that have never left the country, working as product managers in a company that wants to develop new products to expand into Japan. You're gonna need a lot of consultants.

The key point is that in an increasingly multicultural world your workforce can benefit greatly from having an equally multicultural background.

I personally feel the best ideas for my company emerge when a diverse group of people get together. At the end of the day, it helps you get a wider spectrum of viewpoints, and leads to more out-of-the-box ideas.

Answer 3

It only matters when you have a diversed top management who makes the decisions. Everyone else just work and think as they are required by their bosses anyway.

Answer 4

Other than politics, I really do not think it matters. I am not being smuck or wise, but I really thing most people could care less who they work with/