...Understanding Culture Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in the workplace refers to the variety of differences in people in the work environment. It is very important to understand cultural, ethnic, and gender differences by managers and professionals in a business setting these days. Majority of firms and companies have come to realize that staffs from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as different gender bring a great deal of valuable perspectives in any business environment. The importance of understanding cultural, ethnic and gender differences by managers and professionals in a business setting is essential to make the work environment comfortable. In every culture, there are basic standards of thinking, and acting and these cultural differences strongly influence workplace values and communication. What one considers acceptable and natural in the workplace for one person may be unacceptable for another person. Diversity in the workplace can be beneficial as well as challenging. Respecting individuals and their differences can increase productivity. It could also reduce lawsuits, increase opportunities and the business’s image (Esty, 1995). On the other hand, some negative behaviors in the workplace may include prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination, which should never be a practice by management for hiring, retention, and termination practices. Negative behaviors can be barriers to organizational diversity because it can harm working relationships...
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...Understanding in the business setting Cultural diversity in profession Understanding in the business setting Understanding the cultural, ethnic, and gender differences of other individuals is a pivotal corner stone of the business setting. Diversity encompasses many different categories. These categories, as it pertains to the workplace, include work experience, educational background, cultural, ethnic and gender differences. Without it, individuals in the work force run the risk of being insensitive to these differences and may end up offending their peers. When there is a lack of understanding, it can affect the performance of the work place, and can create tense interactions between co-workers. It can also create an environment that is mistrustful, apprehensive and discontented. Understanding these differences is the key to avoiding these negative environments that are not conducive to a positive work setting. Diversity in the workplace creates many benefits. One benefit of diverse backgrounds is that it allows individual talents and experiences that can lead to and create more diverse problem solving solutions, thus making that business more efficient. Diversity can also bridge the gap between languages, opening doors for growth beyond those barriers. When there is understanding from managers and business owners there is an increased rate of productivity in a workplace. Also, by embracing the differences of their employees the business can benefit from an increase...
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...Importance of cultural, ethnic, gender difference by managers and professional in a business setting. In a professional organization, a successful manager must be able to deal with people with multiple cultural differences and diversity. Diversity is the presence of people from wide range of backgrounds possessing different traits. People tend to prejudge and place stereotypes on others that are not like them, to be an effective, manager and employee must be respectful and recognize each other’s differences. Some contributing factors to diversity include age, race, ethnic origin, culture, physical abilities, religion and sexual orientation. A good manager should be able work with any one regard of their culture or race. In some organizations, women are still regarded as inferior to men, which affects their positions and salary, also some minorities are not getting the position that they deserve, some organization continue to treat minorities as less qualified even though they have the experience and what it take to do they job effectively, the positions are offered to those that are not even qualified just because of the ethnic background. Workplace diversity is very important, understanding cultural, ethnic and gender differences by managers and professional in a business environment can help with the growth of the company, these business can benefit from the different talents, perspectives, experiences...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion SOC/315 Cultural Diversity May 6, 2013 Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Cultural diversity refers to the idea that any cultural identity should not be ignored or discarded, but instead they should be valued and maintained. It includes the different varieties of human cultures or societies in the entire world as a whole, or in a particular region. Dimensions of cultural diversity can include religious beliefs, gender, marital status, race, age, parental status, income, physical abilities and attributes, sexual orientation, geographic location, language, and other components. Today, the management of cultural diversity is much more complicated than single dimension like age, gender, race, etc. (Harvey & Allard, 2009). Ethnic, religious, racial and gender dimensions are considered as being the most important (Schaefer, 2011). Cultural diversity dimensions are actually divided into two sections: primary and secondary. The primary dimensions includes an individual’s race, age, physical attributes, gender, etc, and the secondary dimensions include factors like language, marital status, income, occupation, parental status, religious beliefs, etc. With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? I honestly believe that I identify with a lot of ethnic or cultural groups, but the groups that I identify with the most are Native American, Caucasian, and African-American...
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...May 16, 2011 Tramayne Butler Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Diversity and Inclusion are a part of everyday life in America. Diversity is within every culture and group including ethnical groups, gender, and workplaces. Diversity is the similarities and differences where Inclusion is the act of being included in that diversity group. It is important to know and understand the diversity and inclusion to gain the knowledge and understanding of people around us. What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. “Cultural diversity is commonly interpreted in relation to ethnicity. However, the term should be understood within a broader context where it recognizes the unique attributes of all persons” (La Trobe University, Oct). The dimensions of culture diversity are the difference and similarities within the culture groups. There are many different dimensions within a culture group, such as, dress attire, language, race, and gender. Within a culture there are many different languages, especially in American culture. While some women must not show in sin in one culture, they may be allowed to show as much as they want in another culture. There also different diversities with genders and cultures. In one culture women are treated as equal as men, and in another the women must wait on the man and are not as high ranked as the man. Women may not even be allowed to be part of the work force...
