Multicultural Advisor(tm) provides answers to cultural workplace issues
Released on = February 15, 2007, 6:34 am
Press Release Author = Multicultural Business Council
Industry = Small Business
Press Release Summary = Businesspeople will have fewer distractions from cultural and diversity issues thanks to the Multicultural AdvisorT being released today by Multicultural Business Council. It connects business professionals with cultural experts in over 30 different cultural categoriess.
Press Release Body = Businesspeople will have fewer distractions from cultural and diversity issues thanks to the Multicultural AdvisorT being released today by Multicultural Business Council (MBC).
The Multicultural AdvisorT connects business professionals with cultural experts in over 30 different cultural distinctions. These include regional, national, religious, gender, economic, geographical, generational, and many other cultures.
Frequently asked cultural questions include: ü How do I get respect from my Generation X. employees? ü Where do I buy ethnic greeting cards? ü Am I required to serve Halal food in the company cafeteria for my Muslim employees? ü Where can I find a list of religious holidays?
"There are issues confronting leaders everyday in which traditional solutions do not work in our redefined multicultural world," says Rick Weaver, Chief Executive Officer of MBC. "Today\'s business problems require cultural awareness to solve."
Weaver recalls a school district with a policy that when faculty was speaking to students the students were required to make eye contact. They were frustrated that a growing population of middle-eastern youth was continually disobeying this rule when being reprimanded. Teachers were trying to force the eye-contact while the students were intent at looking at their shoes. Some cultural awareness clarified the problem. In the middle-eastern culture it is a sign of respect to humble one\'s self when behavior has been disappointing. The students were not being disrespectful, they were displaying the behavior they had been taught, and were expected to follow, at home. Understanding this changed the faculty paradigm from rebellious students to students with extreme respect. The school policy was changed to allow for this cultural distinction.
Similar situations exist throughout the business world where insubordination is really misread culture.
"Once cultures are understood", Weaver adds, "employees are motivated to be stronger team players, increase their connection to their employer, and work harder to achieve business goals." Questions are entered free-form at www.mbcglobal.org/CulturalAdvisor and MBC commits to a response within one business day. Difficult issues or complex questions may require additional time according to MBC.
The Multicultural AdvisorT is a free member benefit open to all members. MBC defines members as those who directly join the organization or members of any Chamber of Commerce or cultural organization that has joined MBC. A small fee applies to all others.
About Multicultural Business Council Multicultural Business Council is a cultural empowerment organization based near Detroit, Michigan. Its purpose is to connect cultures through commerce. MBC offers certification programs, events, cultural trips, and other venues to increase awareness and appreciation of the multiple cultures flavoring the world. For more information about the Multicultural Business Council, send an email to rick@mbcglobal.org or visit www.mbcglobal.org.
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Web Site = http://www.mbcglobal.org
Contact Details = Rick Weaver||1720 Northumberland Drive, Suite 202||Rochester Hills , 48309||$$country||||248-802-6138||rick@mbcglobal.org||http://www.mbcglobal.org