Crucial workforce skills necessary for efficient performance of multicultural teams in Industry 5.0. - the results of an in-depth group interview with managers from selected European countries

Abstract

Objectives In view of upcoming changes, the issue of workforce skills necessary for efficient performance of multicultural teams in Industry 5.0 is both important and topical. The aim of the study reported in this this article is to identify particular workforce skills which managers from seven European countries consider crucial for efficient performance of multicultural teams in Industry 5.0. Material and methods To achieve this aim, in April 2023 the author conducted a study using mixed research methodology (i.e. a qualitative study with quantitative elements) based on a literature review and an in-depth group interview. The theoretical part of the article describes workforce skills relevant to Industry 5.0, which is followed by a presentation of the methodology of the study, its results, and conclusions. Results Based on the literature and the results of the interview, the author demonstrates that the requirements for workforce skills important in Industry 5.0 are changing towards soft skills. Moreover, in the opinion of managers who work with multicultural teams, the crucial skills of members of such teams that will ensure their efficient performance in Industry 5.0 belong to the group of skills categorised as working with people (following the classification of The World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report, 2020). Conclusions Another significant finding of the study is the observation that the transformation of companies within Industry 5.0 will require a change in the approach to workforce skills, especially in culturally diverse work environments (i.e. multicultural teams).

Keywords

• industry 5.0
• era 4.0
• era 5.0
• workforce skills
• managers
• multicultural teams
• culturally diverse work environment