Climate Control

Adjusting to a Multicultural

Workplace

What is Culture? Our “software”

Each individual’s unique set of values, rules and preferences

Multicultural environment may mean confusing, incompatible software

Culture is not overtWe are all ethnocentricWe don’t know when we’re

offending othersAwareness and knowledge

increase our choices

What is Culture?

Consider the facts

More than half the workforce is comprised of women, minorities, and immigrants.

There are three times as many foreign-born workers in the US today then 30 years ago.

By 2015, only 15% of those entering the workforce will be white males.

The majority of current American immigrants are from Asian and Latin American countries.

Cultural Diversity

Diversity comes from two primary sources Increased international activity of organizations Greater diversity in the cultures of employees

Diversity includes differences in Age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, and

sexual orientation Work background, income, marital status, military

experience, religious beliefs, geographic location, parental status, and education

Changing Demographics

Five demographic issues for the twenty-first century: Slowest growth since the 1930s Average age rises and new entrant pool shrinks More women enter workforce Minorities make up larger share of new entrants Immigrants represent largest share of increase

How Culturally Aware are

You?

Aspects of CultureSense of Self & Space

Proximity | Formality | PrivacyCommunication & LanguageLanguage | Eye Contact

Time ConsciousnessLinear | Circular

Aspects of Culture

Beliefs and AttitudesWork Habits & PracticesValues & Norms

Aspects of Culture

RelationshipsDressFood

What’s Wrong with the Golden Rule? Respect for Authority

Hierarchy vs. flat Control Over One’s Environment

Locus of control Assigning Individual Responsibility

Collaboration/Harmony vs. Individual Competition

Learning about Culture

How can you learn more about culture?

Letter to yourself – Within the next month, I will have explored another’s cultural context by…