Cultural diversity in organizations: Enhancing identification by valuing differences

Abstract

The present research investigated the role of perceived similarity in cultural values (associated with diversity in cultural backgrounds) and an intercultural group climate in predicting identification with both the organization and the work team. The relevance of perceived similarity in cultural values for identification was shown in a questionnaire study among 124 employees from various organizations (Study 1). Study 2 among 75 employees from a diverse organization showed that perceived similarity in cultural values is positively related to identification with workgroups. In this vein, cultural diversity can hinder identification. Therefore, we focused on an intercultural group climate, in which cultural diversity is perceived as positive, as an alternative way to ensure employees' identification in diverse work groups. Results confirmed that employees report high levels of identification with both the organization and the work team, when the intercultural group climate is strong. In addition, when an intercultural group climate is strong, employees still report high levels of identification with the organization despite low perceived similarity in cultural values. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.