Multi-Cultural Team Management

Working in a rapidly changing globalized environment, we have to deal with people who speak different languages and live by different customs and values. 6/25/2010

6/25/2010 As a manager, you will have to vary your managerial style to suit each individual’s needs and find common ground to cope with issues across cultural boundaries.

6/25/2010 Some of the challenges faced are…

6/25/2010 Cultural differences.

6/25/2010 Lack of proper communication.

Difference of communication styles, working styles and quality of work.

Difference in time zones.

6/25/2010 Cultural differences at the work place are taking priority.

How do you as a manager, manage multi-cultural teams? Many successful managers use four-point strategies to tackle problems related to multicultural team management. They are:

Adaptation

6/25/2010 Physical intervention

6/25/2010 Administrative involvement

6/25/2010 Exit

Just as every person is unique, so too is every culture. It allows us to share a richness of experience if we can allow ourselves to be open to it.

The most commonly used methods to deal with multi-cultural teams are…

6/25/2010 Communicate goals/objectives openly and clearly.

6/25/2010 Identify conflicting areas of interest and practices for each culture.

Coordinate cross-culture training sessions.

Focus on connecting corporate strategy with brand strategy for clients.

6/25/2010 Recognize any progress and provide positive feedback.

6/25/2010 Treat individuals as individuals.

Trust and Motivation.

6/25/2010 If your male employees are from a culture where they consider women not their equals, don't put them on a co-gender team.

6/25/2010 Give people a chance to participate in discussions and debates.

Working with a cross-cultural team is significantly challenging as the manager must develop strategies to cope not only with differences but also motivate the team to be productive and efficient.

Despite the challenges, there are advantages too, such as…

People from different cultures bring with them an array of creative and innovative experiences and ideas.

Multi-cultural teams have the advantage of 24-hour work rotations.

Offices across various geographical locations.

A multi-cultural team has the potential to address various business issues.

“Culturally, it's a good thing because neighborhoods become multicultural and we get to understand each other a little better. “ - Clarence Boykin’s

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