Training and Motivating the New Labor Force: The Impact of Ethnicity

Abstract

The old American concept of “melting pot” may no longer be the correct conceptual framework to use when dealing with the influx of new immigrants into the work force. It may be best neither to treat nor to expect everyone to be the same but rather to consider and to accommodate ethnic diversity. Harmonization may provide more effective management than homogenization. Problems can arise when words, examples, and relationships between trainers, trainees, and managers are contrary to the cultural norms and expectations of the employees. Managers and trainers can improve human performance by changing their standard operating procedures to include an understanding of the implication of ethnicity in the training environment. Although there is little research on the new labor force and few tested strategies, some earlier work addressed the preparation of employees of multinational corporations for work abroad. This paper explores ethnic differences and potential problems resulting from a new labor force and discusses some potential approaches to interethnic training based on investigations in sociological and communications research.