" Embrace " : End to Work Place Cultural Battles

 


With the erect of globalization concept, organizations were able to stretched their market presence around the globe; accordingly it has surfaced the multinational companies (MNC) in the economy.  Most of the MNCs prefer to recruit talented skills, hence they try to headhunt talents around the globe where talent mobility was emerged.

People around the world are able to join any jobs in any county owing to the talent mobility. Accordingly it can divide into to 3 labor source types in a MNC company.

  1. Parent Country Nationals.
  2. Host County Nationals.
  3. Third Country Nationals.

Work Place Cultural Conflict

With the increase of globalization in the world, cultural diversity in the workplace has grown as a trend. “Cultural diversity is when differences in race, ethnicity, language, nationality, religion, and sexual orientation are represented within a community” (Amadeo, 2013 cited in Martin, G 2014).

A country has its own working cultural inherited through their past generation or may be owing to their life style or due to religious reason.

As per Amaram (2007) cited in his study, “ Cox (1991) examined the effects on group tasks of ethnic group differences between Asians, Blacks, Hispanics and Caucasians and concluded that those from collectivist cultural traditions exhibit more cooperative behavior than those from individualistic cultural origins”.

It is ideal to understand the work style of particular country, before you land in.


What HR can do to reduce this conflict?

Talented and skill full workforces are much more paramount in present competitive economy. Hence, a company requires worldwide talent acquisition. Then surface the cultural issues specially the working style of home country and candidate’s country. How HR should response to these types of conflict and how HR can prevent or mitigate such issues?


Implement Code of Ethics:

Respect to each culture. Implement code of ethics to ensure that everyone respect each other irrespective of the race, religion, ethnicity as everyone deserves to be respected and this would led to safer work place environment and employees could feel confidence.


Flexibility in work:

This is complex; however it needs to compromise and willingness to change.

Time across cultures – People from different countries has their own concept of time in their routine work schedule or in their personal activities. They are trying to connect with family during weekends or in holidays in their home country whereas it is not a holiday or off time for that person as he is working in another time liner.  

Punctuality – certain cultures or countries do offensive if people does not work on time, who does not attend to meeting on time, who does not ends the meetings on time. They are not flexible in such situation.

Therefore, it is prudent to make a flexible work hour or days for such person. This may comprise the routine HR policy, but it is pivotal to optimize systems accordingly to overcome from this situation.




Treat everyone equally:

Any human being has own weaknesses and strength. They have own perspectives, own ideas inherited from their own cultures, they have different ideas, different point of view in achieving goals with their home country experiences, give them a chance to showcase who they are, as well as give a chance to know who you are.



Handling conflicts:

There can be conflicts among employees and it is norm in a company where multiple nationals are working. Handling the conflicts should be carefully done as there is a possibility of bias in investigation process. A HR manager should listen to both sides carefully, should understand each cultural values, behaviors.

Also HR can initiates programs, events, parties , or attracting cafeteria inside the company where people can get to know each other very well, expose their culture, behavior, thoughts, life styles. By this way it could help to mitigate certain conflicts each other, which will lead to better working environment.





References

Amaram, D.I., 2007. Cultural diversity: Implications for workplace management. Journal of Diversity Management (JDM), 2(4), pp.1-6. Available at https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=work+cultural+diversity&oq=work+cultural+ ( Accessed: 13 August 2023).

We grow people (2022), “10 Easy ways to work and interact with different cultures”. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifu1adsLi_0 ( Accessed: 13 August 2023).

Clip 1 : We grow people (2022), “The concept of time across cultures”. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdXGVOsqLjs ( Accessed: 13 August 2023).

Clip 2 : We grow people (2022), “10 Easy ways to work and interact with different cultures”. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifu1adsLi_0 ( Accessed: 13 August 2023).

Clip 3 : T Brand Studio (2019) “Why workplace culture is everyone’s responsibility | presented by SHRM”. Available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P95eeEPCmlQ (Accessed : 13 August 2023).

Martin, G.C., 2014. The effects of cultural diversity in the workplace. Journal of diversity management (JDM), 9(2), pp.89-92. Available at https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=work+cultural+diversity&oq=work+cultural+ (Accessed : 13 August 2023).

