The similarities and differences across cultures in the work place can make a huge difference between the success and failure of a business. Diversity is common place in many work place environments. Utilizing and understanding cultures, their similarities, and their differences will allow a business and work place to thrive. This essay will define culture and discuss the similarities and differences of cultures across the workplace. It will also discuss the impact of culture on the work place.

Culture has a lot of meanings and carries a lot of distinctions. Culture reflects society and many aspects of living. Culture is relative to time and place. It is also relates to beliefs and environmental factors. Culture is a reflection of people and their way of life. Culture can be taught and instilled, but culture is also something that can be self-cultivated. Culture is interesting because it can be looked at on a large or small scale. For example a culture can value hard work, but an individual or group within the group with this culture might not value hard work as well. Culture can be a choice at times.

Some similarities across cultures I have noticed relate to respecting authority and elders and sharing. Many cultures and groups value respect for authority and elders, and this is important and beneficial to teamwork and productivity in the workplace.

Some differences across cultures that I have noticed are religious beliefs and ethical beliefs. Different cultures often celebrate different holidays and traditions, and this can cause problems. The holidays that are recognized and not recognized in the workplace can cause frustration as well as resentment. This can also lead to a lack of productivity since the employees aren’t happy. Ethical beliefs also reflect culture, and this can cause conflicts in teamwork or productivity because people may not want to work with people who have different ethical beliefs.

If similarities and differences are understood, recognized, and respected in a work place a business will thrive. Celebrating cultural diversity will allow and provide for innovation and teamwork. There are many aspects of different cultures that are similar and many aspects that are different, but these aspects can be the uniting force behind employees instead of what separates them. Utilizing diversity through understanding and encouragement is important for employee moral, comradery, and productivity. Culture should be seen and employed in a positive light in order to increase productivity and success of a business.