Individualism and collectivism cultural dimensions significantly influence teamwork. Individualism emphasizes on personal achievements and the rights of an individual. Personal benefits and objectives motivate individualists. Such people set personal goals and work with autonomy to realize them. Individualists are not comfortable being part of a team and therefore are less collaborative in the workplace (Williamson, Burnett, & Bartol, 2009).
Collectivism, on the other hand, is more focused on interdependency in the realization of group goals. Teamwork and collective responsibility are considered to be crucial to the accomplishment of the group objectives. Collectivists regard their personal goals and attainments secondary to team success.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
It is crucial to consider the impact of cultural diversity on teamwork. In the scenario provided, team cohesion is critical to the completion of the task before the deadline. Three possible solutions can promote teamwork in the completion of the task.
Encourage effective communication in the team
In the scenario provided, the team is comprised of diverse individuals in terms of culture, gender, age, race, ethnicity, and nationality. It is, therefore, crucial to adopt an effective communication strategy to ensure integration of all members into the team. Communication also helps to promote interpersonal relationships in the group which boosts team cohesion. Values such as respect and courtesy should characterize the conversation. Also, the verbal and non-verbal skills of communication should be synchronized to ensure the effective delivery of information. Studies indicate that individuals are culturally diverse in terms of their interpretation of the non-verbal communication cues (Sanchez-Burks, Lee, et al. 2003).
Embrace the Diversity in the Team
The second possible solution that would ensure the accomplishment of the task at hand would be to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity in the team. The appreciation of the diversity in the team would ensure optimal group performance. This is because the team would be able to work through the differences and experience team cohesion (Aycan, 2002). Also, the generation of new ideas is enhanced when an individual feels appreciated and acknowledged. The team in the scenario comprise of diverse individuals. It is, therefore, crucial for each member to be recognized as a member of the team to promote teamwork.
Develop a Team Identity
The team must have a shared goal. This common goal unites a team and promotes collaboration among the team members. A common goal or vision that is well communicated to all the members gives the team a form of team identity. The members are then assigned responsibilities which are unique to their ability to ensure the group goals are realized. Clarity of each team member’s roles is crucial in accomplishing the task. Group identity also helps to curb issues that may be triggered by team diversity and instead use the diversity for the common good of the team.
References
Aycan, Z. (2002). Leadership and teamwork in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities. Online readings in psychology and culture, 7(2), 1.
Sanchez-Burks, J., Lee, F., Choi, I., Nisbett, R., Zhao, S., & Koo, J. (2003). Conversing across cultures: East-West communication styles in work and nonwork contexts. Journal of personality and social psychology, 85(2), 363.
Williamson, I. O., Burnett, M. F., & Bartol, K. M. (2009). The interactive effect of collectivism and organizational rewards on affective organizational commitment. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, 16(1), 28-43.
