 |
Managing in a Multicultural Environment
Author: Myelita Melton  | Posted: 11-04-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 73 | Rating: (56)  (?) 
Effectively managing a multicultural business requires at least a basic knowledge of your employee's culture and traditions. Familiarity with both is essential because each has a bearing on an employee's every day behavior.
Our cultural identity helps us feel like we are "part" of the society around us. It keeps us from feeling isolated and sometimes it even helps us know how to react. For example, as Americans, we know it's appropriate to stand and place our hands over our hearts when we hear "The Star Spangled Banner" because it's part of our culture.
Traditions involving family, religion, education, and nationalism play a large role in anyone's life. Personal appearance, ethics, and etiquette are also factors to be considered.
Whether we realize it or not, culture and tradition are powerful principles we always carry with us. It's almost like carrying a cell phone. We take it for granted that our phone is in out pocket, but we don't think about it until it rings. Culture is like that. It's always with us even though we are unaware of it.
What rings your cultural bell?
Even tough it's hard to make broad generalizations about culture, many studies have been conducted over the years on its importance to Hispanics. There are certain basic principles about Latino culture and tradition that make good survival skills for all American employers.
Family: Nuclear families are the foundation of Hispanic society. An intense love of family is a strong feature in Latinos employees.
To most, the family and its needs are even more important than work. Work is often seen as a "necessary evil" done for the purpose of earning enough money to satisfy the needs of the family.
As managers, we must also take into consideration the fact that many Hispanic employees have left close members of their families in Latin America. This is true for both first and second generation Hispanic employees.
Personal sacrifice in Hispanic families is the rule, not the exception. The estrangement and isolation that comes with being separated from parents, wives and children can be devastating. This causes severe depression, isolation and even substance abuse. Each of these becomes high risk factors for on the job accidents.
Children: Children in Latino families are cherished, protected and loved. A typical weekend is spent enjoying time together, preparing meals, visiting friends, or extended family. Children are more heavily influenced by their parents and extended family members rather than by those outside the family.
Religion: Religion and spirituality are also deeply rooted in Latin American culture. Almost 90% Latin Americans are Roman Catholic and most observe basic religious traditions, even though they might not attend church on a regular basis.
Throughout Latin America religious practices play a more visible role in the workplace than they do in the US. Many Hispanic managers feel these practices make a valuable contribution to overall worker morale.
An unusual feature of Latin American spirituality is an indefinable fatalism or fatalismo which is pervasive in the culture. Many Latinos have the underlying sense that their lives are controlled by fate; consequently, whatever success or tragedy befalls them is no result of their own actions. Whatever is supposed to happen, will happen.
This is almost opposite of the American belief that our success or lack of it depends solely on the choices we make and the hard work we put into it.
Nationalism: Nationalism is deeply ingrained in Hispanics. This is a fact that most Americans don't realize fully. When we see a person speaking Spanish, many automatically assume that the person is Mexican. Often that just isn't true. Spanish is spoken over a wide geographic area that includes many very different countries.
All of us are deeply proud of our roots. Latin Americans have deep attachments to their homelands and the unique culture that comes with that. Because you speak English, would you like to be mistaken for a Canadian instead of an American? Probably not!
It's savvy management for employers to know which countries their employees come from. Getting to know individual employees is a basic feature in successful Latin American management strategies. The boss becomes personally acquainted with each employee and knows a bit about his family. This is called "personalizmo" and it's very important to workplace attitudes.
When "el jefe" or "el supervisor" recognizes an individual employee, he feels more respected and valued. That increases his loyalty to the company and to its leadership.
Etiquette: Basic etiquette and social skills are valued by Latin Americans. Good manners are a sign of solid upbringing. Training begins at the home and continues in school. Great emphasis is attached to shaking hands and greeting the staff each morning in the workplace.
Not only is this sort of etiquette valued in face to face interactions, it's also a part of good telephone communication. In a Latin American's eyes it's rude to "cut to the chase" on the telephone and immediately begin to discuss business without first asking how the person is that you are talking to. Next, to be truly polite you should ask how the family is doing.
Etiquette is so important on the job many think "por favor" and "gracias" are the two most important phrases in the Spanish language. These are definitely words that will help you get the job done.
