The Power of Belonging: A Practitioner’s Approach to Intercultural Leadership

Abstract

In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment, the role of intercultural leadership in fostering identity and belonging within organizations is essential. As a professional development and diversity coach, I aim to equip leaders to navigate cultural differences and promote inclusive and resilient team dynamics. This paper explores strategies for leveraging cultural intelligence to build environments where individuals feel valued and can contribute authentically. Drawing from practical experiences and case studies, I share actionable approaches for recognizing identity-driven dynamics and strengthening employee engagement through belonging. I introduce tools to promote cohesion across diverse teams, mitigating conflict and enhancing innovation. By examining the impact of cultural differences on organizational effectiveness, I offer insights into creating adaptive, inclusive spaces that capitalize on the strengths of a multicultural workforce. This study empowers leaders to approach VUCA challenges with empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering identity and belonging.

Presenters

Brandi R. Muñoz
Student, Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Abilene Christian University, Texas, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Identity and Belonging

KEYWORDS

Intercultural Leadership, Identity and Belonging, Cultural Intelligence, Inclusive Leadership