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...SOC/315 Due Date 01/25/2014 Instructor What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. The world in which people call home is a composite of diversity. People interact with one another through culture beliefs. Since humans spread throughout the world, unions have separated from each other. Stories of humans emerging to the United States became different throughout many ethnic communities. According to Schaefer (2011), the of diversity features in the United States include, ethnicity, age, race, martial status, religious beliefs, gender, and even appearances(Chapter 1, Ethnic Groups). Racial groups socially set themselves apart because of physical differences, and each society defines what it finds obvious. In the United States skin color is one of the obvious differences. Communities today have a more elaborate system of classification, in the United States hostility between races became higher than expected. Ethnic groups set apart from others because of national origin or distinctive culture patterns. Hispanics, Puerto Rican, African American, and Cubans describe some ethnic groups in America. The culture traits which made diversity exclusive originated from lands of segregation(Harvey, "Section I," 2009). With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common The ethnic group in which one belongs to is African American. One of the minority...
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...According to Chapter one of the textbook (Schaefer, 2011), the dimension of cultural diversity groups is: racial groups, ethnicity groups, religion groups, gender groups. The other dimensions of culture diversity that also categorize other groups are set apart on the basis of age, disability status, physical appearance, and sexual orientation. These groups share five characteristics, “unequal treatment, distinguishing physical or cultural traits, involuntary membership, awareness of subordination, and in-group marriage” (Schaefer, 2011) Race group, is the group known by obvious physical differences. In society today’s, people classified, and classify others by skin color, they either Black or White. Ethnicity group are” set apart from others because of its national origin or distinctive cultural patterns” (Schaefer, 2011) the culture traits such as language, strong belief, food, traditions, and habits make this a dominant group on the foundation of cultural. Religion and gender groups; Religion groups are associations set apart from the dominant religion and gender group, male and female are set apart on the basis of sex. “An ethnic group is a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, common language, a common culture, religion and interest in a homeland connected with a specific geographical area, traditions, food...
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...Cultural Diversity Week Nine Final Ken Jarrell ETH/125 October, 7, 2012 Phillip Auld Cultural Diversity Week Nine Final Culture has many definitions in society it can be defined as group’s beliefs, behaviors, and other characteristics. Each culture and the way that they define themselves is what make up the values that are shared by society. Diversity simply defined is a variety of differences. A uniqueness of each cultures individual beliefs and behaviors. The United States is a nation of a most diverse culture and race of people in the world. Gaining a better understanding of the diversity in the United States can be accomplished by taking a closer look at how some of the groups of people are identified. According to, (Schaefer, 2012), there four types of minority or subordinate groups in the United States racial, ethnic, religious, and gender. Racial groups are the grouping of people that are set apart socially by their physical differences color being the most obvious. Other differences are at the mercy of what society will deem as different or obvious. Racial groups are designated more by their physical differences rather than their cultural differences. Ethnic groups are groups set apart from others because of their national origin or distinctive cultural patterns (Schaefer, 2012). Ethnic groups depend on where you are from geographically. Religious groups are associated with a religion other than the dominate religion. The Protestants outnumber the other religions...
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...WEEK ONE DISCUSSION What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. My initial response to the question “What are the dimensions of cultural diversity?” were religion, race, ethnicity and gender. However, upon reading a chapter in the book Understanding and managing diversity : readings, cases and exercises by Harvey and Allard, the chapter A World View of Cultural Diversity by Thomas Sowell (2009), changed my perspective. After reading this chapter, I understood the question much differently and changed my view of what are cultures. According to Sowell, cultures are non static, they are fluid meaning they evolve over centuries. An important dimension of cultures is geography, which is “an important long-run influence on the shaping of cultures as well as in narrow economic terms (Harvey & Allard, 2009, p. 75). Furthermore, Sowell states that “cultures exist to serve the vital, practical requirements of human life—to structure a society so as to perpetuate the species, to pass on the hard-earned knowledge and experience of generations past and centuries past to the young and inexperienced in order to spare the next generation the costly and dangerous process of learning everything all over again from scratch through trial and error—including fatal errors” (Harvey & Allard, 2009, p77). Therefore, the two main dimensions of cultural diversity identified are historical and geographical as these dimensions...
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...THE IMPORTANCE OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATIONS LITERATURE REVIEW ------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION Cultural Diversity is more than a matter of representation of cultural differences. It also respect and value differences, whether of gender, race or ethnic origin, differences based on lifestyle, appearance of language proficiency, communication and decision making. Diversity is causing concern for organizations, although initially was seen as irrelevant to the effectiveness of the organization. The truth is that the most important developments of an organization derived from human diversity (Palmer, 2003). The management of diversity begins primarily as a voluntary initiative by organizations in recruiting workers belonging to different groups of social identity. Managing diversity brings with it the legacy management: the classic traditional notions of control, leadership, organization and power. Hays-Thomas (2004) propose a more meaningful understanding of cultural diversity, which focuses on groups that systematically have faced discrimination and oppression at work. These historically disadvantaged groups generally include women, people of religious and ethnic minorities with or without disabilities, older workers, and homosexual. Nowadays, organizations that invest on human diversity are developing a source of competitiveness at national and international level. These organizations are also more capable in the global economy...
