HRM / OB Case Study

David Smith: The National Manager’s International Problems

OR

Abstract:
Meant to discuss managing multicultural teams in organisational behaviour course, this case study focuses on workforce diversity and the resultant organisational challenges. The case study deals with the problems that David Smith (Smith), the national manager of Smart Software Company (SSC), had to face while heading a multicultural team. Due to the multicultural nature of the team, several problems arose between the team members, which led to conflicts of varied degrees. As a result, Smith could not effectively utilise the capabilities of his team members, which ultimately affected the performance of the team. How could Smith have ensured the smooth functioning and success of his team? This case deals with the issues that may arise while handling a multicultural team. So, does it make sense for organisations to have multicultural teams? The case study provides an opportunity to debate on the inevitability of multicultural teams in the light of increased globalisation and the resultant challenges.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the implications of globalisation on the role of a manager and debate on the new skills required to be an effective manager
• To discuss the rationale behind companies having multicultural teams and to analyse their merits and demerits
• To identify the challenges and debate on the possible solutions in handling a multicultural team.

Keywords :  Multicultural Teams, Managing Multicultural Teams, Diversity, Managing Diversity, Multicultural Team Case Study, Organizational Behavior in the context of globalization, workforce diversity, Managing Multicultural Teams’ Case Study, Cross-Cultural Teams, Managing Differences in Cultures, Organizational Behavior, OB, Organizational Behavior case study, MBA, MBA Program, Course Mapping

Contents:

• Multicultural Teams at SSC
• David Smith's International Team
• Problems in Handling Multicultural Teams