Evaluate the factors necessary for a successful multicultural Essay

Evaluate the factors necessary for a successful multicultural workplace - Essay Example How can we enable excellence at work and leverage on the diversity of culture, given the practical challenges brought about by human differences? While there are multiple factors which influence, impinge upon and determine the extent of success of any workplace, here we examine only those factors that have a bearing on the cultural aspect of the divergence. We also examine the challenges specific to a multicultural workforce and examine the factors that are necessary to make a success of the business operations in such an environment. Business is about people. A well-adjusted and satisfied workforce is the corner-stone of a successful business. A business or a transaction is largely, if not wholly, dependent on communication, which, as we will examine more closely later on, is almost inseparable from the underlying culture of the people involved. This is why it is of essence to understand this fact and hence expend effort towards creating a work culture that utilizes and thrives on the divergence of its workforce rather than allow the differences to create problems leading to an ineffective working environment. Culture in inherent. We live it, breathe it, represent it, but take it for granted. We are almost always affected by the underlying influence of culture but most of the time not conscious of it. Culture not only dictates how we live and behave, it also intrinsically determines the patterns of our reaction to people from other cultures. So what is culture then? Summarizing the many, varied and meaningful definitions, culture can be understood to be the window through which we view the outside world. It is the looking glass which colours what we see around us. It is the primary determining factor on how we speak, behave, work, grow and react to the world around. In the context of business, culture determines our practices and business communication. Business does not occur in vacuum. Nor is the business context, neutral. Business