Strategies for Success: There's no doubt that America's Hispanic workforce is going to become even more important to our country's economic growth and success. Now that you understand some of the basic attitudes your Hispanic workforce has, it's time to plot a course for your success in a multicultural environment.
1. Work aggressively to overcome the language barrier. Obviously, this means learning to speak some Spanish. You don't have to be fluent to be successful.
2. Make every effort to learn about the culture of your employees. This will help you build trusting relationships that Latinos value.
3. Develop an open culture in your workplace that accepts and appreciates the differences individual employees bring to your organization.
4. Establish employment policies carefully and communicate them so all employees understand your expectations for appropriate conduct on the job.
5. Acknowledge your employee's strong family ties and desire to return home periodically. Make every effort to develop staffing that is flexible enough to allow employees to return home for a period of time to visit their families and then return to the job.
Learning these simple, common-sense practices and principles will give you a positive edge in managing your multicultural work place.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/managing-in-a-multicultural-environment-129925.html
About the Author:Myelita Melton is the author of the SpeakEasy Spanish TM series. She is a nationally recognized expert on language and cultural diversity. Her high energy presentations will engage your mind, touch your heart and foster a climate for understanding. http://www.speakeasyspanish.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Double Your Insurance Leads by Targeting an Emerging Market
By: Christee Fontanez | 28/02/2008 | Insurance
It is no secret to those Insurance agencies who are already successfully selling to Hispanics that it is quickly becoming beneficial and lucrative to target this market. So why, then, isn’t every agency successful at marketing to this ever-evolving Hispanic population?
Here are 5 key tips you must know when marketing Insurance products to Hispanics.
The New Language of Construction Safety
By: Myelita Melton | 11/04/2007 | Non-Fiction
From electrical wiring and scaffolding to a wide variety of lethal chemicals, hazards are common on construction job sites. Are workers with limited English proficiency another danger on today's multicultural construction projects? Many safety experts believe that accidents resulting from language and cultural barriers will soon become among the most dangerous and costly in the industry.
Doing Business in Germany is No Joke!
By: Matthew MacLachlan | 13/12/2007 | International Business
Germany has a tradition of trading with the UK, but entering this market is not easy. The Germans have a reputation for being difficult customers - demanding specifications and exacting delivery standards - so is it worth the effort?
Globalisation is Here to Stay
By: Matthew MacLachlan | 17/12/2007 | International Business
The level of globalisation seen in the last 20 years is not going to go away. Companies need to operate worldwide businesses, and they will continue to do so. Because so many multinational companies receive substantial revenues outside their home country, they cannot withdraw their current management, operations and resources without huge consequences. Substantial planning and structural changes are necessary before such decisions can be made.
Why Use Deep Insight for the Challenges You Face?
By: John Males | 28/07/2008 | Business
Gordon Bethune, the former Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines used to say, "If you have a buger on your nose and your team says, boss you look great today, because they are too afraid to tell you the truth, then you have a real problem on your hands."
Diversity Means They Will Be Different
By: Jeanie Marshall | 08/09/2006 | Advice
What does diversity mean to you? Often "diversity" is used to connote a particular ratio of the two genders or racial representation, and it can mean so much more.
Managing Your Business
By: Obinna Heche | 19/10/2007 | Management
Perhaps no single role in the entrepreneurial world has changed as much as that of the midlevel manager. It was perhaps garnered as much from poor ownership and Dilbert comic strips than any real hard data examining the cause.
Want to Do Business in Japan?
By: Matthew MacLachlan | 13/12/2007 | International Business
The Japanese have the justified reputation of being the world's most demanding consumers who are satisfied with nothing less than the very highest standards of quality and service. The Japanese market is therefore the benchmark for any company aiming to succeed in international business.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's exchange Thoughts
By: Marvin H. | 02-11-2007
Are there any secondary classrooms around the world that would like to e - mail my classroom for an exchange of culture , Thoughts and idea's?
All possible question in business management
By: evangoran | 26-10-2007
all possible question in business management
In Art is everything acceptable?
By: Shima | 26-10-2007
I saw this weird play last week with lots of nudity and cursing. I didn't really understand the bottom line of the play but I don't consider myself a culture critic. Do you think that in art everything is acceptable? Are there any borders/red lines we as a society should have while making art?
Management and globalisation
By: kwantee | 13-10-2007
how management has changed with respect globalization?what are the specific aspects of management that has changed?
