As business has become exclusively internationalized and globalized over the past years, the issue of workforce diversity has also gained more popularity. The complex and dynamic business environment requires interaction among people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Competitive corporations cannot allow themselves losing talented and skillful employees due to discriminatory preferences or practices. The customer base has become more diverse as well and as service industries, tourism and hospitality are exposed even to a greater extent to the challenges of the heterogeneous labor market of the 21st century. In tourism industry the contact with the customers is vital, so corporations need to recruit employees who are able to understand and relate to the customers’ needs. The main purpose of managing diversity in business is to bring out the best of employees, in a non discriminatory, fair and just environment, for the benefit of the individuals as well as the prosperity of the whole company.
The futurist Jamais Cascio gives the main reasons why workforce diversity has become so important. These are the shift from manufacturing to a service economy, the globalization as well as the innovative business strategies and the increasing demand on teamwork. In addition there are the mergers and alliances acting on a high international level and of course the changing labor market conditions.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definition of diversity and culture
- 3. Dimensions of culture
- 3.1. Universalism versus sectionalism
- 3.2. Collectivism versus individualism
- 3.3. Neutral versus emotional
- 3.4. Diffuse versus specific
- 3.5. Effort versus prestige
- 3.6. Sequential versus synchronous
- 3.7. Self-determined versus outward
- 4. Challenges and tools for manager
- 4.1. The dilemmas in cultural diversity management
- 4.2. Tools for managing workforce diversity
- 5. Real life example: Carlson Wagonlit Travel
- 6. The advantages of cultural diversity and diversity management
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the significance of cultural diversity management within the tourism industry, highlighting the challenges and benefits of a diverse workforce in an increasingly globalized market. It examines how cultural differences impact workplace dynamics and offers strategies for effective management.
- The definition and importance of diversity and culture in the tourism industry.
- The dimensions of culture and their impact on workplace interactions.
- Challenges and effective tools for managing cultural diversity in tourism businesses.
- The advantages of cultural diversity and successful diversity management strategies.
- Real-world examples of cultural diversity management in the tourism sector.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context of cultural diversity management in the tourism industry, emphasizing its growing importance due to globalization and the increasingly diverse customer base and workforce. It highlights the competitive advantage gained by companies that successfully manage diversity, fostering an inclusive environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. The chapter introduces the shift from manufacturing to a service economy, globalization, innovative business strategies, increasing demand for teamwork, international mergers and alliances, and changing labor market conditions as key drivers for the importance of workforce diversity.
2. Definition of Diversity and Culture: This chapter provides a working definition of diversity, encompassing a wide range of individual differences, and emphasizes the increasing importance of managing this diversity in the contemporary tourism industry. It highlights the lack of a universal approach to managing diversity, presenting it as an ongoing organizational challenge. The chapter references a Bertelsmann Stiftung survey assessing the status of diversity management in German corporations and comparing it internationally, revealing that while Germany is making progress, it lags behind the UK and USA in some key areas. The chapter concludes by focusing on the complexities of defining "culture" and its impact on the workplace.
3. Dimensions of Culture: This chapter delves into the seven dimensions of culture according to Fons Trompenaars, a leading authority in intercultural management. It uses the example of a car accident to illustrate the contrast between universalistic (rule-based) and particularistic (relationship-based) cultures. The chapter then explains each dimension, contrasting collectivist versus individualist cultures and providing practical examples and strategies for managing different cultural approaches to teamwork, communication, and time management within organizations.
Keywords
Cultural diversity management, tourism, hospitality, workforce diversity, intercultural management, globalization, cultural dimensions, organizational challenges, competitive advantage, inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Cultural Diversity Management in Tourism
What is the main topic of this text?
This text focuses on cultural diversity management within the tourism industry. It explores the challenges and benefits of a diverse workforce in a globalized market, examining how cultural differences impact workplace dynamics and offering strategies for effective management.
What are the key themes covered in this text?
The key themes include defining diversity and culture in the tourism context; understanding the dimensions of culture (using Trompenaars' framework) and their impact on workplace interactions; identifying challenges and effective tools for managing cultural diversity; showcasing the advantages of cultural diversity and successful diversity management strategies; and providing real-world examples of cultural diversity management in the tourism sector.
What are the seven dimensions of culture discussed in the text, and how are they explained?
The text explores seven dimensions of culture according to Fons Trompenaars: Universalism versus Particularism; Collectivism versus Individualism; Neutral versus Emotional; Diffuse versus Specific; Achievement versus Ascription; Sequential versus Synchronous; and Internal versus External. Each dimension is explained with examples illustrating how these cultural differences impact workplace interactions, particularly teamwork, communication, and time management.
What are some of the challenges in managing cultural diversity in the tourism industry?
The text highlights the dilemmas inherent in managing cultural diversity, acknowledging that there's no universal approach. It references a Bertelsmann Stiftung survey comparing diversity management practices internationally, indicating that while progress is being made, some countries lag behind others. The complexities of defining "culture" itself and its impact on the workplace are also highlighted as a significant challenge.
What are the benefits of effective cultural diversity management in tourism?
The text emphasizes the competitive advantage gained by companies that successfully manage diversity, fostering an inclusive environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. It highlights how effective management of a diverse workforce contributes to a positive organizational culture and overall success in a globalized market.
What real-world example is used to illustrate cultural diversity management?
The text mentions Carlson Wagonlit Travel as a real-life example, although details of this example are not provided in the preview.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of each chapter's content, outlining the key concepts and arguments presented in each section of the text.
What keywords are associated with this text?
Keywords include: Cultural diversity management, tourism, hospitality, workforce diversity, intercultural management, globalization, cultural dimensions, organizational challenges, competitive advantage, inclusion.
- Quote paper
- Jasmin Nowak (Author), 2008, Cultural Diversity Management in Tourism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/179843
