HOW TO BEGIN THINKING ABOUT DIVERSITY AND GLOBAL EMOTIONS

To work in a global marketplace you must first know your own position before you can support emotions of your employees as they interface with international issues, people, products, goods and services. Emotions about global markets, international competition, outsourcing, goods and products, and hiring from outside home nation can turn into large spins quickly if not well managed. Many employees are at ease with other people from other ethnic , racial or global origins. Some employees are ill at ease. Some others are hostile and angry for a variety of reasons. As a manager you first start with your own position and determine your relationship with the global economy. These are simply questions and consideration to begin thinking about how you feel and how others may feel about global marketplace issues. The debate over outsourcing is one place this comes into play. The world is getting smaller and angrier lately, so it is essential to think these questions through:

• Consider your connections to global industries and marketplaces , people and products

• Do you encourage discussions about cross cultural similarities and differences in your industry. Does your company open dialogues ?

• How do differences serve your industry?

• Explore diversity from a larger perspective than your own opinion.

• Take workshops, attend symposia or lectures on world affairs

• Read as much as you can about other nations

• Read the newspaper from your country and other international press

• Do you think accepting other points of view and opinions means you agree?

• Could you learn another language, or at least some basic courtesy phrases

• Would you participate in a community activity that celebrates ethnic or cultural values

• Track world events with an atlas, globe, or wall map of the Earth

• Invite someone from another global perspective to have a job-share day with peers

• Consider if your company includes or excludes any part of the global community

• Evaluate if your company serves or harms any other part of the global market

• Start a book club, discussion group , or think-tank that considers international issues

Checklist

• What actual revenues and profits come from international markets?

• Does growth depend on global markets?

• Do hiring practices expect to include global citizens ?

• Are vendors , suppliers, clients or producers come from outside your nation?

• Do you have international competition?

• Is your company owned by national or international interests?

• Are any of your services outsourced internationally?

• How do your employees feel about global issues?

• What percentage of your employees are not citizens of your country?

• Are there free trade agreements or international contracts associated with your company or your industry?

• What are current emotional trends about your international partners , are they friendly or antagonistic?

• Does any of your technology require international connections, training or service?

• Does your company require security? Are security requirements or procedures any different for international participants in your industry or company?

• Has your entire staff been trained in international diversity issues?