Multicultural Teams and Their Leadership

Introduction As a result of globalization, many organizations are employing people from different countries in order to pool resources and boost their operational efficiency. However, documented literature indicates that having a culturally diverse team presents numerous challenges based on language differences, communication issues, different working techniques and conflict resolution mechanisms (Gibson Vermeulen, 2003).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Multicultural Teams and Their Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More If not addressed efficiently, these challenges may lead to process and coordination inefficiencies. This paper shall provide solutions to five problems a multicultural team may face as it tries to open and run a shop in Zurich. Cultural Diversity: A Brief Overview Cultural diversity refers to a situation whereby members of given group have different beliefs, ethnicity, languages an d attitudes. Hankin (2005), states that there are negative and positive consequences that may arise from a culturally diverse team. For example, a multicultural team has different experience levels, skills and attitudes that may help organizations tackle numerous challenges in international business (Hankin, 2005). However, differences between members may lead to increased conflicts, miscommunications and confusions leading to low productivity due to process and coordination inadequacies. As such, understanding and acknowledging cultural diversity may help teams create a more efficient group process. Challenges in Multicultural Teams Early and Mosakowski (2004) assert that the cultural orientation of an individual affects the level of tolerance for uncertainty he/she can handle. For example, people from individualistic or low-context cultures prefer to confront conflicts directly, while those from collectivistic or high-context cultures adopt an indirect approach to conflict resolut ion. The high-context culture and low-context culture concepts shall be used to identify the problems a multicultural team might face while trying to run a business in Zurich.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Norms for problem solving and decision making US, Germany and Australia are considered as individualistic societies. As such, a majority of the people that belong to such societies focus their attention on individual goals rather than those of a team. On the other hand, Italians adopt a collectivist approach, in which the needs of the group have more weight than those of an individual. This difference in personality may cause a big problem when it comes to making quick decisions regarding the business. For example, individualistic people within the team will do what they think is best for the business while those from collectivistic cultures will prefer to discu ss and come up with a solution that is acceptable to all members. As such, decision making and conflict resolution within this team will be difficult because members apply different approaches when handling such issues. Communication challenges Efficient communication is very important in any business endeavor. However, different cultures use varied communication styles. As such, miscommunication in a culturally diverse group is likely to occur due to language barriers, accents and communication styles (direct or indirect communication). In this case, accents may be the main challenge faced by the members of the team. For example, English spoken by the Germans and Italians may not be clearly understood by the Americans and Swiss and vice versa. As such, it may be difficult to communicate effectively therefore leading to conflicts arising from such miscommunications and misunderstandings. Prejudice and stereotyping This challenge is very common in multicultural settings. In most case s, different cultures have varied opinions about other cultures. For example, Italians and Germans perceive Americans as disrespectful, talkative and egocentric. On the other hand, Americans and Australians may view the Italians and Germans as proud, lazy and less intelligent. With such stereotypes, fair delegation of duties and teamwork may be difficult because each member believes that his/her culture is more superior than that of fellow members.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Multicultural Teams and Their Leadership specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Time, urgency and pace orientation According to Hogan (2007), different cultures view time differently. For example, individualistic cultures like keeping time, working with schedules and deadlines, and tackling one task at a time. On the other hand, collectivistic cultures view time holistically. As such, they like taking their time and doing things as t hey come without restrictions. In this team, this will be challenging because the Italians may be viewed as slow workers. Attitude towards work In this regard, the challenge may arise from the different perspectives members have about acceptable work etiquette. According to Hankin (2005), nations have different work norms and behaviors. As such, members of a culturally diverse team may have different descriptions of personal time and work time. Individualistic cultures have the ability to separate personal time from work time. When at work, Americans, Germans and Australians tend to do what they are supposed to do and try as much as possible to minimizing personal or social disruptions. On the other hand, Italians tend to be social while working and may even sacrifice work time so that they can deal with personal matters. As such, this team may face a difficult task of determining and separating personal and work time. Management of multicultural challenges According to Hogan (2007) , challenges emanating from cultural diversity can only be solved if a culturally diverse workforce learns to tolerate each other and focus on attaining the set organizational goals. In this case, the members of this multicultural team should acknowledge their differences and come up with an organizational culture that fosters cooperation, effective communication and fairness among team members. Similarly, Hecht-El Minshawi and Berninghausen (2009) suggest that members of a culturally diverse team should understand the existing barriers that may affect the efficiency of the group process. With this in mind, this team should develop procedures for decision making, conflict resolution and work etiquette. Implementation of such procedures and policies play a pivotal role towards addressing the challenges arising from work attitudes, time orientation and communication barriers. Conclusion Cultural diversity in workplace settings presents numerous challenges for managers. If not addresse d these challenges may lead to the failure of businesses. As such, people should try to be multiculturally competent in order to facilitate teamwork and cooperation in a multicultural work environment.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More References Early, P., Mosakowski, E. (2004). Cultural intelligence. Harvard Business Review, 82(10): 151 – 157. Gibson, C., Vermeulen, F. (2003). A healthy divide: Subgroups as a stimulus for team learning behavior. Administrative Science Quarterly, 48(12): 202 – 239. Hankin, H. (2005). The new workforce: Five sweeping trends that will shape your company’s future. Chicago: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn Hecht-El Minshawi, B., Berninghausen, J. (2009). Intercultural Competence – Managing Cultural Diversity: Training Handbook. New York: Kellner Klaus. Hogan, M. (2007). The four skills of cultural diversity competence: a process for understanding and practice. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole. This research paper on Multicultural Teams and Their Leadership was written and submitted by user Emmett Hewitt to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Shays Rebellion

