Africa, although rich in untapped natural and human resources, is home to the top five most impoverished countries in the world (World Population Review, 2019). Due to economic insecurity, political instability, and civil wars, some African countries have left many of its citizens living a life of poverty with shorter life expectancies. However, the continent where human life began has a growing population and the potential to foster growth in the business sector. More than 400 companies in Africa earn annual revenues of $1 billion or more (Leke and Signé, 2019). How can the continent steer the nation to catch up with the globe and contribute to the global economy?

 

Africas potential 2019

There are many strategies and initiatives a leader in Africa can implement to realize the potential of the nation. Creating synergy between the diverse and dynamic tribes is critical. The divisions first introduced by invading Europeans over 100 years ago have left many vast areas in Africa in turmoil. Placing the importance of synergy at the center may help in areas where conflict turns violent and toxic. On May 28, 1975, 16 countries in Africa banded together to form the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas.int, n.d.). Some of the achievements made from the collaboration of ECOWAS is non-aggression between the Member States, accountability, economic, social justice, and popular participation in development. 

Another strategy to advance the continent to its’ full potential is investing in infrastructure. Developing roads and transportation could further connect the countries to foster even better communications and collaboration. New developments of cell towers are already rapidly increasing the communication capabilities of Africans. West Africa has been a region of significant scale and profitability for the tower industry, as well as receiving considerable investment in energy innovation and operational improvements (Edwards, 2019).  

By embracing and respecting the diverse communities and developing on the infrastructure of Africa, these two strategies alone are a positive step in the right direction to engage in the countries’ full potential. 

Ecowas.int. (2019). Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS). [online] Available at: https://www.ecowas.int/about-ecowas/basic-information/.

Edwards, M. (2019). Where will the growth come from in African towers?. [online] Towerxchange.com. Available at: https://www.towerxchange.com/where-will-the-growth-come-from-in-african-towers/.

Leke, A. and Signé, L. (2019). AFRICA’S UNTAPPED BUSINESS POTENTIAL: Countries, sectors, and strategies. [online] Brookings.edu. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BLS18234_BRO_book_006.1_CH5.pdf.

The word synergy, used to describe effective collaboration of a team united by one common goal, can occur within groups or organizations. Synergy can also develop across different cultures and is categorized as cultural synergy. Organizations everywhere are encouraging collaborative workplaces, and with good reason. New studies find that high performing organizations have teams that foster synergy (Gaskell, 2019). Companies that promoted collaboration were five times more likely to be high performing. There are many writings on the concept; however, creating synergy is difficult. The challenge is even more exact when it comes to remote teams. The remote work population has grown by 159% since 2005 and will continue to increase (Analytics, 2019). When working with multicultural and remote teams, here are a few tips that will aid in the creation of synergy:

Without clear expectations and goals, it is unlikely that a remote team will have an environment that inspires collaboration. At the center of synergy is the belief that all team members are working for a common goal. It is essential not to assume everyone in the team is on the same page. Therefore, the communication of goals is critical. By creating and planning to check team expectations routinely, leaders ensure all members know and embody the common goal.

Now when meeting as a team, it is essential always to use video conferencing. When remote teams see each other, they can connect at a deeper level than just using their voice. Video is a great way to help teams communicate and build a culture for remote workers (Mudarri, 2017). Additionally, video conferencing aides in multicultural communication by displaying nonverbal cues. 

Lastly, if possible, make time to connect socially. Some teams gather at yearly retreats or get together for community events. If these activities are too costly, organizations may use online chat tools to share news and fun photos. Microsoft Yammer is a collaboration tool frequently used by organizations as their social platform (support.office.com, 2019). Remote teams can add articles that might interest their team, photos of events, and build connections that encourage synergy. 

Synergy is at the heart of successful, highly productive, and efficient teams. With remote workforces growing, a leader must be conscious of their role in promoting synergy across their teams. By communicating goals regularly, using video conferencing, and making time to socialize with a remote team, a leader is one step closer to a synergistic organization.

