- Introduction
After reviewing the readings and learning materials up to Week 9, you should answer the given questions of the selected case study. The case study deals with the concept of multicultural teams, as they exist in companies in the globalised world. It also discusses the rationale behind companies opting for multicultural teams as against a homogeneous team.
The case study revolves around a multicultural team at Smart Software Company (SSC), India. It deals with the problems and challenges faced by David Smith (Smith), who headed the multicultural team. What were the reasons behind those problems? What strategy should Smith have used in handling his multicultural team so that it could produce effective business results? The case study helps in discussing the problems that may arise and the solutions to those problems that will help in the smooth functioning of a multicultural team.
The case attempts to achieve the following pedagogical objectives:
To discuss the implications of globalisation on the role of a manager
To discuss the rationale behind companies having multicultural teams and to analyse their merits and demerits
To identify the challenges and solutions in handling a multicultural team.
Task
Review the reading and course material of each week.
Read the case study.
Perform additional research using the online library and other scholarly resources.
Answer the given questions
Your answer should be formatted as a case study analysis, including the following parts:
Introduction
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Conclusions
Recommendations
You may use diagrams in your response too.
The questions are:
Part 1: Globalisation and Organisational Behaviour
How has globalisation affected businesses in the context of organisational behaviour? Explain using examples.
Analyse if multicultural teams are inevitable in the age of globalisation.
Part 2: Multicultural Teams at SSC
Referring to Exhibit I of the case study, examine the composition of Smith’s team. On what parameters did Smith choose his team members? What was the rationale behind the multicultural team at SSC?
How does culture affect a multicultural team? What factors might pose problems in the smooth functioning of a multicultural team? Explain using examples from the case study.
Part 3: Managing Multicultural Teams
How can companies ensure the effective functioning of a multicultural team? What attributes should be kept in mind before constituting a multicultural team?
Conclusion: The Big Picture
Considering the various problems involved in handling multicultural teams, should companies constitute multicultural teams?
