Calling for ‘The New Cultural Normal’– Benefits and Challenges of Working with Biculturals and how to deal with it: A Multiple Case Study

This research’s objective is to detect and understand the current perception and value of biculturalism in the work environment and further to develop a conceptual framework of how to integrate those individuals effectively. The emerging framework, called ‘The New Cultural Normal’ describes the process of reaching the status of full integration of biculturalism among society. It will help each affected party, which are assigned to four corporate setting levels defined as bicultural employees, colleagues, supervisor, and the company, to enhance their awareness regarding how to deal with bicultural colleagues. Based on insights and narratives of bicultural employees collected through 18 conducted interviews, several key categories emerged, followed by the attribution of each to a corporate setting, considering which has the most substantial influence on that category. Conclusively, implications of how to enhance the incorporation of those individuals in the work environment have been drawn. These findings will therefore help to shape the future workplace, where more inclusion and contentment will lead to qualitative improved team outcomes, hence increased corporate performance, and can even conclude in long-term societal changes.