Integrating Culture and Diversity in Decision Making

Integrating Culture and Diversity in Decision Making

"Culture is the shared set of beliefs, values, and patterns of behavior common to a group of people" (Schermerhorn, 2010, p.133). Therefore the culture of a company will dictate how the company will conduct its business. This will encompass clients and employees. A company wants to have people working for them with the same mission and vision the company has implemented. A company wants people to have the same moral values the company has for itself. Normally culture is examine in a group of people, therefore encircling a diversity in the company. Diversity in the workplace is something leaders must face and be ready to act according in dealing with people. "Workplace diversity refers to a mix of people within a workforce who are considered to be, in some way, different from those in the prevailing constituency" (Schermerhorn, 2012, p.42). Therefore, this paper will examine DuPont. The paper will look at DuPont's culture and the type of leader who would be best fitted to lead the company.

DuPont was founded in 1802, by Eleuthere Irenee du Pont. DuPont specializes in chemicals. DuPont ranks number two in the chemical industry while Dow Chemical ranks number one according to Fortune Magazine. "In 2012 DuPont ranked 72 as well as in 2013" (Fortune, 2013). It did not change its rank. This could be seem as a sign of steadiness. DuPont has been in business for over 200 years and continue to lead in innovation and science. DuPont is adamant about helping in solving some of the world's biggest encounters. Such as food, energy and protection are some of things DuPont is committed in helping find solutions. DuPont's commitment in finding solutions for the world have research and development facilities all over the world. Some of the facilities are located in China, India, Germany, and Taiwan. DuPont prides itself on hiring the best scientists and engineers.

DuPont's culture have encompass so many groups, but their objectives are the same. DuPont is committed in helping out as many people possible and making the world a better place for all. MSA Worldwide stated "it is not only a remarkably well managed company but also has a corporate culture that facilitates the development and retention of superb managerial depth throughout the entire enterprise" (MSAWorldwide, 2013). In Schermerhorn's book, he pointed out several different cultures under Hofstede's outline. The five cultures are power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity and long-term/short-term orientation. "Hofstede's work has been the benchmark for much of the research on world cultures" (Northouse, 2010, p. 339). The author of this paper sees DuPont as being an individualism-collectivism. Individualism-collectivism is define as "the tendency of a culture