HR Week 2

Imagine you are partnering with a progressive Middle Eastern country. In this country, there is very little separation between a worker’s religious beliefs, family, and work. Your team is on a strict deadline, and bonuses are at stake. The local employees take a midday break for two hours for prayers every day. Friday is a religious holiday, and so they do not work from 3:00 p.m. on Thursday until 8:00 a.m. on Monday. The project is due on Monday morning, and the other employees are resentful for having to work overtime.

Communication is of utmost importance in diverse teams. How a manager approaches a situation can determine the future direction of teamwork and ultimately the level of success achieved. When communicating with diverse teams, whether verbally, via e-mail, or in writing, managers need to consider the potential reactions as well as the intention of the message.

Review the scenario you read in M2: Assignment 1 and the discussion of possible HR actions. Based on the review, develop a 3-4 page memo to the project teams addressing the following:

• Remind both managers and employees of the benefits of a culturally diverse workgroup.
• Make recommendations on how to avoid scheduling issues due to the religious observance.
• Explain how you arrived at your decision using relevant academic references.
• Justify your suggestions by using empirical evidence and reference to any applicable laws.