What have we learnt?

So why does cultural diversity matter in teams?

Based on what we’ve learnt this week, cultural diversity can benefit both organisations and individuals. But it can also present challenges, which need to be managed.

This week, we’ve explored how cultural diversity in teams can influence team functioning. We’ve looked at how cultural composition and the degree of cultural differences can impact how we work together in teams.

We’ve also examined how cultural faultlines can form subgroups within our multicultural teams.

In order to understand the impact of cultural differences in teams, we examined the opportunities and challenges that affect how we:

• communicate
• handle conflict
• make decisions and solve problems.

We also looked at GVTs, and explored some of the additional challenges we can encounter if teams are dispersed across the globe.

Even though operating globally can allow an organisation access more diverse talent, there are barriers to a smooth operation such as social distance and differing languages.

Your task

So after completing this week, why do you think cultural diversity matters in teams? Has your opinion changed at all since we first asked this question at the beginning of the week?

Share two of your key takeaways with other learners in the comments.