Troubled Farmers â€Å"In the first years of peacetime, following the Revolutionary War, the future of both the agrarian and commercial society appeared threatened by a strangling chain of debt which aggravated the depressed economy of the postwar years†.1 This poor economy affected almost everyone in New England especially the farmers. For years these farmers, or yeomen as they were commonly called, had been used to growing just enough for what they needed and grew little in surplus. As one farmer explained â€Å" My farm provides me and my family with a good living. Nothing we wear, eat, or drink was purchased, because my farm provides it all.†2 The only problem with this way of life is that with no surplus there was no way to make enough money to pay excessive debts. For example, since farmer possessed little money the merchants offered the articles they needed on short-term credit and accepted any surplus farm goods on a seasonal basis for payment. However if the farmer experie nced a poor crop, shopkeepers usually extended credit and thereby tied the farmer to their businesses on a yearly basis.3 During a credit crisis, the gradual disintegration of the traditional culture became more apparent. During hard times, merchants in need of ready cash withdrew credit from their yeomen customers and called for the repayment of loans in hard cash. Such demands showed the growing power of the commercial elite.4 As one could imagine this brought much social and economic unrest to the farmers of New England. Many of the farmers in debt were dragged into court and in many cases they were put into debtors prison. Many decided to take action: The farmers waited for the legal due process as long as them could. The Legislature, also know as the General Court, took little action to address the farmers complaints. 5 â€Å"So without waiting for General Court to come back into session to work on grievances as requested, the People took matters ... Free Essays on Shays Rebellion Free Essays on Shays Rebellion Troubled Farmers â€Å"In the first years of peacetime, following the Revolutionary War, the future of both the agrarian and commercial society appeared threatened by a strangling chain of debt which aggravated the depressed economy of the postwar years†.1 This poor economy affected almost everyone in New England especially the farmers. For years these farmers, or yeomen as they were commonly called, had been used to growing just enough for what they needed and grew little in surplus. As one farmer explained â€Å" My farm provides me and my family with a good living. Nothing we wear, eat, or drink was purchased, because my farm provides it all.†2 The only problem with this way of life is that with no surplus there was no way to make enough money to pay excessive debts. For example, since farmer possessed little money the merchants offered the articles they needed on short-term credit and accepted any surplus farm goods on a seasonal basis for payment. However if the farmer experie nced a poor crop, shopkeepers usually extended credit and thereby tied the farmer to their businesses on a yearly basis.3 During a credit crisis, the gradual disintegration of the traditional culture became more apparent. During hard times, merchants in need of ready cash withdrew credit from their yeomen customers and called for the repayment of loans in hard cash. Such demands showed the growing power of the commercial elite.4 As one could imagine this brought much social and economic unrest to the farmers of New England. Many of the farmers in debt were dragged into court and in many cases they were put into debtors prison. Many decided to take action: The farmers waited for the legal due process as long as them could. The Legislature, also know as the General Court, took little action to address the farmers complaints. 5 â€Å"So without waiting for General Court to come back into session to work on grievances as requested, the People took matters ...

