Executive Summary
As indicated in the engineering ethical principles, professionalism and open-mindedness are instrumental traits that might be employed to successfully work alongside persons from different cultures. The basic dimensions of a culturally diverse work environment are individualism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, power distance, and the balance between short-term and long-term service orientation. The empirical and literature reveal that poor approach to duty execution in a culturally diverse work environment might create unethical dilemmas such as poor decision making, execution of duties without consultation, and constant conflict with other workmates.
The relocation and working in culturally diverse environments are often accompanied by stressful experiences called cultural shock. Apparently, organization principles in a culturally diverse work environment form the visible aspect of expertise experience since it defines the level of social interaction, rational decision making, and proactive coexistence among the experts in fulfilling a duty. Therefore, professionalism, integrity, and flexibility are important factors in minimizing risks associated with the inability to work in a culturally diverse environment. These traits form the basic foundation for creating a healthy work culture that appreciates diversity, unique talents, and proactive engagement.
Introduction
Since the field of engineering is dynamic and service-oriented, most engineers find themselves working in diverse environments in a team consisting of experts from different cultures and regions. It is imperative to remain proactive and accommodative in order to work effectively with people from different cultural orientations. As indicated in the engineering ethical principles, professionalism and open-mindedness are instrumental traits that might be employed to successfully work alongside persons from different cultures.
There is a need to stay focused, respect the cultural differences, and appreciate diversity to avoid ethical dilemmas such as belief system conflicts, inability to establish a common interaction ground, and fixed mindedness in exercising duty. To avoid such a situation, it is necessary for engineers, working alongside other experts from different cultural backgrounds, to internalize cross-cultural awareness of the immediate environment to create sustainable and professional work ethics. Therefore, this research paper will attempt to explore the best strategies that an engineer might apply to effectively work and relate with people from different cultures. Besides, the paper will highlight challenges associated with working in the global community as an engineer.
Theoretical and empirical literature review
Empirical literature review
The report will explore findings from past case studies on working in a culturally diverse engineering environment.
Theoretical literature review
The report will explore theoretical perspectives and related them to principles such as integrity, flexibility, and professionalism as factors influencing successful work experience in a culturally diverse environment.
Work ethics applicable in a culturally diverse environment
The report will explore the work ethics theories that are applicable in diverse job environment for the engineers.
Comparison between theoretical and empirical literature review
The findings from the empirical and theoretical review will be put into perspective of a typical work environment for engineers.
Engineering principles applicable in a culturally diverse work environment
Flexibility
Will be defined and put into engineering perspective
Professionalism
Will be defined and put into the engineering perspective
Integrity
Will be defined and put into the engineering perspective
Major findings of the report
The major findings will be highlighted and put into an engineering perspective to highlight their influence on successful duty execution in a culturally diverse environment.
Challenges faced, overcoming them, and recommendations
The report will identify challenges related to research, report writing, and final complication. This will be followed by the best strategies for addressing the challenges and recommendations on the same.
Competencies and extent demonstrated
The paper will highlight the competencies noted in the course of research and what has been achieved. The achievements will be related to the research topic.
Conclusion
The paper will present a summary of the main findings of the research in addition to a brief reflection on the research topic.
References
Cameron, Esther, and Mike Green. Making Sense of Change Management, London, UK: Kogan Page, 2008. Print.
Fiske, Susan, and Samson Taylor. Social Cognition: From Brains to Culture, California, Los Angeles: Sage Publications, 2013. Print.
Flamholtz, Eric, and Yvonne Randle. Corporate Culture: The Ultimate Strategic Asset, Stanford, UK: Stanford business Books, 2011. Print.
Flatt, Sylvia, and Stanley Kowalczyk. “Creating Competitive Advantage through Intangible Assets: The Direct and Indirect Effects of Corporate Culture and Reputation.” Advances in competitiveness research 16.2 (2008): 34-38. Print.
Kotter, John. Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail, Boston, MT: Harvard Business Press, 2009. Print.
Prokesch, Steven. “Unleashing the Power of Learning: An Interview with British Petroleum’s John Browne”, Harvard Business Review, 75.5 (2007):146-168.Print.
Literacy Assignment 1 (L1) Culture Differences.