Topic outline

  • Cross-Cultural Teamwork

    The Cross-Cultural Teamwork series of videos focus on how cultural differences can impact team dynamics in a Canadian workplace. This understanding equips each person with the skills to maximize the contributions of all team members. 

    • About the Cross-Cultural Teamwork Video

      The Cross-Cultural Teamwork video illustrates how cultural differences can affect team dynamics in a Canadian workplace. The scenes presented highlight challenges that may arise in cross-cultural teams and suggests strategies for avoiding or overcoming such challenges.

      Cross-Cultural Teamwork follows the experience of two immigrant professionals recently employed at CQR Logistics, a medium-sized, global company specializing in logistics software and support. 

      The company is preparing to launch a new media campaign introducing their small business logistics software. 

      Their CEO, Peter Thompson, is committed to building a diverse workforce that will be an asset to global marketing. In keeping with this goal, the company has hired several new immigrant professionals.

      The video is divided into four episodes, which explore the following themes:

      • Episode 1: Pre-meeting “Small Talk”
      • Episode 2: Accommodating Religious Diversity
      • Episode 3: Delegating Roles and Managing Communication Barriers
      • Episode 4: Facilitating Contributions to Team Discussions

      Download the full-length discussion guides and self-study guides below. You can also download them individually from each episode below. 

      • Episode 1: Pre-Meeting Small Talk

        Small talk is one of the most common ways to break the ice before the meeting.

        This video explores the best practices for how to build a rapport in the team with small talk in an inclusive way.

        This video explores:

        • Inclusive business meetings
        • Cultural perceptions of business meetings, such as:
          • Small talk
          • Timekeeping
          • Structure and process in decision making

        • Related Inclusive Workplace Competency:



          This competency is from TRIEC's Inclusive Workplace Competency framework.

          • Within Myself
          • Model inclusive behaviour
          • Learn More

          • Episode 2: Accommodating Religious Diversity

            This video explores best practices for balancing workplace priorities with accommodating the religious needs of team members.

            This video explores:

            • Inclusive business meetings
            • The duty to accommodate religious needs and observances
            • Tips and practices to accommodate religious needs
            • Employers’ responsibilities required by law

            • Related Inclusive Workplace Competency:



              This competency is from TRIEC's Inclusive Workplace Competency framework.

              • Within Myself
              • Foster, promote, support and drive inclusion in my organization
              • Learn More

              • Within My Organization
              • Carry out “The Duty to Accommodate” diverse needs
              • Learn More

              • Episode 3: Delegating Roles and Managing Communication Barriers

                What potential communication challenges might arise in a fast-paced meeting?

                This video looks at some of these challenges, and how assumptions can impact a team’s effectiveness.

                This video explores:

                • Communication challenges in a diverse team
                • Assumptions affecting expectations for team members
                • The challenges of managing a culturally diverse team
                • Strategies to facilitate collaboration and encourage contributions in a culturally diverse team

                • Related Inclusive Workplace Competency:



                  This competency is from TRIEC's Inclusive Workplace Competency framework.

                  • Within Myself
                  • Adjust and adapt communication styles to be effective in a diverse workplace
                  • Learn More

                  • Within Myself
                  • Model inclusive behaviour.
                  • Learn More

                  • Episode 4: Facilitating Contributions to Team Discussions

                    How would you feel when others don’t seem to understand your ideas and perspectives?

                    This video explores how teams can collaborate effectively to successfully achieve their goals.

                    In this scene you will explores:

                    • Communication challenges in a diverse team
                    • Recommended practices for facilitating individual participation and contributions in an inclusive way
                    • How to ask clarifying questions to avoid misunderstanding or dismissing ideas

                    • Related Inclusive Workplace Competency:



                      This competency is from TRIEC's Inclusive Workplace Competency framework.

                      • Within Myself
                      • Advocate for diverse perspectives
                      • Learn More

                      • Within Myself
                      • Adjust and adapt communication styles to be effective in a diverse workplace.
                      • Learn More

                      • Within Myself
                      • Model inclusive behaviour.
                      • Learn More

                      • Within My Team
                      • Collaborate in diverse teams to foster productive outcomes.
                      • Learn More

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