For both the managers and subordinates to form a highly-effective diverse team,perhaps the most important factor is an adequate understanding of their different cultures.It was thought to be essential to acknowledge some basic information in various cultures,such as cultural practices in order to gain flexibility in resolving the conflicts from misinterpretation of communications in a diverse team (Matveev & Milter,2004).For example,in view of the concept of universalism generally prevailing in Americans,they much prefer a task-oriented communication in a low power distance way which may avoid a lot of conflicts.However,the Russians may be hierarchical and prefer a large power distance way of communication which is relationship-oriented,and this may cause tremendous conflicts.These different ways of communication are mainly generated by American individualism and Russian collectivism,a vivid example of cultural differences between nations (Hall and Hall,1990 cited in Matveev & Milter,2004).
In view of the great many different cultures in the world that cannot be possibly all assented,another core factor which is rested on cultural understanding is the respect of different cultural values (Copeland,1988; Chang & Tharenou,2004).Opting to be aware and respectful to the differences is a more acceptable approach; showing appreciation and enjoyment to their cultural activities is a good example (Chang & Tharenou,2004).In addition,being a national stereotype is asserted to be a major obstacle that prevents the advancement in the performance of multicultural groups,a good way to avoid it is to be cognitive and appreciative to other’s culture.For example,employees’ disappointing behaviors caused by merely some inadvertent humiliations may not be fully understood by managers,and this may strike down the productivity of a diverse group (Copeland,1988).
Chang and Tharenou (2004) had offered a suggestion to people working in a diverse environment,“putting yourself in someone else’s shoes”; this means that treating people with particular perspectives according to their cultural values.This approach not only lowers the possibility of being stereotypical,but also helps in providing a harmoniously diverse surrounding.
【英语牛人团】
