Leveraging Workforce Diversity and Team Development

Abstract

In this broadening landscape of business, corporations are encouraged to develop global leaders. “Changes in workforce demographics resulting from globalization, combined with the rising popularity of team-based management techniques, have resulted in a practical concern with the management of multicultural groups” (Thomas, 1999, p. 242). Organizations are challenged to implement a comprehensive approach to global development that encompasses different cultural perspectives. This chapter proposes to utilize team-based learning within a cross-cultural work-group. The use of a collaborative approach supports the social dimensions of learning and can exhibit greater productivity for individuals. According to Jonassen, Strobel, and Lee (2006) as cited by Schaffer, Lei, and Paulino (2008), “Knowledge exists not only in the heads of learners, but also in the conversations and social relations among collaborators” (p. 144). This chapter will emphasize the importance of collaborative team-based work groups among diverse settings. First, the authors will discuss the factors of diverse teams and identify the stages of group development focusing on Tuckman’s Model. In addition, Gert Hofstede’s cultural dimension will be addressed. Finally, organizational contexts that impact the performance of diverse teams such will be explored.