Comments

  1. Duminda Saman KumaraAugust 13, 2023 at 10:18 AM

    Cultural conflicts in the work place stem from differences in norms, values ,and backgrounds.Embracing those differences can tranform conflicts in to opportunities for innovations and learning. You have well explained it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. RANGIKA RANASINGHEAugust 17, 2023 at 9:13 AM

    That means cultural conflict between social groups and the struggle for dominance of their values, beliefs, and practices. you have briefed by perfectly ...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shanitha Dinush ChandimaAugust 17, 2023 at 4:06 PM

    Advantage:
    The proactive embrace of cultural diversity in the workplace fosters a richer environment, enhancing creativity and innovation. Implementing codes of ethics and promoting equal treatment not only cultivates respect but also bolsters a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Flexibility in work hours and handling conflicts sensitively promote collaboration across cultural boundaries, nurturing a harmonious work setting.

    Disadvantage:
    However, accommodating diverse cultural practices may challenge traditional HR policies. Flexibility might strain operational efficiency, leading to potential resentment among employees who adhere to different cultural norms. Conflicts may still arise, demanding careful navigation to avoid favoritism or misunderstandings. Balancing cultural diversity within workplace policies remains a complex endeavor.

    ReplyDelete
  4. B. Abeywardana (MBA/HND Supply chain)August 17, 2023 at 4:27 PM

    Dedication of the Employee towards adherence can minimize the cultural conflicts

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rajitha MadhusankaAugust 17, 2023 at 7:14 PM

    Organizing cultural events like international food fairs, cultural shows, and film festivals can indeed be a fantastic strategy for HR departments. These events not only promote diversity and learning but also provide a refreshing break from work-related stress.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Muditha MaheshAugust 18, 2023 at 4:29 PM

    A culture of inclusion is one where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of their background or beliefs. This can be done by creating policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion, and by providing training on unconscious bias.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Charuka RupasingheAugust 19, 2023 at 2:08 PM

    Resolving cultural conflicts using HR skills involves fostering open dialogue, offering cultural sensitivity training, implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, and mediating discussions to create a harmonious and culturally aware workplace environment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ayodhya GalappaththiAugust 22, 2023 at 7:41 AM

    By combining active listening, cultural awareness, and purposeful initiatives, HR managers can create an environment where employees from various backgrounds can collaborate harmoniously and contribute to a more productive and innovative workplace.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

AI; Savior of Modern Slavery ?

Image
  For many centuries, human nature has been evolved in every shape of human activities inclusive of family relationship, economic activities, sports & entertainment, science and health, etc. Engagement in economic activities has led to use of human labor by its nature, and same has been a vital part of the economy chain.  We are reminded that, in the fleeting time we have on this Earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better. ----- Barack Obama ----- Human being is identified as the fundamental resource in economic activities as no product or service can be produced to the economy without interference of human hand or human thinking. Behind every products or services of any organizations, there is a human mind, effort and man hours have been infused, hence every employer desire to equip its organization with skilled, talented, qualified human...
Read more

“No Woman, No cry ” : Gender Inequality and arrest the situation for a better work place.

Image
  Prior to the industrial revolution, both men and women participated in small scale, mostly family-managed, agricultural and manufacturing work. Pre-industrial work was divided along gender lines, with some of these divisions persisting to date, such as women’s predominance in textile labor. The industrial revolution in Europe and in the U.S. replaced family and slave production with market production  (Padavic& Reskin, 2002 cited in Kalev, A. and Deutsch, G., 2018 ). This created the concept of Labor market alias job market which is where the labor supply and demand meets. Then it has emerged a gender inequality concern in the labor force. This blog refers to the gender inequality faces by women in general at present and how it could be prevented or mitigated by the steps, which should take by the organization from the HR manager point of view. Gender Inequality. In simple words, unequal opportunities and rights for working women, transgenders, men, and other peo...
Read more

Green HRM vis-à-vis Sustainability Finance

Image
  Globalization is the key trend of modern civilization. It is described as Interdependence of each world nations’ in economies, cultures and populations which brings cross-border trading of goods and services, technology, flow of investments, people and information, (PIIE 2022). Environment issues are now commonly framed as dark side of the globalization. The environment factor has become a victim of present Neo-Liberal globalization. Climate change is part of the environment issues presently the world experiencing with severe consequences as eco disasters are reporting worldwide in every second. Owing to the economic activities such as fossil fuel consumption and deforestation, have vastly effected to the climate change. Ecological Globalization Along with the climate change it was emerged a trend of Ecological Globalization, which refers to an ideology that “World” must be considered as one interconnected ecosystem.   It has emphasized that the all nations should work tog...
Read more

Like - Follow - Share : Social Media Influences on People Management

Image
  Blessing to the social media platforms, anyone can connect with any people in a split second at their fingertips. Social Media impacted tremendously to the human habits as it is now shaping the human culture than it was decade ago. The way of communication with families, friends and colleagues have been changed. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media tools have presented a democratic platform where anyone can voice out their opinion and simultaneously hear others’ opinions. Traditional Medias such as Television, radio has one-way communication whereas Social Media works as instant two-way communication. This digital platform becomes the leading communication tools among youngest to old, individual to corporate entities owing to its unique features, frequent upgrades, and user-friendliness. Every organization have commenced in using the social media tools to promote them to retain in the competitive market.        Most of the time, the social m...
Read more

"La Casa De Papel" : Extraordinary skills of the Professor in handling human resource.

