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                                                          “The future of the nation lies in the diversity of our people.” 
                                                                                                                                          – Carole Copeland Thomas

The U.S. is known as a huge melting pot, where some of the best minds worldwide gather together and create solutions for the greater good. Due to the internet, the media and vast migration, not only to the U.S, but globally, organizations are finally understanding the importance of a globally diverse team to achieve success. Having culturally diversity in an organization is the best way to achieve innovation, creativity and engagement through the variation the different perspectives brings.

Global Diversity are two words frequently mentioned in the last couple of years. This trend has been shaping how our society evolves nowadays, and it is a step closer to greater things.

Here are three key reasons why Global Diversity is important for a business to succeed:

  1. More innovative and creative ideas and solutions. Rob Schimek, President and CEO of AIG, a global insurance agency expresses on the company’s website, “Embracing diversity unlocks the power of our differences, which fuels innovative ideas and solutions.  A diverse, inclusive, and open environment empowers us to leverage the full potential of all employees and create greater value for our customers.” Schimek wants his company to use the global diversity to push his company into success.
  2. Acceptance of globally diverse individuals reflects an increase in respect. Diversity in the workplace is known to promote mutual respect within employees. According to Forbes Magazine, respecting your fellow coworkers has also shown an increase in the motivation levels, which correlates organizational synergy.  It may reduce the probability of conflict and ease the conflict resolution path.
  3. Lacking equality and diversity may impact market perception and reputation. Börje Ekholm the President and CEO of the leading providers of Information and Communication Technology to service provider Ericsson strongly stands on the importance of having a diverse community in his business. He states that, “Diversity is at the core of who we are, as we operate across the entire globe. But business reasons aside, we all have a responsibility to stand up tall for the equal rights of everybody. Who among us can claim to be superior to anyone else? We are humans, and united we stand.”

Access to Culture strives to help individuals understand the power of cultural diversity and it is one of the numerous people and organizations generating more awareness about differences.

 


Sharon Schweitzer and Sophie Echeverry co-wrote this post. Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre and the Intercultural Communication Institute, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, and Fortune. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, now in its third printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. She’s a winner of the British Airways International Trade Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards and the 2017 New York City Big Book Award for Multicultural Nonfiction.

Sophie Echeverry is the corporate marketing manager and event coordinator at Access to Culture. Born and raised in Colombia, she’s a 2018 graduate with a B.B.A. in International Business and Marketing from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, CA. Connect with her on LinkedIn.