(Globalization) The United States provides an ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse workplace. Some people have argued that this plurality may be a com¬ petitive handicap for U.S. businesses. For example, communicating may be dif¬ ficult because some workers do not speak English, motivating workers may be complicated because workers have diverse work ethics, and work scheduling may be difficult because of differing religions and ethnic holidays. Conversely, others have argued that Japan has a competitive advantage because its population is much more homogeneous.

a. What are the advantages of a pluralistic society in the global marketplace?

b. On balance, does America’s plurality give it a competitive advantage or place it at a competitive disadvantage? Discuss.

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