Multiculturalism in Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Multiculturalism in Organisations - Essay Example This interaction has resulted into business as products and services exchange hands and organisations look into crossing borders (Amaram, 2007). Organisations have encountered cultural diversity within global markets and decided to capture the benefits associated with it (Laungani, 2007). People from different cultures, races, ethnicity and nationalities are working in the same organisations thus resulting to multiculturalism. These organisations can be termed as multicultural organisations. In a broader context, a multicultural organisation is one whose mission, services, products and operations manifest the interests and contributions of various ethnic, social and cultural groups. It involves people from diverse cultural groupings as full players in the decision-making process that forms the organisation (Fassinger, 2008). After reading the definition, it seems obvious that multicultural organisations have many aspects so the question asked is, what are the characteristics of these organisations? There are six characteristics of multicultural organisations discussed in this paper. ... An example is Language training, which is crucial when employing foreign nationals as it assists in enhancing communication with other employees (Cox, 2009). Full Structural Integration This ascertains that individuals’ job statuses have no correlation with their ethnic and social group. These organisations ensure that even the minorities are comfortably represented in the organisations’ levels and functions. This aims at providing equal opportunities for all employees to hold offices and positions based on qualifications, skills and abilities. In multicultural organisations, every employee is regarded as a key player in the success of the organisation and their roles are given according to academic qualification, work experience, skills and abilities. Coming from a different cultural background does not hinder an individual from climbing the corporate ladder. It is viewed as an added advantage because the individual brings insight and a different perspective of viewing things (Cox, 2009). This goal can be achieved by evenly distributing education and skill level. Integration in Informal Networks This involves including the minority group members in informal gatherings and networks organised by the organisation. These may include mentoring programmes that are directed to the minorities, support groups and other social events (Amaram, 2007). In preparation for such occasions, it is vital to select suitable locations and activities with all minority groups in mind to help nurture multiculturalism. Such events help the minorities feel as part of the organisation and assist in eliminating barriers, therefore, fostering easy socialisation (Cox, 2009). Absence of Prejudice and