BUS FPX 4048 Assessment 2 Comparing Cultural Diversity

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX4048 International Human Resource Management Issues

Prof. Name:

Date

Comparing Cultural Diversity

Date: March 29, 2023
To: MNC Management
From: Nia B. Thompson, HR Manager
Subject: Cultural Diversity – Women and Religion

Good afternoon team,

As our company continues to grow, particularly with the new partnership between our U.S. operations and the firm in Kosovo, it is essential to address the cultural differences that could affect this collaboration. One key area requiring attention is the disparity in gender roles and religious practices between the two regions. This memorandum provides a detailed overview of these differences, aiming to prepare our team for potential challenges and mitigate any risks. The following analysis explores the cultural diversity related to women and religion in both the United States and Kosovo.

Women and Religion

Despite advancements in the 21st century, gender equality in the workplace remains a challenge, especially for women. In the United States, although women have made significant strides in overcoming gender disparities, cultural stereotypes still persist, hindering complete gender equality (Abramson & Moran, 2018). Legislation like the Equal Pay Act (EPA) has been implemented to reduce wage discrimination, but the adherence to such laws is not always consistent across organizations. For instance, in 2022, the employment rate for women in the U.S. was 54.7%. In contrast, Kosovo’s labor force shows a strikingly different reality, with women’s participation in the workforce standing at only 18%, influenced by traditional gender roles (World Bank, 2018).

Religion also plays a significant role in shaping cultural norms and business practices. Kosovo’s predominant religion is Islam, which impacts daily activities, including mandatory prayer breaks and observance of religious holidays. On the other hand, the United States boasts a diverse religious landscape, encompassing Christianity, Islam, and other faiths. As a result, U.S. employers must be attuned to religious accommodation practices, including considerations for grooming, dress codes, and avoidance of harassment, to foster an inclusive workplace (Gepp, 2018).

Effect on Global Recruiting and Hiring Processes

As we expand globally, it is crucial to recognize how cultural and legal differences influence our recruitment and hiring processes. In particular, remote recruitment poses several challenges, including technological limitations, cultural nuances, time zone differences, and language barriers. Clear and open communication will be vital to ensure that all essential information is conveyed effectively throughout the recruitment process. To streamline and optimize these efforts, we will implement a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to manage employee data and HR policies effectively (Oracle, n.d.).

Organizational Integration and Communication Impacts

The success of our collaboration with the Kosovo-based firm hinges on effective communication, which will help to bridge cultural gaps and ensure smooth organizational integration. Anti-discrimination laws play a key role in promoting cultural sensitivity and diversity in the workplace. Compliance with these regulations during global recruitment and hiring processes is crucial to prevent discrimination claims and promote a respectful, inclusive environment. By maintaining transparent communication channels, we can foster trust among employees and management, laying the groundwork for conflict resolution and long-term success.

Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone. I am happy to schedule a meeting, either virtually or in person, to discuss this matter further.

Enjoy the remainder of your week!

Nia B. Thompson
Human Resource Manager

BUS FPX 4048 Assessment 2 Comparing Cultural Diversity

References

Abramson, N. R., & Moran, R. T. (2018). Managing cultural differences: Global leadership for the 21st century (10th ed.). Routledge.

Equal Pay for Equal Work. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/internal/policies/equal-pay-for-equal-work

Gepp, R. (2018, January 07). Religious Accommodation in the Workplace: Guidance for Avoiding Legal Trouble. HR Daily Advisor. https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2017/05/23/religious-accommodation-workplace-guidance-avoiding-legal-trouble/