Biomedical Ethics Should healthcare be public or private Essay

Biomedical Ethics Should healthcare be public or private - Essay Example Grounded in the concepts of fairness, equity, and solidarity, Canada’s system ensures that people can access health care in the public sectors. Nonetheless, a debate on whether Canada and abroad ensures the right to health is rampant. Whereas some stipulate that Canada fails to offer the human rights to healthcare, others point out that the Canada’s system of health care is sufficient despite the failure to put the phrase of human rights in their documents. As such, exploration on whether the rights to healthcare are explored in Canada’s system of healthcare is paramount. This essay clarifies that the Canadian health care system ensures that all people have the right to healthcare despite the fact that the phrase human right lacks in documentation. Typically, the healthcare system in Canada is publicly funded hence; access to health services is free for all members within the country. As directed by the implementation of Canada health act, the government assures all its citizens access quality health care. The fact that healthcare is public means that accessing healthcare is cost effective thus; catering for the needs of all people notwithstanding their economic status. Every doctor in every province should claim the insurance from provincial insurers. Canada’s private insurance is kept very minimal to avoid competition from advertisements of commercial insurers and health providers that may interfere with the quality of healthcare. Although to some point competition may be regarded as good, in the case of healthcare in Canada, it is not. This is because it may lead to privatization and marginalization of some economically unstable individuals who may lose trust with the public centers, but may not afford the private centers. The term rights to health care is particularly important to the poor people who are technically disadvantaged in terms of accessing costly health care. Kluge defines this kind of people as those who are known as congenitally incompetent patients who lack the cognitive awareness and will never be competent . Therefore, a country that ensures that all people can access affordable and quality care at their disposal is one that respects the individual’s rights to healthcare. With this view, Canada is one of those countries that respect and fulfill the principle of individual’s right to healthcare. One of the values that guide the provisions of healthcare in Canada is portability. Here, portability means that citizens of the country can access healthcare at any province within the country as long as one carries his or her card. This implies that incase one is travelling and gets an emergency; there is no call for alarm. Likewise, people who move from provinces to provinces as a requirement of their jobs do need to undergo unnecessary procedures to ensure that they acquire affordable healthcare. The notion of this principle implies that people can access medical care at any place w ithout any limitation (Baylis 152). A keen look at this concept indicates that human rights to healthc

