The Global Diversity Desk Reference: Managing an International Workforce

INTRODUCTION

Globalization has become one of the business world's hottest topics as we begin the new millennium. From news about protests at World Trade Organization meetings to the agendas of conferences of world leaders, globalization and its economic and political implications hit both a nerve and the bottom line. However, beneath the debates and philosophizing lies the complex and demanding reality of managing a multicultural, geographically dispersed, polyglot workforce.

As organizations face stiffer global competition, the need to internationalize continues to increase. Penetrating new markets, accessing cheaper raw materials, reducing wage costs, bringing in specialized skills, and improving technology push organizations to cross borders, ...