Premium Essay

Diversity in Groups

In:

Submitted By tinkerpistol
Words 966
Pages 4
Module Five: Diversity in Groups
Eli Neff
ITT Technical Institute

The modern day business model depends on many different factors in order to be successful. One of the most important factors in both internal and external business affairs is the ability to effectively communicate within different cultures, also known as intercultural communication. Intercultural communication happens when two groups or individuals from different backgrounds come together to communicate (Lanqua Team). With the growing amount of diversity in the workplace, intercultural communication is becoming more and more important when leading a business.
Globalization
With the invention of the internet, businesses across the globe are finding it easier and easier to communicate with other non-domestic businesses in order to strengthen business ties and reach out to foreign consumers. Networking and the commercialization of modern day means of communication are sending employees and entrepreneurs across continents, not only increasing international trade but cultural exchange as well. However, sometimes an increase in diversity can cause a decrease tolerance. In 2014 over 30,000 charges were filed in the workplace for race-based discrimination, over 26,000 for sex-based discrimination, and over 8,000 for pregnancy-based discrimination. The stereotypes that some individuals in the workplace hold can lead to discrimination and therefore lowering the effectiveness of a business team.
Unlearning Prejudice Learning to be more tolerant of others requires personal introspection, looking at your core values and questioning why you believe in certain stereotypes and allow them to view an entire group a certain way. First, admitting that you are prejudiced is the most important step to learning how to be more tolerant of diversity. Admitting that you have discriminatory tendencies,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Group Diversity

...Chapter 4 &5 Group diversity and leadership. In the advent of globalization , the present day 's groups are also moving towards the intermixture of races and culture in various groups in the society especially in a aspect of the workforce .This today has become one of the primary problems groups faces because some don’t take the time out to research there members culture which will help and deter problems in the group while enabling the group to work efficiently and effectively. Diversity consciousness is very important for expanding the opportunities for success that we have in the future. Diversity consciousness helps to enhance the person’s diversity skills; it expands the person’s horizons and empowers them through knowledge; and it promotes personal growth and helps to strengthen the social networks that can be beneficial down the road in a career. Without diversity consciousness, an individual is not knowledgeable of cultural, racial, and sexual differences and will have a very poor social network to build upon in the future. Diversity skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership are essential to ensuring that people interact with one another in ways that respect and value differences. Communication is essential to provide each co-worker or team member with the necessary information as efficiently as possible. Different types of communication exist, such as written, verbal, and behavioral, and each form sends a message to a person or group of people. Teamwork...

Words: 353 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Diversity Issues in Training Group Workers

...Diversity Issues in Training Group Workers Given the fact that the U.S. population is characterized by drastically increasing diversity, it is essential that group counselors be culturally competent practitioners (Bemak & Chung, 2004). An integral part of the training of group leaders is promoting sensitivity and competence in addressing diversity in all forms of group work. Being diversity competent is more complex in meaning than "respecting other people". To fully assimilate the meaning into our personal and professional beings, it is important for us to have a common understanding of the principles on which diversity competence is built. The "Principles for Diversity Competent Group Workers" (ASGW, 1999) addresses issues such as racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, and ableism with sensitivity and skill. These principles emphasize the practitioner's responsibility to have a general understanding of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the group members so interventions are congruent with their worldviews. Most of the ethics codes of the various professional organizations now give some attenttion to applying these principles when working with diverse client populations. Guidelines for competence in diversity issues in group practice are discussed in a variety of sources, some of which include Arredondo and colleagues (1996), ASGW (1999), APA (1993), Bemak and Chung (2004), and Ethical Issues in Group Membership How can group leaders make potential members...

Words: 6302 - Pages: 26

Free Essay

: in the Interests of Workplace Diversity, What Could Bet He Potential Advantages and Disadvantages of Employers Hiring Older Workers and Workers from Ethnic Minority Groups?

...Nowadays there are a lot of regulations that prohibit discrimination on grounds of age and ethnic group that potential worker can come from. The priority of social policy in European Union and developer and developing countries is fighting with discrimination of different social groups. Integrated strategy is helping to fight down discrimination of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, believes, disability, age and sexual orientation. Most of employers say that the most important thing are qualifications, and only them should matter when it comes to hiring, but still they are more willing to employ young person than experienced fifty years old worker. The same case is when it comes to choosing between people of the same nationality as country the company is operating in, and ethnic minority. Employing the older workers have advantages as disadvantages, but it is the same case with hiring young person just after graduation. For example among older employees there are much less accidents in work, since they are more experienced, have wider knowledge and simply know how things works. The older- the wiser, as the old saying says, that is why when there is older person in the team, there are less conflicts, and even when they will appear, using the experience, those workers can simply help with coping with them. It is also important that older workers have steady family life, they do not have small kids anymore, so they can focus on their career. They do not have to take free...