Summarize the artical, give an overall meaning, key facts and opinion Coursework

Summarize the artical, give an overall meaning, key facts and opinion of the sources - Coursework Example Post uses cells called myosatellites, these are muscle cells, which are used normally to repair damaged muscle tissue. These cells can be extracted without necessarily killing the animal, and they develop into a muscle cell; it is easier to control the development of these cells (Brown, 2011 p1). For the cells to develop the muscle cells must be exercised regularly, this can be done by giving the cells minute electric shocks that stimulate their growth. However, the professor wants the muscle cell to exercise on their own; pieces of velcro act as anchor points and are fitted into a Petri dish where they create tension in the muscle cells. Naturally, the cells will try to contract, but the velcro provides the necessary resistance, which stimulates the cells to grow and increase their bulk (Brown, 2011 p1). After a few weeks, the cells will have grown into strips, which are a couple of millimeters thick and 2-3 centimeters long. The professor has not yet managed to grow them any bigger; this is until he finds a means to enable nutrients and oxygen to access the cells that are at the center of the strip. The professor is hopeful that, in a few months coming, he will have developed an intricate meshwork that will enable the nutrient and oxygen to reach the center of the strip and produce strips that will be thick enough (Brown, 2011 p1). According to the professor, the research that he is carrying out has potential to change the meat production methods. With laboratory production of meat, we shall still need small herds of cattle to donate the stem cells, but the traditional livestock farming will be outdated. Although no one has tasted the meat yet, even if the hamburger does not taste good, it still represents a very significant breakthrough that could reduce carbon emissions and transform the face of farming (Brown, 2011 p1). The professor has had a lot of experience in the field of vascular physiology. The document was obtained

Turning Points in History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Turning Points in History - Essay Example An in-depth analysis of the political scenario that was shaped by the assassination of President Kennedy suggests that for a considerable time, United States continued to suffer from political turmoil. The Vietnam War flared up and brought many displeasing results for America. Why were the events immediately preceding the turning point necessary and essential in preparing for the turning point? Events preceding the assassination of President John F Kennedy were essential because they threatened the interests of many ruling powers. President Kennedy was restructuring the CIA to deprive the capitalist cabal of the ability to spread terrorism, both locally and internationally. The ruling powers would not be able to handle the economy if President Kennedy lived and restructured the Federal Reserve System. Another potential reason of the assassination of President Kennedy was that he had resolved to quite the war in Vietnam which the ruling powers were using as a tool to make profits thro ugh sale of weapons. All of these events flared up the urge to get President Kennedy out of the way of mean ruling powers so that they may practice their malevolent plans and evil machinations.

