Case Scenario:
Sealwrap, a producer of plastics in the United States, is about to expand its business. As part of this expansion, they will begin to sell their products in Europe and Asia. In addition, they plan to open a plant in Asia. Jerry, the President and CEO, is concerned. He has heard many stories of companies that have tried to expand globally but operations either failed miserably or did not live up to expectations due to the cultural differences between workers and customers in each country. Jerry wants Sealwrap to be prepared for this so any potential problems can be addressed prior to expansion.
Jerry has asked you to research problems other companies have had with this issue and develop ways in which the errors those companies made can be avoided by Sealwrap.
Select a multi-national corporation or international non-profit agency that has encountered these problems (this can be a previous or current employer of yours). Using the Internet and the Cybrary, research that organization to discover any cultural barriers that organization encountered and what its managers did to try to overcome those barriers.
- Generate and evaluate reasons why people may not appreciate the cultural point of view of others. Use at least 10 references as well as 3 sociologists' views.
- Discuss how appreciating cultural diversity affects peoples' ability to communicate effectively in the context of a multi-national corporation or an international non-profit agency. Feel free to add your own experiences as well as quoting others.
- Create a report for Jerry which summarizes your discussion and provides suggestions on steps Sealwrap can take and policies that can be put in place to help ensure the expansion is successful.