Unit 3 Discussion 2 –Student 1
Businesses have moved beyond their walls and into other territories across the
globe, with employees working virtually across the globe via technology with employees
and customers, learning to think globally is crucial. We have become an entirely new
converging world, and I see a clear trend into the future with aid, trade, green technology
and peace, it’s fully possible that everyone can make it to the healthy, wealthy corner
(Rosling, H., 2010). Because the world has revolved so much and so many businesses
have moved globally it is important to understand others views, history and culture as it
allows one to understand each other and work more efficiently together. The leader is the
key to making this happen and guiding their employees to think globally, a great example
is Katarina Hansen, CEO of Polar Bank who developed a process by organizing a series
of workshops with the managers from all levels of the banks to join in an open
discussion/forum on each strategy of their business units (Denison. D., Hooijberg, R., &
Leif, C., 2012). The time these leaders spent together allowed them to understand each
other’s views and strategies and gain a deeper insight on their markets, products,
operations and culture. Which in return made them a stronger business and more
successful.
Organizations can significantly benefit from the cultural differences and wide range of
perspectives, as it leads to creativity and greater innovation. Leaders must recognize the
strong subcultures in their organizations, they arise from influences both from within the
organization and from the outside (Denison. D., Hooijberg, R., & Leif, C., 2012). The
leader needs to understand and learn the different culture differences, because leaders
who recognize these subcultures provide their employees with the proper tools to work
together and that helps build a strong culture. By learning the different languages,
spending time in the different culture settings, asking questions about beliefs, habits and
attitudes, knowing what kind of gifts to give and what gestures to use, help build the
business to focus on being globally innovative.
Denison, D., Hooijberg, R., & Leif, C. (2012). Leading culture change in global
organizations : aligning culture and strategy. Retrieved from
https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.library.capella.edu
Rosling, H. (Director). (2010). 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes [Video file].
Retrieved October 24, 20, from https://www.gapminder.org/videos/200-years
