Research Methology
Cultural Diversity and Challenges for Human Resource Management: AStudy of the Indian ManufacturingSector
Soumi Rai
Symbiosis Institute of International Business, SIC Campus, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, MIDC, Hinjewadi, Pune – 411057, Maharashtra, India ______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
„Diversity‟ is today a key word for organizations and leaders alike. This word encompasses within itself a vast reference to all facets of mankind, be it gender, language, culture, race, religion or creed. With shrinking horizons and ever expanding business complexities, this word portrays the face of a twenty first century organization. Studies related to aspects of diversity have been manifold, but most of them have concentrated on the cross-cultural diversity aspect of organizations. This research paper tries to understand a different perspective to the word „Diversity‟, by looking at the effect of culture related diversity on the human resource practices of the Indian manufacturing sector. This research stems from a previous literature review done by the researcher on Human Resources practices of the Indian manufacturing sector, that found lacuna in relation to focus on actually understanding this specific sector. The research shall be concentrating on selected manufacturing organizations, to understand the cultural diversity existing there. It shall further concentrate on understanding the effect such diversity has on human resource practices of the organization, specifically related to broader domains like recruitment & selection, performance appraisal systems, training and development initiatives, career & succession planning issues, leadership development and empowerment.
Introduction
HRM or human resource management has been widely defined by scholars as a strategic function that encompasses management of its critical human assets for gaining competitive advantage in a dynamic business environment. HRM is the
Soumi Rai
Symbiosis Institute of International Business, SIC Campus, Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, MIDC, Hinjewadi, Pune – 411057, Maharashtra, India ______________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
„Diversity‟ is today a key word for organizations and leaders alike. This word encompasses within itself a vast reference to all facets of mankind, be it gender, language, culture, race, religion or creed. With shrinking horizons and ever expanding business complexities, this word portrays the face of a twenty first century organization. Studies related to aspects of diversity have been manifold, but most of them have concentrated on the cross-cultural diversity aspect of organizations. This research paper tries to understand a different perspective to the word „Diversity‟, by looking at the effect of culture related diversity on the human resource practices of the Indian manufacturing sector. This research stems from a previous literature review done by the researcher on Human Resources practices of the Indian manufacturing sector, that found lacuna in relation to focus on actually understanding this specific sector. The research shall be concentrating on selected manufacturing organizations, to understand the cultural diversity existing there. It shall further concentrate on understanding the effect such diversity has on human resource practices of the organization, specifically related to broader domains like recruitment & selection, performance appraisal systems, training and development initiatives, career & succession planning issues, leadership development and empowerment.
Introduction
HRM or human resource management has been widely defined by scholars as a strategic function that encompasses management of its critical human assets for gaining competitive advantage in a dynamic business environment. HRM is the
References: resource management, Irwin Publication, 4th Ed, 1989 13 17. Ratnam, C., & Chandra, V. (1996). Sources of diversity and the challenge before human resource management in India. International Journal of Manpower, 17(4/5), 76 18