The informal organization in the workplace is the result of a natural grouping (e.g., because of common interest, hobbies) and the need for sharing experiences and feelings, social needs and recognition. Informal organizations are governed by group norms and grow out of interpersonal relationships, are structureless, and have no definite subdivisions. Fourteen positive functions (e.g., it provides for informal discussions of concerns in a friendly manner) are identified which the supervisor should understand if he is to use these indestructible organizations to achieve the organization's goals. (kbc)

As the growth trend of foreign direct investment continues, American managers are challenged to develop their abilities to adapt to the new cultural environment. To that end, American business schools should help their students develop cross-cultural skills that are necessary to deal with people from different cultures. The purpose of this paper is to propose a cultural-learning project for business students to help them develop cultural literacy. Much of what students learned about other cultures through the project may not be found in reading materials. The culture-learning project provides business students with an opportunity to experience the details of other cultures through the establishment of a friendly relationship with member(s) of another country.