From Conflict to Cooperation: Building Stronger Cross Cultural Teams

 

This article addresses five suggestions to strengthening a cross cultural team.

 

1.     Acknowledge and Respect Cultural Differences

–   Address the team's cultural differences, such as language, culture, and behavioral differences caused by norms and values. Hofstede's cultural dimension model is useful for categorizing differences. Discussing cultural differences in a team meeting where everyone can share their ideas is one way to encourage cultural diversity.

2.     Establish Norms for the Team

–   The second step is to establish team norms. The goal is to get all members involved and make them feel committed. Check in with the team on a regular basis to see how well the norms are being implemented.

3.     Develop a Team Identity and Outline Roles and Responsibilities

–   To avoid misunderstandings, divide common goals into distinct roles and responsibilities. Encouraging team members to get to know each other in a social setting aid in the team's relationship bonding.

4.     Over-Communicate

–   Allowing over-communication is a good strategy in a culturally diverse team because one member may not understand the other member's cultural background, which can lead to misunderstandings.

5.     Build Rapport and Trust

–   Respecting differences, adhering to group norms, and focusing on a common goal all contribute to team bonding.

 

Many people understand and accept cultural differences in the workplace; all that was required was the implementation of a framework to facilitate communication and collaboration.

Source:            Henman, M. (2022, September 1). From Conflict to Cooperation: Building Stronger Cross Cultural Teams. business.com. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.business.com/articles/from-conflict-to-cooperation-building-stronger-cross-cultural-teams/