ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the dimensions of the changing workforce. It considers culture and examines the effect of cultural background on people entering the workforce. The book also explores that cultural values, culture shock, and cultural adaptation are important. It focuses on the cultural aspect and considers the workforce and the survey responses that were gathered in the Greater Washington, DC Area. It is widely known that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of workers in the United States who do not speak English as their "mother tongue". This is especially true in metropolitan areas and in entry-level jobs everywhere. Relatively little data are available about the issues faced by this non-native group or by their employers.
