Cultural differences impact the role and appreciation of gender in the workplace in the sense that it determines the level of collaboration that will be adopted in the workplace, and by so doing help to establish the kind of office layout in such an environment. In cultures that promote masculinity, the workplace is characterized by high levels of achievement and competition. In this setting, the gender approach pushes for the adoption of an assertive, competitive culture with visible symbols of hierarchy that limit the collaboration spaces. In this scenario, the workspace is highly characterized by private offices and cubicles. In cultures that embrace the diversity of gender, the office exhibits corporation and harmony which are the most valued attributes of the workers. The workspace therefore generally features more fluid space that encourages equality and reflects a focus on wellbeing. The workspace, therefore, adopts an open plan office layout. Understanding these cultural differences is critical to designing the office space because it lays the foundation on the levels of interactions that will be exhibited in the workplace, and creates a channel whereby these interactions will uphold the organizational culture and work together to realize the company's goals.
The American belief in individualism has led to the creation of a workplace that is highly self-reliant and autonomous. It has inhibited corporation and teamwork. Instead, it has created stiff competition between the employees who battle for recognition and promotions. In collective cultures, the workplace is more accommodating and inclusive since it encourages teamwork which affords every employee the equal grounds to participate and be heard. The American individualism may come across as discriminatory for people from the collective culture. For instance, a woman from the collective culture would feel the American workplace environment favors the men who compete fiercely for top positions. This is because such a woman may be accustomed to being given a platform to show her expertise and may not have the masculine capabilities of grabbing such a platform for herself.
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