Words: 527 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Diversity

...How Does Diversity Impact The Workplace? Issues of Diversity are common in small and big corporations in the United States. As defined by Webster dictionary, diversity is “the inclusion of individuals representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic stratum, sexual orientation”. Diversity in a workplace is how people perceive themselves and the individuals they work closely with. In turn, that perception good or bad can affect the way employees interact with one another in a workplace. Although diversity in a work place is seen as a good thing, it also poses some difficult challenges for business organizations. In order for an organization to succeed at being diverse, they must first understand the benefits of a diverse work environment, the true meaning of what it is to be diverse, and how to improve diversity in the workplace. When talking about diversity and trying to achieve a diverse work place, it is very important for an organization to understand the benefits of having a diverse work environment. Organizations with a diverse work place have shown to thrive and be more successful than homogeneous groups. I believe the reason for this is due to the different ideas and perspectives each individual in a diverse group brings to the table. According to the article “How Diversity Works” Paul (2014) stated “the benefit of having diversity in a group is the creativity that it brings out of the group. Diversity encourages the members of the group to search...

Words: 1523 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion

...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Jodi Jewett SOC 315 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...

Words: 1077 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cultural Diversity

...Politechnika Białostocka Cultural Diversity in Organisational Theory and Practice 1. Introduction Increasing globalization requires more interaction among people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than ever before. People no longer live and work in an insular marketplace; they are now part of a worldwide economy with competition coming from nearly every continent. For this reason, organizations need diversity to become more creative and open to change. Therefore maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue for management today. Since managing diversity remains a significant organizational challenge, managers must learn the managerial skills needed in a multicultural work environment. Supervisors and managers must be prepared to teach themselves and others within their organizations to value multicultural differences in both associates and customers so that everyone is treated with dignity. Diversity issues are now considered important and are projected to become even more important in the future due to increasing differences in the population of many countries. Companies need to focus on diversity and look for ways to become totally inclusive organizations because diversity has the potential of yielding greater productivity and competitive advantages. Managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can improve workplace productivity. Unmanaged diversity in the workplace might become an obstacle...

Words: 4037 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Itit

...AU/ACSC/0607C/97-03 UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY ON ORGANIZATIONS A Research Paper Presented To The Research Department Air Command and Staff College In Partial Fulfillment of the Graduation Requirements of ACSC by Maj Molly K. Moon March 1997 Disclaimer The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US government or the Department of Defense. ii Contents Page DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................ ii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.......................................................................................... iv PREFACE....................................................................................................................... v ABSTRACT................................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 FROM GRUDGING ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO MANAGING DIVERSITY .............. 3 IMPACT OF DIVERSITY ON INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS.................... 9 Diversity Climate Factors.......................................................................................... 12 Identity Structures................................................................................................ 12 Prejudice...

Words: 8267 - Pages: 34

Premium Essay

Mental Health Audit

...A Diversity Audit in Mental Health Setting TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 3 INTRODUCTION Page 4, 5 BACKGROUND Page 5, 6 LITERATURE REVIEW Page 6, 7, 8, 9 BENEFITS OF MANAGING DIVERSITY Page 9, 10 PROGRESS TOWARDS MANAGING DIVERSITY Page 10, 11 RESEARCH QUESTIONS Page 11, 12 METHODS ` Page 12, 13, 14 DISCUSSION Page 14, 15, 16 LIMITATION Page17, RECOMMENDATIONS Page 17, 18 REFERENCES Page 19, 20, 21, 22 APPENDIXES A Page 23 APPENDIXES B Pages 23, 24, 25, 26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which employees...

Words: 5190 - Pages: 21

Premium Essay

Groups and Teams

...Groups and Teams Teams and Groups This paper will explain the differences between a group and a team as well as the importance of workplace diversity in an organization and how it relates to team dynamics in the workplace. The importance of groups and teams within the workplace is essential to understand the meaning of both terms. Groups Groups is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feelings of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals (Business Dictionary.com, 2010). Forming a group based on surrounding personalities and behavior is not difficult, although the effectiveness of groups may vary. A group's interpersonal dynamics can range from compatibility to intolerance, which could make consensus building difficult for leadership. In-group there is separate characteristics of every individual working with the group. This means every individual has his or her own job to perform. Teams Teams are a group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project (Business Dictionary.com, 2010). Team members operate with a high degree of interdependence, share authority and responsibility for self-management, are accountable for collective performance, and work toward a common goal and shared reward (Business Dictionary.com, 2010). A team offers skills that are advantages...

Words: 601 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Diversity Makes You Brighter

...to describing how diversity affects an individual, there are various ideas and explanations. Not many people spend time thinking about how diversity can improve or modify an individual’s intelligence, but understanding the positives and negatives of working with a diverse group is significant. Additionally, the subject of exploring diversity and the overall effect it has on a particular individual is clarified through experiments and explanations. There are many ideas that support the theory that diversity increases creativity, as well as a variety of ideas that support the belief of various challenges arising when working with a diverse group of individuals. An argument expresses that an individual is more willing to listen to...

