Workplace opposition to "multiculturalism"

An organization that values diversity can enrich the careers of its employees and provide superior products and services to its customers.
- From a management perspective, a diverse workforce can provide insight to the value of a company’s products to the community.
- From an employee perspective, personal development can be a result of appreciating alternative approaches in the workplace.
Source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJDTGplQ8yQ

Types of Intercultural Issues in the Workplace

Cultural diversity in workplace can not only have a positive impact on creativity and productivity, but also produce conflict and teamwork challenges.
Implicit Discrimination
Implicit discrimination is subtle because some people who is implicit discriminating may not recognize it. It comes from idea, association from other people's minds.
Communication
Differences often emerge in the language people use, and communication can become a problem in workplaces where some workers speak English as a second language.
Education
Differences may exist between two groups. One is the employees who is successful in academic diploma or degree and another one is the people who is not professional in job experience.
Personal Background
Where an employee lives or was born can contribute a big cultural difference in workplace. There may be a distinct difference between the employee from a small town and the employee from large metropolis.  
Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/types-intercultural-issues-workplace-17790.html
            http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_ways_to_resolve_cross_cultural_problems_in_workplace

Intercultural Communication Adventure with Little Pilot (video)

Let's Little Pilot help you discover the answers as he navigates the globe.
Intercultural communication is also referred to as the base for international businesses. There are several cross-cultural service providers around who can assist with the development of intercultural communication skills. Research is a major part of the development of intercultural communication skills.
Source:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSt_op3fQck

How to Make a Transition to Multicultural Leadership Model

Learn history lessons
The leadership at your organization into a multicultural workplace requires an understanding of the historical contributions of communities of color.
Think WE, not I
Today's corporate world is an competitive place that seems to be selfish. To maintain these elements, people behave politely, act in a socially desirable manner, and respect other.
Practice generosity, not greed
In communities of color, being generous is an expected leadership trait that indicates integrity and garners respect. How does this generosity show itself in the working world? People need to view work as an opportunity to share their talents and contribute to the welfare of the organization.
Flatten your leadership structure.
Traditional leadership today is associated with fat salaries and mega bonuses, the big office, special parking places, etc. Flattening the leadership structure will put you a step ahead of your competitors because employees will feel more comfortable and will work more easily together.
Source: http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/Diversity/Articles/Pages/CMS_023151.aspx

Appreciating Diversity in the Workplace (video)

Most companies include employees from multiple races, nationalities, religions and age groups. To ensure that these teams are effective, leaders must adopt approaches that acknowledge the new multicultural environment.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBRgU_tDMuc

The Disadvantages of Multicultural workforce

More organization leaders are trying to overcome the challenges of managing a multicultural workforce so that they can reap the benefits.
Enhanced Risk of Discrimination
A diverse workforce presents increased a lot of discrimination. It means that if you put people together with distinguish skin color, culture, married status, etc. employees could use them against others.
Internal Communication
Through multicultural communication is usually benefit, internal communication is typically more challenging when employees have language and cultural barriers.
Management Time and Cost
The investigation of employee complaints regarding negative attitudes and harassment can take up a considerable amount of management time and cost, whether or not they are upheld. 

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8713415_disadvantages-multicultural-team.html
             http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/encyclopedia/Mor-Off/Multicultural-Workforce.html 

Advantages of having more a diverse workforce

A diverse workforce has employees with difference in gender, race, age, and other individual traits. The diverse workforce is becoming more popular in large or small business.
Different Perspectives
People from different backgrounds bring their own cultural experiences to the situations they face in their companies and this broader point of view tends to allow for a better resolution. 
Broader Coverage
Employees with diverse backgrounds can also provide the company broader coverage in a global marketplace. The ability to speak and write the language,  and know what consumers want are advantages of employees that can relate to global customers.
Understand Marketing Audience
While you are working on marketing projects, people of diverse backgrounds can help you understand the characteristics and habits of people with backgrounds similar to their own.
Company Image
The way consumers view businesses can impact the company's ability to make profit. Business embraces a multicultural labor force may benefit from a more positive image.
Source: http://innovationzen.com/blog/2007/05/07/the-benefits-of-a-diverse-workforce/

Let's talk about Multiculturalism in Canada

In 1971, Canada is the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an office policy. Through multiculturalism, Canada recognizes the potential of all Canadians, encouraging them to integrate into their society and take an active part in its social, cultural, economic and political affairs. Especially, in business, "Multiculturalism" brings to Canada's economic a huge benefit, increasing job opportunities to Canadian and lower Canadians unemployment rate.
Multiculturalism promotes Canada's economy development. The multicultural society other countries' business people invest money in Canada. A large number of business people come to Canada to run their companies every year. Additionally, multiculturalism also provides Government workplaces that are free of discrimination and that promotes equality of opportunity for all people accessing employment positions. Furthermore, multiculturalism also contributes to a large number of people immigrants into Canada. A recent survey conducted by Maclean’s shows that one third of population in Vancouver is immigrants. These newcomers need to buy houses, cars, and work on there; then pay tax to the government. Therefore, multiculturalism is an essential factor to prosper the economy.

 

Source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/citizenship.asp