Demographic Factors Research
Running head: DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS RESEARCH
Demographic Factors Research
University of Phoenix
MMPBL 560
Managing in a Cross-Cultural Environment
October 19, 2009
Organizations around the world are experiencing the effects of cultural and global diversity. Kellogg, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Arbor are four companies introduced in this paper. They have been researched in order to identify how each company is affected by demographic factors, how these factors are managed, and what systems are implemented to enhance the success of the business; thus, this paper illustrates the key course concepts and their application to the best practices of these companies. The dynamics and dimensions of diversity in an increasingly global business environment can challenge the demographic factors of most organizations. Basically, Kottak and Kozaitis (2003) declare, “In the 21st century, the overwhelming majority of the world's population, along with a large percentage of the populations of the United States and Canada, will be descendants of the non-Western groups” (Ch. 1, p. 29). In other words, organizations will need to learn how to manage the complexities of a diverse workforce. Among these complexities, organizations will encounter demographic factors such as age, race, education level, religion, political party preference, sexual orientation, and gender (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). Because of these diverse factors, organizations need to be prepared to recognize the individuals’ behavior that is influenced by culture, values, and beliefs. To illustrate, culture refers to people’s identity in their traditions, customs, and way of life (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). In fact, Kottak and Kozaitis (2003) declare that culture is all encompassing. In essence, it is important for organizations to know that individuals are influenced by popular culture as well. Therefore, individuals in a diverse workplace need to understand and respect each other’s
Demographic Factors Research
University of Phoenix
MMPBL 560
Managing in a Cross-Cultural Environment
October 19, 2009
Organizations around the world are experiencing the effects of cultural and global diversity. Kellogg, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Arbor are four companies introduced in this paper. They have been researched in order to identify how each company is affected by demographic factors, how these factors are managed, and what systems are implemented to enhance the success of the business; thus, this paper illustrates the key course concepts and their application to the best practices of these companies. The dynamics and dimensions of diversity in an increasingly global business environment can challenge the demographic factors of most organizations. Basically, Kottak and Kozaitis (2003) declare, “In the 21st century, the overwhelming majority of the world's population, along with a large percentage of the populations of the United States and Canada, will be descendants of the non-Western groups” (Ch. 1, p. 29). In other words, organizations will need to learn how to manage the complexities of a diverse workforce. Among these complexities, organizations will encounter demographic factors such as age, race, education level, religion, political party preference, sexual orientation, and gender (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). Because of these diverse factors, organizations need to be prepared to recognize the individuals’ behavior that is influenced by culture, values, and beliefs. To illustrate, culture refers to people’s identity in their traditions, customs, and way of life (Kottak & Kozaitis, 2003). In fact, Kottak and Kozaitis (2003) declare that culture is all encompassing. In essence, it is important for organizations to know that individuals are influenced by popular culture as well. Therefore, individuals in a diverse workplace need to understand and respect each other’s
References: Arbor. (2009). Arbor education and training. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from http://www.arboret.com/ Hanft, Adam. (April 1, 2005). What you can learn from starbucks. Retrieved October 13, 2009 from http://www.inc.com/resources/marketing/articles/20050401/starbucks.html. Hawkins, D., Mothersbaugh, D. and Best, R. (2007). The Economist. Consumer behavior: building marketing strategy Kellogg Company. (2009). Kellogg company. Retrieved October 17, 2009, from http://www2.kelloggs.com/General.aspx?ID=466 Kellogg Company. (2003). We act with integrity and show respect in everything we do. Kembell, B. (April 2002). Catching the starbucks fever: starbucks marketing strategy. Missouri State University. Kottak, C. P., Kozaitis, K. A. (2003). On being different: diversity and multiculturalism in the north american mainstream McDonald’s. (2009). Our story. [Online]. Available: http://www.mcdonalds.ca/en/aboutus/index.aspx (2009, October 16). Monash University. (2009). Briohny’s report. [Online]. Available: http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/business-economics/marketing/3.3.2.xml (2009, October 16).