Image
  LA CASA DE PAPEL alias Money Heist , the popular Spanish TV series aired on Netflix has gained a huge fan base and popularity amidst its gripping script, convoluted planning, and mind blowing heist. On the face of the show, it is mainly focused to the central heist, however it also showcases the unique ways of handling the bunch of thieves by the character known as “The Professor” the leader of this money heist. This blog will review the fundamental HRM aspects that the professor effectively managed towards a successful, a large scale money heist that world has ever seen. Understand HRM in Money Heist From the beginning to the final moment of the series, HRM revolves in recruiting, developing and managing the each team mates who are engaged in the money heist. The master minder “The Professor” has demonstrated his extraordinary HRM skills throughout the heist by selecting his members based on their specific skills, knowledge, attitudes, innovative thinking.  ...
Read more

Managing the Financial well-being of an employee amidst inflation

Image
  The devastating C-19 pandemic had many impacts on human health, social inhabitance and economy activities around the world in 2020. Restrictions in traveling, social distances, shutdown of companies, drawbacks in local and international logistics are few of impacts. International trading has been freeze for a several months, in some countries this was almost a year amid the pandemic. This has led to close the revenue gates of companies which has affected to business profits at the end. Persistent trade wars followed by military wars had impacted to the global economy during recent past as well. Sanctions on certain countries, invasion on other countries, and cold wars between powerful nations have destabilized the current economy.   Inflation has skyrocketed during last couple of years as results of pandemic and the on going wars in countries. And this has enormously affected to well being of human in negative manner, and same can be replicated to a organization as emp...
Read more

“ Guns & Roses ” : Counter Attack on Challenges in Refugee Inauguration in Europa region.

Image
  World has seen many wars in the history and yet persistence in the so called modern civilization context. Peace keeping and establishing the security is crucial in fighting against refugees, asylum seekers and poverty in war zone countries. The number of refugees and asylum seekers are rising every year causing an immense social, health and economical drawbacks. Ongoing and new conflicts have driven displacement across the world in 2022, seeing the largest ever increase between years according to UNHCR’s statistics on forced displacement with over 108.4 million people forcibly displaced by the end of 2022 (UNHCR, 2023). Refugee statistics: > 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced. > Among them are nearly 35.3 million refugees, around 41% of whom are under the age of 18. > Children account for 30% of the world’s population, but 40% of all, forcibly displaced people. One of the spotlight issue in the world at present is the Russian & Ukraine war wh...
Read more

" What is best ? Virtual or Face to face ? " : Pros & Cons of Interview types.

Image
  An interview can be described as qualitative research method that relies on asking question in view of collecting the data. Interviews at least involve with two persons, one whom ask the question is interviewer and the person who answer is the candidate or informer. There are 4 common tools of Interviews, which are; 1. Structured Interview                           -  This has predetermined set of questions. 2. Unstructured interview       - This is the most flexible type. There is no predetermined question list. Interview as any question freely and it could be continuation of previous question 3. Semi - Structured Interview -  This is a mixture of both structured and unstructured. Interviewers can have listed question as well as non listed questions which they are required to ask, meanwhile the order of asking question can be changed. 4. Focus Group interviews...
Read more

Europe’s Shrinking Labor Force Amidst Ageing Population: Challenges for HRM.

Image
  In the recent past years, labor market of the Central & Eastern Europe has drastically changed, main root cause for these changes is the labor shortage. 1. Emigration of the existing labor force from Europe to other western countries, 2. Increase of ageing population in the Europe region, are mainly impacted in weakening the labor force in the Europe Union region leaving many challenges to the businesses, societies, governments and ultimately led to a sluggish economy growth. This blog directs towards the ageing population concern as it has immensely affected to the economy.  Possible poverty among the elderly, issues of generational equity because of rising wealth transfers from the working age to the retired population, inefficiencies in labor markets, and the rising costs of pension and public transfer systems as the dependency ratio (the ratio of the nonworking to the working population) rises (Chand & Tung, 2014) 1  . Given the rapid workforce agein...
Read more