How to build multicultural teams?

I feel flexibility is the key to working in a multicultural environment,  the work environment always demands flexibility on your part, but in a multicultural environment the adaptation becomes all the more important. The flexibility that is so important in dealing with anything that does not confirm to our own beliefs ensures your coworkers feel you are not judging them by religion or race, in a work environment, and as humans, their personal qualities and the value of their work matters, never the color of their skin.

Friends I think by understanding different cultures and values and by respecting those differences will help to build a strong multicultural team. The first thing you should understand is the language of the employees. There are religious practices too, some people do not eat a certain type of food based on religious beliefs. As a team member you have to learn to not look down on anyone who does not confirm to your beliefs and it never hurts to go out of the way. You can win them over by joining their families for the day and you can convey your sincerity that way too.

A muticultural team will comprise members from different cultural background (as is implied by the topic of discussion). So, it is visibly clear that the onus of development of team members will be on the leader. My point is that if the team will have mixed crowd of new entrants, veterans, experienced etc then the efficiency of team will be doubtful. But if the stage of team is forming and it comprises people of same level, it will be easy for them to gel with each other and understand their assignment.

Particular stages like forming, norming will help the team members relate to each other without difficulties and discuss common issues/topics/problems/work. If the team is in the formation stage, the rules are still being negotiated and people are learning their own roles. The 'veteran' team member has carved a secure role for himself while the entrant has to struggle.

Interesting idea contest gargi, but I believe that arguing gets you nowhere but being able to convince others does. A fistfight may result in one clear winner, but it never gets you respect, only fear. So remember to keep your communication friendly because the moment it feels like the discussion is turning into an argument, the defensiveness that creeps naturally into the responses makes sure you can neither convince nor be convinced yourself. Develop your interpersonal skills so you can communicate with your team members from others cultures more effectively.

a theorist telling how to form a team ( multicultural).. great ..

stay with army guys at some location for 7 days ..your every doubt will be answered.

one cannot answer it from a cubicle ..

interesting theoretical research going on at TOOSTEP.