Why Is It Important To Accommodate Cultural Differences: 5 Significant Importance

People come in many shapes and sizes, and each one brings their own set of talents, experiences, and unique views to the table. Developing relationships with individuals necessitates developing cultural competency. This practical education helps us become better people and sets the standard for a workplace core set of values and growth.

Culture is defined as the fundamental value that guides people's behavior. The cultural difference is a system of socially learned values, opinions, and standards of conduct that influences the spectrum of acceptable behaviors that may be distinguished from one socio-cultural group to the next.

Employees' habits, attitudes, traditions, or beliefs based on race, religion, nationality, language, or sexuality create diversity in the workforce. Industries began to encourage organizational multiculturalism in the early 2000s. This was attributable to several demographic developments as well as a shifting workforce.

Types of Cultural Differences in the Workplace

There are many cultural differences in the way employees interact, interpret and voice their opinions. Some of the intangible cultural differences are based on:

• Socio-cultural and nonverbal communication—Gestures, motions, tone of voice, eye contact, and facial expressions have different meanings in different cultures.
• Distancing oneself from clients or becoming closer to them may be seen as coldness, unwanted intimacy, or pushiness.
• Emotional responses in different cultures—Emotional responses in different cultures are governed by distinct norms.
• Eye contact can be defined in a variety of ways depending on the culture. Avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect in several cultures, such as Hispanic, Vietnamese, Korean, and many Australian Indigenous tribes.

Cultural Differences in the Business World

Economic globalization is one of the key reasons for workplace cultural differences and inclusion. People of many races, genders, ethnicities, faiths, and languages make up the current workforce. Employers have understood that having a diverse workforce has both direct and indirect advantages.

Cultural variations include differing expectations about personal boundaries and human contact in the workplace. Rather than a handshake, many Westerners and South Americans welcome a business associate by kissing both cheeks. While Americans prefer to keep their business acquaintances at arms' length, other cultures have no qualms about standing arm in arm with their counterparts.

Low-context subcultures, such as Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations, demand little or no justification of commands and requests, preferring to make quick choices. Once it comes to directions and guidance, high-context civilizations, such as Eastern and South American nations, want and expect more clarification.

With so much diversity comes a wide range of talents, abilities, and perspectives. Since the organization's workforce is different due to cultural variances, human capital should be prepared to grasp these social cues while adhering to business rules.

Importance of Accommodating Cultural Differences in a Workplace

1. Improves employee engagement

A faster way to understand various cultures and ethnicities than from coworkers from diverse backgrounds? According to Harvard Business Review, the obstacles of working in a varied team are among the grounds that multicultural groups have improved performance: working with a diverse team creates positive performance simply because it is more difficult.

Working in teams with minimal cultural differences may seem much more comfortable, but it can contribute to the status quo being embraced. On the other side, diversity may promote healthy competition, pushing a team to perform at its best. This competitive environment might lead to streamlining business operations for increased efficiency. This is beneficial because it boosts employee involvement and, in certain cases, motivation, which is beneficial to the organization.

2. Cultural diversity reflects positively on the reputation

The good impact of cultural diversity in the workplace is reflected in the company's credibility. Employer branding is enhanced by hiring employees from various backgrounds. Companies that hire and promote people from diverse backgrounds have a strong reputation as employers.

A varied set of abilities and experiences enables a firm to deliver worldwide service to consumers because it is better able to connect to and know its customers, some on a human level. As a result, potential clients typically feel more appreciated and, as a result, offer these businesses more business.

3. Cultural differences encourage a wider range of skills

When firms recruit people from many walks of life, they naturally bring their own set of abilities with them, which might be just as different. A varied workforce needs a diversified set of abilities. Companies bring in distinct capabilities and abilities when they recruit people from various backgrounds. By exploiting the talents and knowledge that their foreign workers bring to the table, globally-focused organizations may expand their service offerings.

Because of the difference of cultures, there is also a range of abilities and, as a result, goods and service offers. A corporation with various social and cultural diversification is more likely to notice a market opportunity. It will also have the worldwide (or market-specific) knowledge and expertise to assist a new or modified product in adapting to changing consumer habits and succeeding.

4. Reduces discrimination and harassment

Inhomogeneous situations are more likely to be the source of discriminatory practices. Hidden or unintentional prejudice occurs when our brains make extraordinarily rapid judgments and analyses of individuals and circumstances without recognizing it, as per the Equality Challenge Unit. When individuals are in the cultural center, they are more likely to act upon their biases. Employees devote considerable time in their everyday lives with individuals from cultural backgrounds to whom they are rarely exposed as a result of having a more culturally varied staff. Negative cultural stereotypes can have a negative impact on employee motivation and productivity.

People from minority origins may feel pressured to adapt in the workplace if a dominating culture exists. Workplace animosity can be mitigated by exposing employees to a variety of surroundings. Employees gain new cultural insights as a result of this, which minimizes negative feelings such as racism, misogyny, discrimination, and such. Employees appreciate one other more when they are culturally diverse. It assists them in accepting their uniqueness while also making work enjoyable and interesting.

5. Increases profits

According to several studies, a diverse work culture boosts sales revenue. According to the Centre for Talent Innovation's 2013 survey, 48 percent of firms in the United States with multicultural staff experienced rapid growth from the past year. Cross-cultural awareness and an understanding of the area market allow for the creation of more promotional strategies and products.

Language variety may be a great way for a worldwide firm to attract new customers. Regarding graphics and design, market-specific expertise and experience are also crucial. By employing a varied team with localized business awareness, the risk of making a severe marketing gaffe that might cause a permanent impact on a brand or organization abroad can be reduced.

Conclusion

The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace can never be overestimated. Having a diversified workforce boosts the matter while also helping companies remain on the correct half of the laws. Cultural similarities and differences must be accommodated to overcome cultural barriers. Consider hiring a varied group of people, regardless of gender, generation, or ethnic background, the next time business needs to hire new personnel. The company will be able to take full advantage of cultural variety due to this.