63. (Organizational culture) The United States provides an ethnically, racially, and culturally diverse workplace. It has been argued that this plurality may be a competitive handicap for U.S. businesses. For example, communicating may be difficult 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.

It has been 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.