Reflection on Group Work - Case Study Example

of the of the Concerned 18 May Reflection on Group Work Introduction The assorted multicultural group comprised of members hailing from Morocco, Portugal and Switzerland. Considering the culturally diverse nature of the group it was imperative to pay attention to the respective cultural dimensions associated with each member. However, to begin with the group members were selected while keeping an eye on their salient personality dimensions. Personality Dimensions The group member from Morocco was an introvert who preferred to be private, tended to think much before talking and focused on one thing at a time (The Myers & Briggs Foundation 1). In contrast, the Portuguese and Swiss group members tended to be somewhat extrovert that is they were more outgoing, expressive and sociable and preferred to think out loud (The Myers & Briggs Foundation 1). Realistically speaking, the personality traits of the specific group members were appropriately mixed and balanced to give way to a meaningful and fruitful presentation. Most of the group members did know each other in a social context and had resorted to some research and study to be cognizant of the cultural dimensions associated with other members from different countries. Cultural Dimensions The roles assigned to the group members tended to be in tandem with their cultural mindset. The group members from Portugal and Morocco being from High Power Distance Index countries were positively expected to accept my role as the team leader, without resorting to any questions or complaints (Geert Hofstede 3). In contrast, the Swiss group members being affiliated to a Low Power Distance Index nation were expected to be more egalitarian and individualistic in their approach (Geert Hofstede 3). As a team leader, I assumed the responsibility for initiating and leading the presentation. I discussed my strategy well in advance, with the varied group members. I requested the Portuguese and Moroccan group members to focus on the presentation and thoroughly mull over varied aspects of the presentation, and to come out with their opinions and ideas at the end. In the mean time, I ascribed to the Swiss group members the responsibility to brainstorm and criticize each aspect of the presentation right from the start and to come out with innovative and novel ideas. The Moroccan and Swiss group members being from a Masculine culture were assigned the task of focusing on the technical aspects of the presentation, suggesting ways and means to assure the success of the end project (Geert Hofstede 2). In contrast, the Portuguese group members being from a Feminine culture were assigned the responsibility to ponder on the human elements associated with the project presentation and come out with new ideas to motivate and encourage the personnel associated with the project (Geert Hofstede 3). The Portugal and Moroccan group members were from High Uncertainty Avoidance Index countries and I well knew in advance that they could be expected to be uncomfortable with the uncertainties associated with the presentation (Geert Hofstede 3). So I had apprised them of the salient features associated with the presentation, in the free time before the presentation. In contrast, the Swiss members being from a relatively low Uncertainty Avoidance Index country, I expected them to be at home with the ambiguous elements of the project presentation (Geert Hofstede 3). I noticed that the Portugal and Moroccan team members were Universalistic in their approach towards group dynamics (BusinessMate.org 1). They were more concerned with the relationships between the varied team members rather than focusing on the rules governing the presentation (BusinessMate.org 1). Hence, as a team leader I made it a point to usher in a friendly and cordial environment during the presentation. I also knew that the Swiss team members being particularistic in their approach will prefer the presentation to be governed by well defined rules (BusinessMate.org 1). So during the first ten minutes of the presentation, I elaborated on the rules and agenda that were to shape the presentation. During the discussion I realized that the Moroccan and Portuguese group members were emotionally open in their interactions, while the Swiss participants tended to be more or less neutral, resorting to tabling their views in a measured and methodical manner (BuainessMate.org 1). Personally speaking, I found it easier to garner the ideas generated by the Swiss, as they were mostly direct. In case of the Moroccan and the Portuguese participants I had to focus on a larger context, while paying attention to their gestures and body language to cull out the real meaning. Surprisingly, I also learnt that I held some stereotypical notions regarding the members from different cultures. However, during the presentation, I soon realized that these stereotypes were far from being accurate. I also felt that when it came to charting out the timescales and deadlines associated with the project being presented, the Swiss members being Monochronic, stressed on a careful planning and scheduling of things while the Portuguese and the Moroccans being Polychronic, tended to pay a higher attention to the relationships and human elements associated with the project while expecting the time constraints to be loose and flexible (ChangingMinds.org 1). Gender Dimensions It also came to light that the presentation was also being largely influenced by the gender dynamics inherent in the group. The male members approached the presentation with an eye on their role and status in the group dynamics and laid stress on independence and individuality. In contrast, the female members in the group took no time to establish connections with varied members of the group and preferred a convivial and collaborative approach towards planning. I, as the team leader made an extra effort to extend opportunities to the female group members to express themselves and make a point, so that they may not feel invisible and undervalued. Conclusion Conclusively speaking, though I had properly done my home work, still while actually participating in the presentation, I realized that there was a range of cultural, and gender issues that to a large extent determined the course of the presentation. The situation was made more complicated with the inherent individual and personality differences. In retrospect I think that the presentation could have been made even better if the participants had made some effort to garner some more cultural literacy and had spent more time with each other to ford the individual and personality differences. Works Cited “Cultural Dimensions”. Geert Hofstede. 2012. 18 May 2012 . “Hall’s Cultural Factors”. ChangingMinds.org. 2012. 18 May 2012 . “The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator”. The Myers & Briggs Foundation. 2012. 18 May 2012 . “What are Fons Trompenaars Cultural Dimensions?”. BusinessMate.org.2010. 18 May 2012 . Read More