Socio-Cultural Factors and the Work Environment

Employees are affected not only by internal organizational environments but also by external ones such as family, community, and society. Social and cultural factors affect how employees are viewed by others in the organization as well as how they respond to their work environments. Immigrants, in particular, are affected by their acculturation processes. Thus, when employees negotiate organizational workplaces, they need to factor in the influence of socio-cultural forces. Stereotyping is one way in which the external environment is manifest in workplaces. It has been found to be persistent, influential, and deeply impactful on careers. Stereotypes are affected by social and cultural factors, and in turn, they affect workplaces by shaping employees' perceptions and experiences. At the same time, the external environment can also present positive attributes for employees, for instance by being a source of social and emotional capital.