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We live and work in places that may be strange and different when compared to where we are originally from. It is important to understand more about the people and culture around us. But how and where do you turn for this kind of training?
There is a well-known Chinese proverb that says that the wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Perhaps at no other time in recent history has adaptability been more important than it is now. Adaptability – the ability to change (or be changed) to fit new circumstances – is a crucial skill for leaders, and an important competency in emotional intelligence.
So leaders have an attitude to adapt to diversified cultures at work place and cultivate respect for people from diversified culture and background and treate clients also with diginity.
In the corporate world, we interact with people of all walks. The best way to increase the cultural understanding is it to organize cultural events within the organization. This will give a chance to all employees old or new a better understading of people of different cultures they work with.
Company socials and team building is a great way for employees to learn each others culture.
Conduct a teambuilding program for your employess will get to know each other better. Cultural difference and working professionally shouldbe discussed during the program.
Nice question and as a Mauritian, I must answer and share this. Whether it refers to a country or company the same applies:
Mauritius is a peaceful island where a multi-racial society stays without conflict. Mauritius has a blend of various cultures and religions. In Mauritius, people of different cultural backgrounds live in peace and harmony. There are Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Chinese. Every religious group has its own traditions and cultures. Mauritian society has become a model of tolerance and co-existence almost unique in this world.
A multi-racial society teaches people how to respect and understand the religion and cultures of others. Therefore this leads to tolerance. It helps us to learn to become a good human being. To be good or bad does not depend on religion. Each of the great religion of the world speaks about love, peace and tolerance.
We have achieved this by Respecting each other, by learning about other cultures, learning to compromise, sharing and helping each other.
“Unity in Diversity” is our slogan in our pluri-cultural, multilingual, multi-religion, multi-racial society.
In an ideal world if we all loved each other the cultural divide with disappear.
In reality there are few countries where different cultures live in peace and harmony100% of the time. There are some factors to be aware of which cannot be taken for granted as they can affect how a person sees another person from a different culture/age.
Culture - Originating from a different culture can mean different social customs and religious awareness.
Perception - Those not or less travelled tend to view 'outsiders' as only from what they have seen on television, which is rarely a true reflection of what a person is like.
Beliefs - Different cultures, different beliefs. Patience and understanding is important here.
Education - The more educated someone is, no matter the culture, does not necessarily mean that they will not be culturally blinded to other people.
Tolerance - Different cultures can have a custom with another person may find unusual, offensive or totally unacceptable. Patience and awareness are virtues needed here
Control - In some cultures, the emphasis is on control, emotionally and physicially. If others come from a culture of more freedom there can be conflict between what is seen as oppressive and lacking free will.
Flexibility - people from different cultures prosper when they are allowed to be themselves.
Growth - Businesses thrive with multi-cultural employees. There is always someone who can relate to someone else, and that person doesn't have to be within their own culture.
Future - The future is bright when, who the person is and how they can help build a business and contribute, more important than culture, color, age or gender.
Managers, employees all have a responsibility to deal with each other respectfully and professionally.
a new employee should always recieve the understanding of the goals for the foundation with assistance of old ones. the foundation atmospher should be friendly and welcoming allowing new employees to feel accustomed.
interaction is needed and posive attitude from all parties. HR should have a role in this.
Generally depends on Company , and situation , u have to analyse ur employee .that means u wont be able to change ppl cultures but u can stop unusuall behavoirs. and its really easy to solve with a notifaction.
i had same problem with my Chines develope team.
Depending on the company's financial status, small excursions would be great to enhance a blending & social bonding between people from different countries and cultures. Or a dinner party is an easier way for employees to get together and speak for something different than their everyday routine in the office.
Just a simple words you need, there is "Love and Trust" respect the others and focus. ,you will get a great relationship with high level of understanding each others
by maintaining the culture in which we were made by our parents , the more cultural we are , more freedom and trust is gained among customers and employees
