Benefits of a Diverse Workforce
Communication is of utmost importance in diverse teams. How a manager approaches a situation can determine the future direction of teamwork and ultimately the level of success achieved. When communicating with diverse teams, whether verbally, via e-mail, or in writing, managers need to consider the potential reactions as well as the intention of the message.
Review the scenario you read the discussion of possible HR actions.
Scenario
Imagine you work for a US-based firm and are partnering with a team of workers stationed in a progressive Middle Eastern country. The team's purpose is to develop a modern marketing campaign for a financial services customer. Their goals include completing the campaign design on time, satisfying the customer, and integrating the expertise represented by employees in each country to deliver a quality product to the client. The team is on a strict deadline and reputations and bonuses are at stake.
In this country, there is very little separation between a workers religious beliefs, family, and work. Your team is on a strict deadline, and bonuses are at stake. The local employees take a midday break for two hours for prayers every day. Friday is a religious holiday, which begins at sundown on Thursday and continues through Friday. Saturday is considered a regular day off and they do work on Sunday. The project is due on Monday morning, and the other employees are resentful for having to work overtime.
Develop a APA style 3-4 page memo to the project teams addressing the following:
• Remind both managers and employees of the benefits of a culturally diverse workgroup.
• Make recommendations on how to avoid scheduling issues due to the religious observance.
• Explain how you arrived at your decision using relevant academic references.
• Justify your suggestions by using empirical evidence and reference to any applicable laws.
You must Apply APA standards to citation of sources.