Words: 1030 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Diversity

...Diversity in Canada August 23, 2011 Abstract In this paper I will be looking at diversity in Canada and how the term of diversity is used to refer to cultural differences, how it applies to all the qualities that make people different. Diversity is shown in mutual respect and appreciation of the similarities and differences such as age, culture, education, ethnicity, experience, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation. An environment where diversity is respected is on whereas individuals, and members of teams, can effectively apply all talents, skills and experiences. Demographic characteristics are the background characteristics that help what a person becomes. Ethnicity reflects the cultural experiences and feelings of a particular group but does not exclude the possibility that individuals within that group have the capacity to learn cultural behaviors of other groups. Diversity in Canada Canada is the second largest country and it is located in the Western Hemisphere.  Diversity is important to a country because with a diverse environment people can benefit and learn from each others ideas.  As more immigrants go to Canada the more diverse the country becomes. Canadians express a sense of unity and they are open to accepting other individual’s culture. This research paper is on the diversity in Canada and will be answer with the following questions: What is the key diversity concerns for Canada? Which groups are dominant and non-dominant? What are the participation...

Words: 1714 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Nmental Health Audit

...A Diversity Audit in Mental Health Setting Chantell Douglas TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Page 3 INTRODUCTION Page 4, 5 BACKGROUND Page 5, 6 LITERATURE REVIEW Page 6, 7, 8, 9 BENEFITS OF MANAGING DIVERSITY Page 9, 10 PROGRESS TOWARDS MANAGING DIVERSITY Page 10, 11 RESEARCH QUESTIONS Page 11, 12 METHODS ` Page 12, 13, 14 DISCUSSION Page 14, 15, 16 LIMITATION Page17, RECOMMENDATIONS Page 17, 18 REFERENCES Page 19, 20, 21, 22 APPENDIXES A Page 23 APPENDIXES B Pages 23, 24, 25, 26 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to determine the...

Words: 5239 - Pages: 21

Premium Essay

Diversity in the Workplace, Article Review

...Running head: REVIEW OF “THE DATA ON DIVERSITY” A REVIEW OF “THE DATA OF DIVERSITY” David J Sample EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY, FSE 320 11/7/14 Abstract A review of Beryl Nelson’s article “The Data of Diversity”. This article examines the points Nelson made on the benefits of diversity and some of its challenges and critiques the quality of her data and relevance of the article. Review of the “Data of Diversity” This paper is intended to review Beryl Nelson’s article “The Data of Diversity” which was recently published in the academic journal, Communications for the Association of Computing Machinery. (2014) Nelson has spent the last 6 years working for one of the most diverse companies in the world: Google. During this time, Nelson has gained real world experience in working in diverse teams as well as analyzing experience as the Manager of Engineering Productivity, a job which looks for how to make Google teams work more efficiently. Her interest in diversity and the workplace has led to publishing the article of interest based on analyzing the factors involved in the data of diversity. “The Data of Diversity” focuses on examining the concrete evidence pointing towards the benefits of diversity and the challenges faced by diversity. This review will also examine the conclusions made by Nelson and the conclusions made by this paper with regard to the relevance and quality of The Data of Diversity. Benefits of Diversity Nelson starts her article by examining...

Words: 963 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Diversity

...SUNY Empire State College Diversity Research Paper: M5 Diversity Audit Angela Politzi Diversity in the Workplace BME-213164 Dr. Robin Churray June 7, 2015 Criteria For the criteria of measuring the effectiveness of the diversity within MasterCard, I will research different aspects that reflect their commitment to having a strong diversity image. I will assess their various diversity programs and analyze how they are benefiting the organization, in terms of capturing market share and retaining and attracting diverse employees. I will also look at their hiring practices, and search for statistics on how many diverse employees hold executive positions. I will also research their supplier diversity commitment and see how their business shows their dedication to this commitment. A strong diversity image should be visible just from the company’s website, as in this day and age, a website is a common place for one to find out more about a company. There should be bountiful information about how MasterCard embraces diversity, and it should be easily found, not buried deep into the contents of the website. They should have a prideful and excited attitude about how diversity can shape their organization. Their diversity programs should show a lot of initiative. A strong organization would have multiple resources for diverse employees to use, being sure not to leave out any one diverse group. Everybody should have a home, and should have others that they will be able to relate...

Words: 2059 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Diversity and Inclusion

...Diversity and Inclusion SOC/315 November 09, 2011 Diversity and Inclusion Diversity refers the inclusion of different types of people in a group or organization. Many people with different backgrounds work together every day to accomplish tasks assigned on daily basis. Before working together the group should know the different dimensions of diversity. “Dimensions of diversity exert an important impact on our early socialization and a powerful sustained impact on our experiences, values, assumptions and expectations throughout every stage of history ” (Harvey, 2009). The different dimensions of diversity are race, gender, age, education, sexual orientation, and geographic origin, or employment. “Dimensions adds layers of complexity to individual identity, it is the dynamic interaction among all the dimensions that influences self-image, values, opportunities, and expectations” (Harvey, 2009). Dimensions of diversity apply an effect on each of us at home, work, and in society giving definition to our lives. “The United States is a very diverse nation and becoming more” (Schaefer, 2011). Concerning ethnic, cultural, or other groups I identify with all. My social circle is consistent with people from all groups. My social circle consists of individuals not a group. I think of all my associates as individuals with different personalities. My social circle member’s personalities are very different and the dimensions play a part from the way we dress, race, gender, and sexual...

Words: 850 - Pages: 4