Cup Plate Method | Cultivation Of Microorganism

Cup Plate Method | Cultivation Of Microorganism An Adduct formed by stirring (0.01 mole) of aromatic aldehyde with the 40% of NaHSO3. O-phenylenediamine (0.01 mole) was dissolved in 50 ml of warm Ethanol 80. The NaHSO3 adduct of the aldehyde is added slowly with constant stirring in the warm solution of O-phenylenediamine stirred for 20-30 min still solid product obtained, then added 100 ml of Distilled water and filtered . Now the product was recrystallised by using Ethanol. Step 2: Nicotinoyl Cloride 0.1 mole of Nicotinic Acid was refluxed for 6 hrs with the 20 ml of Thionyl Chloride. After this the excess of Thionyl Chloride was distilled off and separated from the product and dried it. Step 3: 0.01 mole of 2-phenylbenzimidazole solution in 100 ml Pyridine stirred for 8 hrs constantly with the 0.01 mole of Nicotinoyl Chloride ,then the water added 50 ml to get a solid product. The product was filtered, dried and recrystallised using Ethanol. Scheme: AIM AND OBJECTIVES Molecular modification of a promising lead compound is still a major line of approach for the discovery of new drug. Molecular modification involves substituting, elimination, or adding new moieties to a parent lead compound, there by making gradual changes in the physico-chemical properties of the parent compound and thus biological activity of the compound. It is clear from the literature review that a number of Benzimidazole derivatives are known for the, antibacterial, antifungal and ant-inflammatory activities properties. The present studies were performed with the following objectives: Synthesis of new series of 1,2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives. Characterization of newly synthesized compounds by spectra methods viz.infrared spectra (IR spectra), Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra ( ¹H NMR spectra) and (Mass spectra). Screening of the antibacterial and Antifungal of the newly synthesized compounds using various strains of bacteria and fungi by determining their MIC. Screening of anti-inflammatory action of Benzimidazole derivatives. Scope and Plan of work: Literature survey revealed that Benzimidazole nucleus is a part numerous class of reported molecules exhibiting diverse range of biological activities like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, analgesic ,anti-inflammatory activity, antihyperlipidemic, antihistaminic, antiulcer, anti-arrhythmic , HIV-RT inhibitor. Considering the reported data about Benzimidazole nucleus we have tried to synthesize some Nicotinoyl derivatives of Benzimidazole. The Benzimidazole derivatives of all above mentioned activities are mostly of 2-substituted type .The synthesis of 2-(substituted phenyl)-benzimidazolyl-1-pyridinyl-3-methanone was carried out and screened for antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity. The present work was divided in to three sections: Synthesis of 1,2-substituted derivatives of Benzimidazole . Chemical Characterisation of the synthesized compounds. Biological evaluation of synthesized compounds. Pharmacological screening of the synthesized compounds. ANTIMICROBIAL SCREENING An antibiotic is a chemical compound that in high dilution hinders the growth and the survival of one or more species of microorganism.A drug is considered to have bacteriostatic or fungistatic activity when it inhibits the growth of bacteria or fungi respectively and bactericidal or fungicidal activity when it kills the bacteria or fungi. In vitro tests are used as screening procedure for new agents and for testing the susceptibility of individual isolates from infection to determine which of the available drug might be useful therapeutically. Important factors for antimicrobial activity are size of the inoculums, metabolic state of microorganism, pH, temperature, and duration of interaction, concentration of the inhibitor and presence of interfering substance. ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY STUDIES Literature survey reveals that the synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial activity of various 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives. The development of resistant among various pathogenic microorganisms towards the antibiotics has increased the impetus for investigating new antimicrobial agent. When a compound are synthesized in the hope that one of them would be more effective than the existing one. The antimicrobial effectiveness of a compound can be evaluated by serial dilution method and cup plate method. Dilution susceptibility tests are used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). MIC is the lowest concentration of a drug that inhibits the growth of a particular organism under specific condition. The sensitivity of a compound against a particular organism can be studied by cup plate method.Initially the zone of inhibition method was carried out to evaluate the sensitivity of the organism were selected for determination of MIC. CUP PLATE METHOD: Cultivation of Microorganism: The following microorganisms were used to study the antibacterial activity. Bacillus subtilis Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureous Gram positive bacteria Escherichia coli Gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhi Gram negative bacteria Standard: Streptomycin (1000mcg) Solvent: DMF All the test compounds were tested at 250  µg, 500  µg , and 1000  µg. Preparation of the medium: Composition of nutrient agar medium Beef extract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10g Peptone†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..10g Sodium chloride†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5g Agar†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.20g Purified water†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1000ml pH 7.2 ± 0.2 The medium was prepared by dissolving the specified quantity of the dehydrated medium in purified water by heating on a water bath and were dispensed in 100 ml volume conical flasks. The conical flasks were closed with cotton plugs and were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 °C (15 lb psig) for 15 minutes. The contents of the conical flasks were poured aseptically into sterile Petridishes are allowed to solidify. These sterilized Medias were used to subculture the bacterial culture. PROCEDURE: Each Petridish was filled to a depth of 4-5 mm with a nutrient agar medium that was previously inoculated with suitable inoculums of suitable test organism, and then allowed to solidify. The petridish were specially selected with flat bottom and were placed on level surface so as to ensure that the layer of medium is in uniform thickness. The petridishes were sterilized at 160-170 °C in hot air oven for 30 mins before use. Small sterile borer of uniform size was placed approximately at 10 cm height, having an internal diameter of approximately 6-8 mm and made of aluminium (or) stainless steel. Each plate was divided in to four equal portions along the diameter. To each portion one cylindrical cavity was made in medium with the help of sterile borer. Three cavities for test compounds and one cavity for the standard. The petridishes were incubated at 37 °C for 18 hours. Diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured and the average diameter for each sample was calculated. The diam eter obtained by the test sample was compared with that produced by standard Streptomycin. CUP PLATE METHOD: Cultivation of Microorganism The following fungal strains were used to study the antibacterial activity. 1. C.raphigera 2. A.polytricha Standard: Ketocanazole (1000mcg) Solvent: DMF All the test compounds were tested at 250  µg, 500  µg , and 1000  µg. Preparation of the medium: Composition of nutrient agar medium Sabraoud Dextrose broth..64gm Distilled water.1000ml pH..7.2 ± 0.2 The medium was prepared by dissolving the specified quantity of the dehydrated medium in purified water by heating on a water bath and were dispensed in 100 ml volume conical flasks. The conical flasks were closed with cotton plugs and were sterilized by autoclaving at 121 °C (15 lb psig) for 15 minutes. The contents of the conical flasks were poured aseptically into sterile Petridishes are allowed to solidify. These sterilized medias were used to subculture the fungal culture. ROCEDURE: Each Petridish was filled to a depth of 4-5 mm with a nutrient agar medium that was previously inoculated with suitable inoculums of suitable test organism, and then allowed to solidify. The petridish were specially selected with flat bottom and were placed on level surface so as to ensure that the layer of medium is in uniform thickness. The petridishes were sterilized at 160-170 °C in hot air oven for 30 mins before use. Small sterile borer of uniform size was placed approximately at 10 cm height, having an internal diameter of approximately 6-8 mm and made of aluminium (or) stainless steel. Each plate was divided in to four equal portions along the diameter. To each portion one cylindrical cavity was made in medium with the help of sterile borer. Three cavities for test compounds and one cavity for the standard. The petridishes were incubated at 37 °C for 18 hours. Diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured and the average diameter for each sample was calculated. The diam eter obtained by the test sample was compared with that produced by standard Ketocanazole.

