Abstract:

Developing future leaders in multiculturalism

Never in the history of humanity have the borders between various cultures been as porous as at the start of the 21st-century. A mere 100 years ago very few organizations operated across national boundaries. Most ethnic, race, and language groups also tended to be located largely within relatively confined regions. Notwithstanding some prominent leaders’ attempts to isolate their countries from what is happening internationally, globalization is a growing phenomenon. Every country is filled with change and potential, containing within itself many of the different issues that face the world – and therefore have enormous importance for business and management. The combination of globalization, mergers, and acquisitions across the boundaries of countries, international trade, large scale migratory movements (e.g. people from the countries in South America moving northwards into the USA; people from North Africa and the Middle East moving into Europe, etc.) are all contributing to the rapid diversification of societies.

Multicultural teams offer several advantages to international firms, including deep knowledge of different product markets, culturally sensitive customer service, and 24-hour work rotations. In addition, many companies rely on such teams to develop innovative approaches and solutions.

This talk celebrates the value and challenges of diversity The study and practice of leadership in multicultural contexts create the opportunity for virtually endless engagement and ongoing learning. The country of South Africa will serve as a base for a case study throughout the talk, due to its rich history and diverse context, its struggles with diversity, and the rich lessons that can be learned.

Dr. Natasha Winkler-Titus

Dr. Winkler-Titus is an established Work Psychologist with more than 26 years’ experience in people leadership, executive development, and management consulting. Natasha was awarded the 2019 Organizational Psychology Practitioner of the year in South Africa award, IOP Excellence award in servant leadership in 2022 and Honorary membership of her professional society in 2022. She has also received recognition in research and writing and received the best paper at the 2018 British Academy of Management Annual Conference in Bristol,(UK). In August 2023 Natasha will be presenting a paper on disruptive change, which has been awarded best paper and included in the Academy of Management Annual proceedings, in Boston USA. Natasha also lead a research stream investigating how the 4th industrial revolution is shaping the IOP profession, which culminated in a book chapter in 2021. Natasha believes in using her influence and platforms to empower others toward significance and drive societal change and transformation.

Natasha is the founder and curator of SigniFYER, a body of associates aiming to make change significant for individuals and organisations. Natasha is a full-time faculty member of the Stellenbosch Business school, teaching and researching in leadership and organizational behavior, and multiculturalism. Natasha is a Past President for the society of industrial and organizational psychologists in South Africa (SIOPSA), supervises and mentors intern psychologists, and serves as International Expert Panellist for the Centre for Global Inclusion.

Natasha loves design thinking and balancing psychology and technology in her work. When she is not working, she loves a good psychological thriller, travelling and her simple life with her husband in a small seaside town on the north coast of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.