Why do Americans pay their bills?
By: hananc | 07-10-2007
In Israel, when I need to pay for something, I give a cheque or pay by credit (actually - debit) card. For some services (like electricity,phone and gas) I give the companies permission to take the money directly from my bank account. If it's a large sum, I can divide the payments over many months. Once I pay, I forget about it.Once a month, the credit card company takes the accumulated payments of the former month from my bank account.So my question is - why do Americans pay their bills? Why do the get a "bill" and pay it in some future?Why do they need software to help them manage their bills paying? (for example - billq.com) Is it a cultural thing? Something with the banking system?
Trust : What is it, how do you manage your trust relation with others ?
By: Frederic Barre | 07-10-2007
A question about Trust What is it ?What is your definition of the "trust" ? How do you manage your trust relation with others ?How can you tell from someone is trustable or not, do you manage level of trust ? what are your references ?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Business Articles
Develop a Better Business Model Faster by Analyzing Past Performance as Though These Were New Tests
By: Donald Mitchell | 21/08/2008
Past successes and failures show clues concerning opportunities and hurdles for creating superior business models. Learn from those experiences.
Secret Wholesale List Suppliers: Exposed!
By: Joaquin Reveron | 20/08/2008
You have a business. You need a wholesale list source to expand your product line and surely for possibilities of profiting more from the acquirement of wholesale products from such suppliers. Precisely, one of the easiest ways to get a source contact list of distributors and wholesalers is by hitting...
Wholesale Video Games: Extreme Infamous Tactics!
By: Joaquin Reveron | 20/08/2008
Let say that you have a successful wholesale video games accessory and your back up is your affiliated company that offers DVDs. Pay attention, this is one of the tools many of us on the top use to beat many competitors, make competitors paralyzed and not even make them think...
6 Reasons to Start a Drop Ship Baby Gift Ecommerce Business
By: Stuart Sherm | 20/08/2008
Starting any Ecommerce business is a daunting task, but here are some ideas where you can make money, have virtually no overhead and never leave your home. What you need is to join a great drop ship gift program.
Essentially you are aware that when you buy certain gifts online they...
Why Not to Start a Wholesale Video Games Business!
By: Joaquin Reveron | 20/08/2008
Many people tell you how lovely it is to start a home business, how magnificent it really of having more time with their family, kids, friends and plainly and enjoying what life has to offer with the extra time from a home office. It is true, it is fascinating,...
Do You Really Need a Job or Feel Maximum Incommodity?
By: Joaquin Reveron | 20/08/2008
Noting that many of our culture and society dislikes incommodity, incommodity according to most dictionaries is defined as inconvenient. Generally incommodity is logically and truly defined as something that causes that causes difficulty, trouble, or lack of ease. Society is indeed correct when it comes to its definition, however, you...
Top 10 List of Wholesale Business Tools For Success
By: Joaquin Reveron | 20/08/2008
What tools to succeed with an online business? Before you start with the list of wholesale business tools that you will need for starting your business online, know what kind of business you are getting into. Before thinking of the list of wholesale materials that you should get, one of...
Bankruptcy Leads-How to Get the Best Leads For Affordable Prices
By: Andrew Mason | 20/08/2008
In order for your bankruptcy business to thrive, getting good bankruptcy leads is essential. Obviously, the success of any business is finding good customers, and before they become customers, you have to market to them properly in order to get them in the door and doing business with you.
This whole...
More from Myelita Melton
Take Two Verbs and Call Me in the Morning!
By: Myelita Melton | 24/04/2007 | Communication
The use of language is pure magic! As far as humans go, it's one of our species' most amazing evolutionary developments. No matter what country we live in or continent we call home, the use of language is one of the few things all of us share.
Ten Tips for Learning to Speak Spanish
By: Myelita Melton | 23/04/2007 | Communication
Many Americans are learning Spanish to meet both business and personal goals. This article contains ten practical tips to help you get results speaking Spanish fast.
The New Language of Construction Safety
By: Myelita Melton | 11/04/2007 | Non-Fiction
From electrical wiring and scaffolding to a wide variety of lethal chemicals, hazards are common on construction job sites. Are workers with limited English proficiency another danger on today's multicultural construction projects? Many safety experts believe that accidents resulting from language and cultural barriers will soon become among the most dangerous and costly in the industry.
|
|
Business 