 

 

Works Cited
Analytics, G. (2019). Latest Telecommuting/Mobile Work/Remote Work Statistics – Global Workplace Analytics. [online] Globalworkplaceanalytics.com. Available at: https://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/telecommuting-statistics [Accessed 14 Oct. 2019].

Gaskell, A. (2019). New Study Finds That Collaboration Drives Workplace Performance. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2017/06/22/new-study-finds-that-collaboration-drives-workplace-performance/#38958d853d02 [Accessed 14 Oct. 2019].

Mudarri, J. (2017). Using Video for Remote Team Building. [online] Wistia. Available at: https://wistia.com/learn/marketing/using-video-remote-team-bonding.

Support.office.com. (2019). What is Yammer?. [online] Available at: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/video-what-is-yammer-1b0f3b3e-89ee-4b66-aac5-30def12f287c [Accessed 14 Oct. 2019].

It is 2019, and the push for diversity in all aspects of human life is very much alive. More companies than ever are under the microscope, and consumers are not the only ones holding the lens. Even companies looking to approve providers to partner with are asking a series of questions regarding diversity before signing the dotted line for a new partnership. “In order to effectively promote diversity, we must take greater steps to hold ourselves, our peers, and our collaborators accountable. These questions were created with this idea in mind,” says Amy Sellars of Walmart (PR Newswire, 2018). Other large enterprises are also concerned with diversity in their organizations due to an increase in class action suits.

In 2000, Coca-Cola agreed to a $192 million settlement, the largest settlement ever in a corporate racial discrimination case (Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, n.d.). Companies everywhere are launching diversity programs and investing in training with hopes of avoiding such costly discrimination lawsuits (STARR, n.d.). Nonetheless, the gaps in diverse headcounts still remain in the American workforce despite diversity programs. Startling statistics such as women-only holding 4.2% of CEO positions in America’s 500 biggest companies drive the questioning of these diversity programs (Zarya, 2016). Additionally, only 1% of Fortune 500 companies have African American or Black CEOs (Donelly, 2018). If the implementation of diversity programs is not moving the needle, what is working to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

A five-year study discovered that programs that ignite engagement and increase contact among different groups are most effective in increasing representation among managers (Dobbin and Kalev, 2016). The top three types of programs were diversity task forces, mentoring, and college recruitment programs targeting women and minorities. Coca Cola implemented both recruitment and mentoring programs after their costly settlements. A look at the giant today shows there are 17 African-American women in VP roles and above at the organization. 

While the conversations on diversity are swirling all around America, and programs are being implemented to close the gaps, it is essential to remember that changes bring positive impact for everyone. Inclusive companies are 120% more likely to hit financial goals, and highly gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform on profitability (Dobbin and Kalev, 2016). It is time to frame diversity programs positively. Beyond avoiding litigation, organizations should focus on improving work environments for everyone and promoting diverse workplaces because it is the right thing to do. Improving the bottom line is the cherry on top!

 

Works Cited
Coca-Cola Lawsuit (Re Racial Discrimination in USA) | Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/coca-cola-lawsuit-re-racial-discrimination-in-usa. Accessed 22 Sept. 2019.

Dobbin, Frank, and Alexandra Kalev. “Why Diversity Programs Fail.” Harvard Business Review, no. July–August 2016, July 2016. hbr.org, https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-diversity-programs-fail.

Donelly, Grace. “Black History Month: Diversity in CEO Spot Very Low for Blacks.” Fortune, 28 Feb. 2018, https://fortune.com/2018/02/28/black-history-month-black-ceos-fortune-500/.

“EDI Diversity Initiative Releases Questions Aimed to Promote Diversity During RFP Process.” PR Newswire, 2 Oct. 2018, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/edi-diversity-initiative-releases-questions-aimed-to-promote-diversity-during-rfp-process-300722825.html.

Employee Lawsuits Are Costly — Win or Lose. These 4 Trends Are Making the Risks More Severe | STARR. http://www.starrcompanies.com/news/blog/employee lawsuits are costly. Accessed 22 Sept. 2019.

Zarya, Valentina. “The Percentage of Female CEOs in the Fortune 500 Drops to 4%.” Fortune, 6 June 2016, https://fortune.com/2016/06/06/women-ceos-fortune-500-2016/.