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...Diversity: Religion and Workplace Introduction Religion is one of the biggest differences segmenting the world into different parts. There is no other reason from the dawn of time which caused more strife’s and argument among mankind than Religion. Religion can be defined as the faith or moral belief a person possess regarding the nature of being or existing the world. In the modern world there are roughly five or six major religious and yet countless other minor religions have sprung up and are continuing to spring up every day. Each believer of a religion defends and believes in it devoutly, to such an extent that he or she is willing to go towards bloodshed to defend its honor. The major religions of the world include, Islamic, Christianity, Hinduism, Atheism, Judaism, etc. These religions include the set of guidelines for the individuals on which to base their lives. The major religions all dictate that there is a Higher Entity, or God which governs the world and the Universe and all that is contains is it plaything and all the living creatures are its subjects (Trent, 2007). Such devout belief and intolerance against one’s faith becomes a very volatile subject and can become the cause of a major strike in an organization. Any good and reputed organization employees a variety of people all belonging to different backgrounds. Some of these religions might be major while some might be the minor ones. In such a scenario, the minority religion often suffers under...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion SOC/315 Cultural Diversity Abstract In this paper I will be answering the following questions: What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common. What is the difference between diversity and inclusion? What is the importance of workplace diversity training? What is your experience with workplace culture? Could there be, or could there have been, more inclusion? Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Dimensions of cultural diversity are racial groups. It is a group that is socially set apart by obvious physical difference. Ethnic groups are groups set apart by culture patterns or nationality. There are also religious groups and gender groups. Age can also be considered a dimension. Minority groups generally share the characteristics of experiencing unequal treatment, sharing similarities, involuntary membership, group solidarity, and marriage within the group. I identify myself with being in a religious group. There are many similarities but we also have many differences. However, the things that my social circle has in common are the want to just have peace amongst us. I mean we all go to work every day and deal with the variety of people’s attitude, and their different mood swings day to day. So, when my social circle gets together all...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion In this content, the author will be using her critical thinking skills to answer questions based on the readings from Understanding and Managing Diversity and Racial and Ethnic Groups. The questions to be answered and discussed are: What are the dimensions of cultural diversity; with what ethnic, cultural, or other groups does the author identify herself; what is the difference between diversity and inclusion; what is the importance of workplace diversity training; and what is the author’s experience with workplace culture. Critical Thinking Questions Cultural diversity, inclusion, groups, diversity in the workplace, and identifying oneself with one or the other is controversial and can become aggressive if society remains close-minded. The author is putting into discussion questions that will help break down the understanding of what it truly is and the importance of it in society. Question One What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identification and a brief explanation of dimensions provided. Answer. The dimensions of cultural diversity range from racial groups, a group socially set apart by obvious physical difference; ethnic groups, groups set apart by culture patterns or nationality; religious groups, gender groups and other subordinate groups. Ageism is also considered a dimension. Minorities generally share the same characteristics such as inequality, solidarity, and marriage within the group. The comparisons...
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...Diversity in the Workplace The United States is facing the need to provide nursing care to an increasing diverse patient population with a nursing workforce that, in itself, is impacted by generational, ethnic and gender differences. The purpose of this paper is to present the importance of diversity in the workplace and delivering culturally competent nursing care, the impact of gender diversity, and the misrepresentation of minorities in the nursing profession. Importance of diversity in the workplace America is a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions, races, and nationalities. The USA Quick Facts from the US Census Bureau shows the following 2011 population statistics: White 63.4%, Hispanic/Latino 16.7%, Black/Afro-American 13.1%, Asian 5.0%, American Indian & Alaska Native 1.2%, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders. 0.2%. In 2012 minority population increased to 37% and is projected that minorities will be the majority by 2043. Mason, Leavitt & Chaffee (2012) pointed out that as our population “continues to grow and increase its diversity, it is important that the nursing workforce reflect these changes to effectively meet patient care needs and ensure cultural competency” (p. 378). Cultural assessments must be part of the nurse’s health assessment. To be culturally competent nurses need to be aware of their own culture, and the diverse culture of their colleagues and patient populations (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Culturally competent nursing care is important...
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...1. EXECUUITIVE SUMMARY Cultural influences on organizational cultures and practices have become a very important research topic in the field of management and organization since the last decades of the 20th century. National culture has been seen as one of the most influential situational factors, which determine organizational phenomena. More recently, after the collapse of socialism, the role of national culture in organizational practices in countries that are in transition is becoming a widely recognized and studied topic. However, empirical studies about cultural influences on organizational subcultures and leadership styles in Ethiopian organizations are not very frequent in contemporary literature. In fact, there are almost no relevant attempts to examine these phenomena. Nevertheless, after democratic political changes in May 1991, we can observe a growing interest in understanding national culture and leadership practices in Ethiopian organizations, as well as in the whole Ethiopian society. Therefore, the main purpose of this assignment paper is to investigate the influence of national culture on organizational culture and practices (subcultures and leadership styles) in Ethiopian organizations. Widely known Geert Hofstede’s value/belief theory of culture (Hofstede, 2001) with its theoretical and methodological premises has been used as a starting point of this assignment. 1 2. 2.1. LITRATURE REVIEW DEFINITION OF CULTURE We must first define...
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