Diversity and the Need for Cross-Cultural Leadership and Collaboration

Abstract

This chapter identifies current issues and methods for enhancing organizational climate by and through practices that embrace, promote and accommodate diversity and cross-cultural collaboration. We identify ongoing areas of insensitivity and focus on practices that individuals and organizations need to develop in order to accommodate diversity, and to cultivate cross-cultural collaboration and leadership development. Future leaders must possess skills that are just and respectful of increasing difference in organizations. We believe higher education is the logical site for developing these skills and practices but before we can fully enjoy the benefits of diverse organizations and communities, we must develop and practice these skills at colleges and universities – organizations whose ongoing social relevance may very well depend on their efforts and abilities to prepare culturally-competent graduates for work in the globalizing workplace.

Critical Perspectives on Capacity‐Building for International Leadership

“…In the first chapter of this issue, Roberts painted a compelling rationale for preparing youth to engage in international leadership. These sentiments are echoed by a wide‐range of scholars and practitioners (Mendenhall et al., ; Roberts & Komives, ; Roth, Ritter, Erbe, & Normore, ). However, translating the belief of international leadership development's importance into a reality of educational practice requires a number of critical commitments.…”