Abstract
This paper discusses how the current business environment is one of extreme competition and how cultural diversity is one area that is often described as a method of achieving competitive advantage especially with reduced trade barriers within the international market. It examines how having employees of different cultural backgrounds is an effective way of building these social and business networks since employees from different cultural backgrounds have an understanding of the other culture. It also shows how a culturally diverse workplace gives all employees the skills to communicate with any individual regardless of individual differences which increases the flexibility of the organization and enhances creativity within the organization.

From the Paper
"With business becoming more international, organizations need to consider other countries and cultures. This could be simply to serve customers in other countries, to purchase supplies from other countries or to set up operations in other countries. A multicultural workforce means that employees are available that may represent the other culture. One article argues that cultural barriers are a major reason that companies do not pursue opportunities in other countries. The author argues that business and social networks that operate across national borders can overcome these barriers (Rauch 2001). Having employees of different cultural backgrounds is an effective way of building these social and business networks."

Tags:business, environment, networks, employees, skills, trade, barriers, international, market

Abstract
In today's sports, business, academic and other professional environments, conventional wisdom suggests that demographic and cultural diversity contribute positively to enhanced performance by groups or teams. Recent research suggests, however, that while diverse skills and abilities may in fact enhance group or team performance, demographic diversity (e.g. differences among team or group members in language, cultural, referential, or social background) may detract from it. This paper explores factors that make a group into a winning team, as well as analyzes both positive and negative effects of demographic characteristics and cultural diversity, on group and team behavior and performance.

From the Paper
"As demonstrated, then, within research; current events, and popular culture alike, demographic and/or cultural diversity either may or may not enhance a team's or a group's performance, depending on the group or team itself; its members; its management and/or other influences; and its shared values, goals, and philosophies. Diversity of skill and ability, research shows, is in general more likely to enhance group or team performance than is cultural diversity."

Tags:common, goal, demographics, organizational, behavior, racism

Abstract
The global business environment means that anyone who decides to do business in a foreign country should be familiar with the practices of the host country. One of the best examples may refer to an American airline based in the Middle East. Indeed, the Middle East and Arab world is an excellent example in which to analyze cultural differences, based on the well-known models developed by Geert Hofstede and Fons Trompenaars. This paper identifies the different models that discuss cultural differences. The paper outlines some of the problems that may appear in a Middle East-based operation and provides several solutions and answers to the issues raised.

From the Paper
"In terms of control, the American management style promotes a direct form of control, with an emphasis on the individual performance. In the Middle East, the performance of the group is controlled and analyzed rather than the individual performance. As for coordination, the American management style means that the leader or manager coordinates the group and information generally goes from top to bottom. In the Middle East, information is generally done from bottom to top, in a sort of feedback essential for decisions."

Tags:ethinicity, differences, styles

Abstract
This paper explains that excellence in a leader's style used in human resource management is the ability to apply a range of diverse styles, which enables the leader of any organization to bring out the best from any individual in the team according to one's specific nature. The author points out that many employers now have non-English or limited-English-speaking workers; therefore, it is very important for such workplaces to have policies and procedures designed to facilitate communication. The paper concludes that employers should not adopt blanket policies stopping workers from speaking languages other than English at all times, which means that human resource managers must create a work environment specific for these employees.

Table of Content
Academic Literature
Human Resource Management
Managing Diversity in Practice

From the Paper
"The task of human resource as stated in many books is to build an organizational culture based on good communication, comprehensive training and development programs, and consequent rewards for the individual's performance, ability to take risk, plan well and work in teams. Even if the nature of a culture within an organization is unknown outside its premises, the truth is that its importance cannot be eliminated because culture is extremely influential in determining the degree to which an organization is able to achieve its mission and strategic goals as per plan."

Tags:leadership, communication, adaptation, need, policies

Abstract
A culturally diverse work place is one that includes people from various cultural backgrounds. This paper examines how this difference can be beneficial in the current business environment and the criteria in order to make it succeed. It begins with an explanation of the various sources of competitive advantage related to it followed by a discussion of the characteristics of a successful multicultural organization. It concludes by evaluating the skills required of a manager in order to run a mulitcultural organization efficiently.

From the Paper
"Having a multicultural workforce assists in customer focus because it helps ensure a better understanding of who the customer is. For example, a company consisting only of educated, white males would find it difficult to consider the many different types of customers they are appealing to. In contrast, a multicultural company with a mix of cultures would be better able to recognize the many different characteristics of their target customers. This applies equally within America and in regards to international business."

Tags:business, environment, customers, technical, skills, labor, wages

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the concept of diversity in business. According to the paper, diversity is an essential facet of any organization. The paper discusses the idea that globalization of operations has created an environment where cultural differences and differences in opinions need to be understood and addressed in order to achieve success. The paper goes on to discuss the different areas of diversity and how they effect the success of an organization.

