Abstract

This paper examines the dynamics of a multicultural workforce in IT units and the potential that cultural diversity has in impacting the effectiveness of the work environment. The research approach is exploratory in nature and attempts to provide insight into the relationships existing amongst cultural diversity, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. According to the findings of the study, there appears to be patterns of behavior among IT people that are attributable to their different cultural backgrounds. Moreover, it seems that those patterns impact knowledge sharing and creativity among them. Given the exploratory nature of this study, the findings may have limited generalizability. However, this study is important for practitioners in the sense it emphasizes the need for managers to (i) encourage their employees to share knowledge and opinions as a way to enhance creativity; and, (ii) adjust their managerial style if they are to overcome their own cultural barriers.