Consider your present working environment or your most recent workplace. Would y

Question

Consider your present working environment or your most recent workplace. Would you consider it a multicultural environment, and if so, were you able to work effectively with your coworkers? In a multicultural environment, one must learn to work in a group whose members are from both collectivistic and individualistic cultures. The meaning and value placed on conformity and cooperation differs between these cultures, which impact how individuals respond to situations and function within a group setting. In addition, differences may exist in the number and type of groups preferred by an individual.

Consider the group dynamics in individualistic and collectivistic cultures.

With these thoughts in mind:

1. A brief description of a problem-solving group situation.

2.Then, explain how group dynamics might differ between an individualistic culture and a collectivistic culture.

3. Include in your description how conformity, cooperation, or group relationships might manifest themselves in different cultures.

Explanation / Answer

It gets everyone to the table. Because most groups have some community-wide concerns, it's essential to get them to the same table, uneven or not. According to John Gardner, the biggest problem of having many groups in society is the war of the parts against the whole. Separately they don’t have the power to resolve a problem, but because they are all tied together, one part can hold up the others for ransom -- everything can be frozen if one group's efforts are focused on thwarting another's
It emphasizes common interests rather than differences. Though it's odd and self-destructive, in-fighting has increased dramatically in recent years. Becoming more aware of our similarities, along with cultural differences, doesn't have to paralyze or divide us. Through common interests we can learn to translate "different from me" and "less than me" into "like me in lots of important ways." As a result "difference" becomes less of a barrier to effectiveness.
It makes for more effective communication among groups. Understanding how people communicate is the first step toward understanding and respecting each other.
It enriches everyone's life when there is shared knowledge of others' cultures. Different communication styles reflect philosophies and worldviews that are the foundations of cultures. New understanding gives us a broader view of our world and the opportunity to see a mirror image of ourselves.
It takes advantage of "strength in numbers." History shows that when groups are organized through common purpose they can wield great power and succeed. Because no one group is responsible for a problem, no one group alone can solve it. Competition among groups doesn't aid survival in today's turbulent world.
It creates community. As our population becomes more culturally diverse, some cultural groups are experiencing more problems. If we learn to understand and value other cultures and to look at each other as neighbors with similar interests rather than adversaries, we will be more vested in the idea of taking better care of each other. Caring about our neighbors builds a sense of community and unites us in solving community-wide problems.
It leads to a more just society. Multicultural collaboration can build collective capacity to help make things better, and promote the consensus that it's important to do so. This offers a good chance at solving complex problems in an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

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