EXPATRIATES AND MIGRANT WORKERS

Human migration denotes any movement by humans from one locality to another, sometimes over long distances or in large groups. Humans are known to have migrated extensively throughout history and prehistory. There is to types of migration: Internal migration and International migration and can occur for several reasons, social and economic exclusion, internal conflicts, attraction by developed countries, war, among others. The truth is that is an increasing phenomenon, people seeking for better opportunities, a different future and labour migration has moved to the top of the policy agenda of many countries of origin and destination. It is estimated that there are about 80 million migrant workers around the world.

It is sad to think of leaving your land, your life, maybe your family, because you decided to, or because you had to, either way is letting behind a part of who you are, but is a reality one has to face some day, even us, with great opportunities of education, an accepted social and economic level, must leave some day and have different experiences.

There are opportunities for migrant families or children?

"The local Pennsylvania Migrant Education program is one of the most successful in the state when it comes to the number of students who go on to further their education."

"The local figures please Medina Lopez, who, as a social worker and team leader for the program, hopes to give the students all the support they need. Statistics are proof that the state- and federally funded program is working."

"They're also proof that students enrolled in the program are here legally, she said, because colleges won't accept anyone who doesn't have a Social Security number. Only those who can prove citizenship or immigration status are eligible to receive a number."

"Enrollment at the school fluctuates from year to year -- and even month to month, she said. Ethnicity of the students also varies. It's all because of the working schedule of the migrant worker."

Program ensures immigrants learning, legal
Jill Whalen. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Washington: Aug 25, 2008.

MANAGING DIVERSITY

Many differences may be found in a multicultural workforce, and managing those differences are right now the most important challenges faced by managers and their organizations. One may find differences related to gender, age, sex orientation, political o religious view and the truth is that people are not the same but always want to be treated equally representing a daily and constant challenge to the members of a company or group. Managing diversity is the capacity to accept, incorporate and empower the diverse human talents within a very diverse environment, by not doing this you incur in some problems, it could cost the company time, money and efficiency, when diversity is not well managed create tensions in the workplace and some legal actions may be taken if someone feels that her or his rights are disrespected. This challenge brings some potential problems, over protection of women and minorities, possible failure to train and coach and the language barriers, but is also possible to find some advantages if managing diversity is successful, your company provides a better service, a culture of innovation and creativity is implemented, a new environment of tolerance surround the workforce and improve their performance among others.

I think is always a challenge, not only in the workplace but also for us as students, one has to be tolerant, open minded, knowing that not everyone has to be just like you, think like you do, and act as you would, and is something we have to learn now in order to be able in the future to pass to other generations a sense of tolerance and respect because maybe someday we or them might be the victims of rejection or discrimination and by being an integral person the situation maybe faced in a better way.

¿Which is the most important aspect of managing correctly diversity within a company?

“In reality, diversity in the workforce increases creativity and helps tap into new markets nationally and internationally. Organisations who ignore this are losing out”.

a world of difference
Atul K Shah. Accountancy Age. London: Jan 10, 2008. pg. 18

EXPLORING DIVERSITY

Cultural diversity encompasses the cultural differences that exist between people. The lecture made about this topic by classmates was a great experience. The activity was very interesting, it showed different points of view, even though the ideal negotiation team is made by different people with different skills and qualities that obviously make that group an integral and complete working group, the purpose was to defend who we were and show other people why our position within a society made us the best negotiation group, for example, my team was made of entrepreneur women and our main purpose was to convince the rest of the group why we were the best group, which qualities we have that make us different from the rest and underline the best of each of the members because even though we all were entrepreneur women we were all different and with some key characteristics that made us the best work team.

¿How are women seen in the negotiation or business environment?

“Women and men negotiate differently for pay raises, promotions and salaries”. The author mentioned that even some women do not negotiate at all (which I think is not true). Women are thankful for just having a job offer, but men are more powerful knowing that in certain way, they deserve better. Not negotiating may “costs women a lot of money and status during their careers”.

“The differences in the ways women and men negotiate are often attributed to childhood socialization and genetics, but newer research suggests that women's actions may make sense in today's world”.

I think that I have to respect the perception the author have, but, I think completely different, women nowadays are more powerful than ever before, with the same or better skills than men, new generations are changing the perception of this kind of authors showing that women work force is increasing each day and the performance within any company is equally valuable among men and women.

Women and Negotiation
Elizabeth Agnvall. HRMagazine. Alexandria: Dec 2007. Vol. 52, Iss. 12; pg. 69, 5 pgs