Val
Val is a Romanian national who resides in the United Kingdom. Because of their formal and restrained demeanor, as well as their great need for privacy, the majority of Romanians are wary of strangers. When one initially meets them, they are usually quiet and reserved. They value modesty and humbleness in themselves and want to replicate it in others (Jones et al., 2021). Romanians tend to be more forthcoming when one gets to know them personally. Although they are usually courteous, they do not get to know individuals on a first-name basis unless they are members of their family or close friends.
Aiko
Aiko is a Japanese national who lives in China as a foreign citizen. Bowing is a common greeting in Japan, as well as a way of saying “welcome,” “goodbye,” “a prayer at a place of worship,” “thank you,” and “grace during mealtime.” Mobile phone use in public places is strictly prohibited in Japan. People do not use their cell phones when riding the train or shopping at a store (Stahl & Maznevski, 2021). The importance of good manners and regard for others cannot be overstated.
Ming Tsai
Ming was born and raised in China and now resides in Mexico. Chinese people are known for their directness, although this does not apply all of the time. They favor humility and avoid the limelight regarding their achievements, prestige, and relationships with others (Raewf & Mahmood, 2021). Respecting others’ sentiments is also a big part of Chinese culture, and many people avoid explicitly rejecting a request out of concern for their friends, relatives, and coworkers.
Ana Maria
Maria is a Colombian national now residing in Spain. Colombians are hard-working and enthusiastic, and they have a positive outlook on life (Stahl & Maznevski, 2021). Additionally, the warmth and happiness of Colombians, as well as their zest for life, make them always ready to grin. Therefore, Colombia is becoming increasingly popular as a vacation destination. When it comes to innovation, Colombians are naturally inventive.
Myself
I am a US citizen living in the United States. People from societies where people are highly restrained may find it difficult to adjust to American culture’s outgoing and straightforward nature. Americans have a strong sense of national pride. They practice a wide variety of faiths and can communicate in various dialects. People in the United States pride themselves on their ability to strike out on their own and be unique (Jones et al., 2021). Americans believe in personal autonomy; people who want to be within their private boundaries most of the time require a lot of breathing space.
Challenges
While local understanding is a significant advantage, it is essential to develop team cohesiveness to prevent international colleagues from working independently and impeding knowledge transfer. This can be difficult to overcome, especially if fundamental stereotypes between cultures discourage collaboration. Negative preconceptions can have a devastating effect on corporate morale and production (Stahl & Maznevski, 2021). Deep and unconscious cultural prejudices might be a more difficult barrier to overcome than overt unfairness or stereotyping. Work methods and attitudes can be diverse, reflecting cultural beliefs and exacerbating disparities. In the absence of recognition and resolution, opposing perspectives to work can impede productivity. For instance, conflicting methods of communication and teamwork may emerge and inhibit collaboration.
Benefits
Culture determines how individuals perceive the world. A global workforce’s diverse opinions and extensive social and work experience can provide fresh ideas that encourage coworkers to approach the workplace and society differently. Including diversity as an integral component of the hiring process will increase the organization’s talent pool (Raewf & Mahmood, 2021). By providing a forum for the free exchange of ideas, organizations may maximize the benefits of workplace diversity. In conjunction with local market expertise, cross-cultural awareness facilitates the formulation of more successful marketing strategies and materials. For instance, web pages, posters, and other materials should be translated with cultural sensitivity and a high level of quality. However, these can be ignored without a native speaker’s contribution.
References
Jones, G., Chace, B. C., & Wright, J. (2021). Cultural diversity drives innovation: Modeling in the global pharmaceutical industry.International Journal of Innovation Science, 13(2), 133-144. Web.
Raewf, M. B., & Mahmood, Y. N. (2021). The cultural diversity in the workplace.Cihan University-Erbil Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(1), 1-6. Web.
Stahl, G. K., & Maznevski, M. L. (2021). Unraveling the effects of cultural diversity in teams: A retrospective of research on multicultural work groups and an agenda for future research.Journal of International Business Studies, 52(1), 4-22. Web.