LEADERSHIP BLOG

Leading In A Changing World

Leading In A Changing World

Blog 1

Globalization is one of the most frequently discussed economic, political, social and cultural phenomenon of the twenty-first century. Competition which once was with locals only, now includes foreign companies too. In order to stay in market, initiatives and innovations according to needs of different cultural practices are essential (Dickerson, 2004, p. 19). This is the sole reason why companies need to find the best talent and identify ways to get the performance and results from existing employees.

Fashion industry first developed in Europe and America. Today the industry is highly globalized. Clothing design occurs in one country, manufactured in somewhere else and sold across the globe (Dickerson, 2004, p. 21). Managing a diverse workforce is the answer to succeed in a 'borderless world'. In an ever changing fashion industry, the importance of diversity greatly enhances because this industry is not only about physical or gender attributes rather includes dissimilar social backgrounds, lifestyles and mentality (Katsioloudes, 2006, p.38). Producing world class fashion standards is possible because of genuine efforts of a diversified workforce. Team members of different ethnic backgrounds possess different attitudes and values. Workforce, when diversified with different aspects, not only increases the customer service and business growth, but also improves creativity and problem solving which often lacks in losing companies who do not respond to challenge (Katsioloudes, 2006, p.38).

Management of diverse teams requires exhaustive efforts. While this can be very helpful in a team, it can also hinder a team. Team members should celebrate each other's differences and learn from these differences by adopting open mindedness. The team may face issues regarding medium of communication and interaction skills. Conflicts may arise because of differences in work attitudes and basic cultural background. Team members may find it hard to build trust for people of other backgrounds resulting in stereotyping (Aghazadeh, 2004, p. 529). By finding correct ways of conflict resolution and exercising sound argument and cognitive competencies, diverse teams can be managed in efficient and effective ways. (Lloyd & Charmine, 2010, p. 860)

Levis Strauss is the major fashion company committed to diversity and inclusion. Materials and products originate from more than 55 countries, and the company sells the product in more than 110 countries. In order to understand different markets (which includes suppliers, customers and business partners), Levis recognizes the importance of to have a heterogeneous workforce. The management believes in providing equal opportunities for multiple ethnic people around the globe. The company fosters a work environment where every employee contributes to the success of the company by respecting differences (Levis Strauss & Co., 2013). On the contrary, some believe that workforce diversity merely serves as the tag to accelerate recruitment or marketing campaigns. It gives rise to cultural pluralism. It is a situation in which smaller groups within a larger society uphold their exclusive cultural identities (Powell, 2011). Levis understands how much it is important to understand local markets and exploit local ...