During the Summer of 2018, I was promoted to the role of supervisor. However, before I was promoted, I needed to go through a series of job promotional formalities as required by the Human Resources (HR) department. One of these formalities was a board interview which consisted of four executive-level employees; each of the four executives asked a series of questions, that of which I needed to answer promptly. One of those questions was about cultural diversity within the workplace. The following question was asked: “How can people better understand each other?”
In answering this question, I recalled an online article from the Pew Research Center, “How America Changed During Barack Obama’s Presidency (2017).” By referencing a Pew article, I was able to extemporaneously reference how President Obama used diverse resources for ideas, insights, strategy, and solving problems. For example, Obama used the appropriate balance among values, relationships, and goals, which is cultural synergy. While meeting specific goals and reaching cultures and their values, Obama created cultural synergy by reaching many different age groups by being diverse and open to Internet communication and social media (Sutter, 2009).
Synergy is essential because it allows groups to work in harmony to solve common issues. Therefore, in turn, will enable people to learn from each other’s convictions. As the United States grows more diverse the need for attracting a more full diverse range of employees will become fundamental to business strategy. When it comes to “Managing Cultural Differences,” Abramson and Moran have stated how “Culturally skilled leaders are essential for the effective management of emerging global corporations as well as for the furtherance of mutually beneficial world trade and exchange.”
Additionally, Abramson and Moran explain how, “In these undertakings, the promotion of cultural synergy by those who are truly global managers will help us to capitalize on the differences in people while ensuring their collaborative action.” Abramson & Moran (2018, Kindle Edition, p.36, para 4)
In summary, with proper understanding, experience and training, leaders can effectively use cultural synergy within the workplace for the benefit of the organization’s mission. Workplace cultural synergy allows for the inclusion of employees regardless of sex, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or religious creed. The key to cultural synergy is inclusion and cultural awareness. When employees feel included and appreciated, their loyalty is ignited with the sense of belonging. A workforce that is culturally sensitive embraces alternative perspectives while encouraging respect and dignity of individuals.
As a supervisor, I have personally seen the benefits of cultural synergy. When diversity is valued, teamwork can be enhanced through inclusion, ideation, and convergence. When businesses internally value diversity, culture becomes an additional benefit.
Work Cited
How America Changed During Barack Obama’s Presidency | Pew … (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pewresearch.org/2017/01/10/how-america-changed-during-barack-obamas-p
Sutter, J. (2009, 03 27). Obama answers handful of 104,000 Web questions. Retrieved 02 14, 2019, from CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/26/online.obama/index.html?eref=rss_tech
Abramson, Neil Remington. Managing Cultural Differences: Global Leadership for the 21st Century (p. 36). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition.
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