Cultural Dynamics, Conflicts, Ethics, Sensitive Issues

Carmen is a 35-year-old Hispanic
American woman who is working on a project with Hong, a 25-year-old Asian
American graduate student intern. Several months ago, they were assigned to
work together on an integral part of the project. They have been working
together on a daily basis since the assignment was given. However, there are
conflicts between them. Carmen was raised as a Roman Catholic, and Hong
practices Buddhism. Hong is complaining that Carmen is too aggressive and
loud and should tone down her act. Hong finds Carmen bossy and unwilling
to receive feedback without being defensive. Carmen feels that Hong is too
demanding and is trying to change her mind to conform to his ideas about the
direction of the project. Hong has always wanted to be promoted to a
supervisory position in the company after his possible hire after graduation,
but Carmen does not feel he is ready and often states that he is less
experienced and lacks the personality for the position he desires
in the company.

As the deadline draws near, each
is growing more concerned that their personality differences, not their
abilities, will be the reason that neither of them is successful. Carmen shares
with a co-worker that Hong treats her like his employee and caretaker rather
than an equal participant in the project. She also states that he is not
respecting her because she is female.

Hong shares with his internship
supervisor that Carmen makes him feel inferior due to his student status and
lesser command of the workplace jargon. However, neither of them has shared
these feelings with one another.

QUESTIONS:

1. Analyze and identify the major
relationship dynamics between Carmen and Hong.
2. Identify their major cultural
conflicts and challenges. Keep in mind that these are merely possibilities. We
are using this exercise to brainstorm and work through ways that people may or
may not interact and communicate.
3. Point out potential ethical or
legal issues. If they exist, what are the obligations of the workplace and
employer?
4. Identify three possible
culturally sensitive issues in this situation.
5. Recommend solutions to improve
the situation. You may answer this from the perspective of management or
employee.

3 Simple steps to get your paper done
Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Place Order	Down to work	Paper is Ready!
Takes just a few minutes!	Best writer takes the order	Access via your account