Outline:
Age Diversity in Organizations
Sexual Orientation and Its Impact on Diversity
Religious Diversity
Geographical Differences

From the Paper
"The concept that the U.S. is a melting pot of different cultures and points of view while very true also is faced with the fact that many immigrants tend to retain almost passionate adherence to the religious beliefs of their country of origin. This is especially observed among Indians, Chinese and Japanese who have been able to hold onto their religious beliefs and the cultural traditions even though they might have lived in the U.S. for many years. (Saji, 2004) Religion also influences the ethical and moral beliefs in determining right and wrong and should be in conflict with the employee in the workplace. For example, conservative Catholics could undergo tremendous challenges in their beliefs and opinions if they were working for an abortion clinic. It is important therefore, that individuals also understand the influence of their religion and the effectiveness with which they need to undertake their tasks and responsibilities in the workplace. "

Tags:population, individual, urban, rural, sexual, race, culture

Abstract
The paper asserts that as changing demographics in North America continue to have profound affects on organizations, the need to examine relationships between diversity variables is becoming more and more important. Along these lines, the paper examines the impact of diversity on individual behavior in the workplace. The diversity variables emphasized in the current study include gender, age, differences in skills and abilities, and personality traits. The current study concludes with an analysis concerning the importance of a culturally diverse workforce in today's business environment.

From the Paper
"As changing demographics in North America continue to have profound affects on organizations, the need to examine relationships between diversity variables is becoming more and more important. Along these lines, the following report examines the impact of diversity on individual behavior in the workplace. The diversity variables emphasized in the current study include gender, age, differences in skills and abilities, and personality traits. The current study concludes with analysis concerning the importance of culturally diverse workforce in today's..."

Tags:diversity, personality traits, cultural diversity

Abstract
The paper discusses how organizations do not exist in a vacuum; on the contrary, they exist within specific environments: political, social, economic and environmental. The paper argues that in order to succeed, organizations must effectively manage their interaction with their environment, in all spheres, and this is one of the major challenges for modern business. The paper asserts that it is a complex challenge, especially for multinational enterprises which exist simultaneously in a diversity of geographical and cultural locales.

From the Paper
"Organizations do not exist in a vacuum. On the contrary, they exist within specific environments: political, social, economic and environmental. In order to succeed, organizations must effectively manage their interaction with their environment, in all spheres. This is one of the major challenges for modern business. It is a complex challenge, especially for multinational enterprises which exist simultaneously in a diversity of geographical and cultural locales. In this essay, the challenge of effectively manage these complex interactions with their environment will..."

Tags:interaction, environments, business

Abstract
This paper examines Procter and Gamble's (P&G) cross-cultural adaptation strategies. The paper claims that cross-cultural adaptation is essential for any company that wants to survive the globalization process. The adaptation required is to both the internal and the external environment. The paper includes graphs to illustrate this. It concludes that P&G's power to create successful brands for diverse populations worldwide is one of the most valuable keys of success for the giant manufacturer.

Outline:
Company Overview
Cross-cultural Adaptations
Adaptation Weaknesses

From the Paper
"The company provides products for a wide range of customers: mid-income (Tide), higher income (Ariel), male (Gillette), female (Always), normal hair (Herbal essences), special care (Pantene), special need (Head and Shoulders), etc. The product portfolio diversification is one of the company's growth strategies. This is done by acquiring new products, such as Gillette or by engaging in strategic partnership, such as the one with Wrigley Co. One other growth strategy is innovation for existing products: new flavors, new recipes, new effects, new packaging, and so one. Finally, one other strategy is to keep fresh the customer's awareness through permanent promotional activity."

Tags:culture, management, inter-cultural, business, globalization, market

Abstract
This paper explains how stereotyping in a diverse environment does not always translate into a negative business practice if the stereotypes are used to facilitate a better understanding of the other cultures, instead of promoting negative assumptions. The paper further explains that, when managed properly, company attitudes about diversity can promote a better understanding between employees, which will help create a more harmonious working environment.

From the Paper
"Stereotypes are bad. Diversity is good. Such ideas seem to be truisms in today's American business climate, which is often broadly brushed with the label of being "politically correct" to the detriment of productivity. However, it is easy to speak highly of the value of diversity. It is easy to say the cultural wars of the business world have been won. It is easy to engage in such rhetoric but far more difficult to achieve a truly harmonious and diverse workforce in a functional fashion. After all, stereotypes are one of the ways individuals apprehend the world?making assumptions based on what they have been told about other people and past experiences."

Tags:aware, possible, differences, individuals, tolerant, perceived, employees, culturally, unique