Cultural Competence: Why It Matters and How You Can Acquire It

Description

Emerging research suggests that multicultural individuals have innate abilities that make them exceptional candidates for global leadership -- yet they often pass under the radar of HR. Although companies are hiring more multicultural employees, it is frequently a token gesture to reflect society's growing ethnic diversity, or because they need their language abilities. What's really needed, say the authors, is a greater awareness and appreciation of the beneficial role of culture in the workplace. This article explains how companies might identify and make better use of the invaluable attributes offered by multicultural managers and employees. Drawing on research, interviews and case studies, the authors suggest how cultural intelligence might be developed as a vital managerial competence for the world we live in today.