10/05/14
Nowadays, the workplaces are becoming more diverse than ever before driven by the globalization. Diversity issues are considered important for managing workplaces due to the increasing differences among people in race, culture, religion, mental or physical ability, heritage, age, gender identity and other characteristics (Esty, et al., 1995). Since managing diversity remains a significant organizational challenge, managers must learn the managerial skills needed in a multicultural work environment. “5 Things NEVER to Say to Muslim Coworkers” presents a good example about the effective management of diversity can affect employee’s performance, motivation, success, and interactions with others in today’s multicultural workplaces. Muslims, the followers of the religion of Islam, are asked to put their beliefs into practice by performing certain acts of worship adherence to religious obligations and practices. In all faiths, Islam contains many rules for daily life and human relationships. Therefore, managers must be prepared to teach themselves and others within their organizations to value cultural differences in both organization and customers so that each culture is treated with respect. The organization should provide flexible religious days allowing its employees to perform their religious duties. When a multi-cultural company organizes any public events for the employees, it should not ignore individual religious issues because some of the consequences can lead to increased conf licts, unhealthy tensions, loss of productivity, complaints and legal actions.During Muslim’s month of Ramadan, ideally, the organization should not require mandatory attendance to office parties, fall festivals and luncheon that can accommodate the Muslim religious practices. Islam is very much a personal and private religion. Apparently, religious practice is a matter of individual choices. Some people are very strict in performing these duties, while others are not. Using the same criteria to access other religion is not appropriate. It would be wise to avoid sensitive religious questions in the workspace. Per the suggestion raised in the article “5 Things NEVER to Say to Muslim Coworkers”, a common room that is assigned for the employees who can share their experiences and ideas of religious is very necessary that can facilitate a better performance and generate more loyal employees in this friendly work environment. Diversity is beneficial to both organizations and employers. Within the