Free Great Gatsby Essays: The Truly Great Gatsby :: Great Gatsby Essays

The Truly Great Gatsby Is his novel the Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald creates Gatsby as a character who becomes great. He begins life as just an ordinary, lower-class, citizen. But Gatsby has a dream of becoming wealthy. After meeting Daisy, he has a reason to strive to become prominent. Throughout his life, Gatsby gains the title of truly being great. Even before Gatsby is introduced, he is hinted at being out of the ordinary. The first evidence of this is when Nick says, "Gatsby turned out all right at the end." (2) Nothing was known about Gatsby at the time and Nick is already saying Gatsby was okay. There's a air of mysteriousness surrounding Gatsby. Everyone knows of him, but no one knows who he really is or where he comes from. Even at our first glance of Gatsby, he's reaching out for something only he can see. There were many stories flying about Gatsby but no one knew what to really believe. In on instance Jordan made the comment, "I think he killed a man." (49) Even when Gatsby confessed about his past he didn't always tell the truth. He told Nick he inherited great wealth, but in reality, Gatsby gained his wealth on his own. Even though Gatsby lied, the fact that he made himself what he was makes him even that much greater. When Gatsby was still James Gatz, he had a dream of leaving his life on the farm behind and become part of the upper-class. Even Gatsby's father knew when he said, "If he'd lived, he'd of been a great man." (169) Little did his father know that Gatsby was already great. Gatsby didn't always do the right thing to gain his wealth but he was always good at heart. His first real break in the outside world was when he met his best friend Dan Cody. Gatsby was seventeen at the time and had just left his life on the farm. Cody was a wealthy man of fifty and he showed Gatsby the ways of the world. It was said that Cody found Gatsby to be " ... quick and extravagantly ambitious." (101) He took Gatsby in and treated him almost as a son. Gatsby was to inherit some of Cody's wealth after his death but was stripped of his inheritance by Ella Kaye.