...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Paper Cultural diversity, or multiculturalism, is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but rather maintained and valued. The foundation of this belief is that every culture and race has made a substantial contribution to American history. However, many people remain opposed to the idea of multiculturalism, or cultural diversity awareness, while others often support it and yet have no clear idea of how it should be taught. The diversity of the United States is truly astounding, as many different ethnic and racial groups have contributed to the social, economic and cultural values of our society. This has certainly been true throughout our history, even though many of our school books have not always taught that fact. In fact, the very idea that cultural diversity should be taught has only been promoted in the last few years. The bottom line is that when we fully recognize that America is great because of the contributions of the many, we as a people will be even more united in our common goals, and even more proud to be American citizens. When it comes to the dimension of cultural diversity, it can be identified with four main types of minority groups which help describe many of the dimensions of cultural diversity. The first group, racial, is based on physical differences that are obvious to the observer such as skin color, hair color or facial features. Ethnic groups are those based on a person’s...
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...Mazur 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...
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...Cultural Diversity In today’s world we are seeing more and more cultural diversity within communities and within work environments. It is becoming very important to have diversity training within work environments to have a cohesive environment. What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? With my research the dimensions of diversity are divided into two groups called the primary dimension and secondary dimension. Though each dimensions adds layers of complexity to an individual’s identity. What influences self image, opportunities, values and individual expectations is the interaction with all the dimensions. Characteristics of primary dimensions are exclusive to an individual. Such would be how old they are, their mental and physical abilities, also his or her race, gender, sexual preferences and his or her ethnic heritage. The term for these six dimensions is known as core dimension of diversity since these dimensions are part of the beginning of an individual’s socialization and have a profound impact on his or her experiences, values and his or her expectations in every phase of life. Next are secondary dimensions which are not as seeable and also allow for a larger ability to choose. These would be where a person lives, work profession, income, religion, language of choice along with education and type of family environment. What ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? I am a 58 year old female who was born in Tucson, AZ and raised in Calif...
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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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... 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 are deeply rooted...
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... February 29, 2016 Thomas Kareck Foundations of Human Development in the Social Environment Working in human services is why we are all here, in school, learning about all the dimensions of human behavior, why humans do the things we do, and what makes us tick. Understanding human development and how it affects an individual is an essential theme in human services. Having the knowledge and understanding of the bio-psycho-social dimensions that make up human development, cultural competency and diversity, and how the general systems theory and social order relate to one another will give us the tools necessary to be able to effectively help our future clients. The bio-psycho-social dimensions of human development consist of three parts that try to give explanation to human behavior: biological, psychological, and social. The biological approach states that behavior can be explained through genetics. The psychological approach states that human behavior can be explained through cognitive development. Finally, the social approach states that we can understand human behavior by looking at the influences of culture and family on an individual. All three dimensions relate to one another and if just one dimension is off or not right there will be a domino effect, causing the other dimensions to follow suit and be off as well. For example, take a child that is living in a home with a step parent. Losing a parent and then being expected to cope with a step family will most likely...
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... November 20, 2012 The Dimensions of Cultural Diversity are the primary dimension, and the secondary dimension. Primary dimensions of diversity include age, ethnic heritage, gender, mental/physical abilities, and characteristics, race and sexual orientation. These six differences are termed core dimensions of diversity because they exert an important impact on our early socialization and a powerful, sustained impact on our experiences, values, assumptions and expectations throughout every stage of life. Secondary dimensions of diversity: Key secondary dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to elements of education, military experience, work experience, income, religion, first language, organizational role and level, communication style, family status, work style. It is having a heart and mind that acknowledges, accepts, values and even celebrates the various ways that people live and interact in the world. Even with our various cultural differences we all aspire too many of the same things: security, well-being, acceptance, individualism, esteem, and some form of equity whether it’s physical, spiritual or emotional. The ethnic, cultural group that I indentify is the minorities, and my social circle does not exist, because all I do is work and go to school. Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that...
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...Diversity and Inclusion SOC315 May 6, 2013 Jami Imhof Diversity and Inclusion What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both text books. According to Understanding and Managing Diversity there are primary and secondary dimensions of cultural diversity. The primary dimensions are age, gender, mental and physical abilities, race, ethnic heritage, and sexual orientation. The secondary dimensions are geographical location, military and work experience, family status, income, religion, first language, education, organizational role and level, communication, and work style (Harvey & Allard, 2009). The dimensions of diversity can be broken into the following layers: Organizational, internal, external, and personality. Organizational dimension would include areas such as places of employment and the development and promotion opportunities. Internal dimensions are areas we have no control over, such as race or gender (although today people are able to make gender changes), typically gender is out of our control. External dimensions are controllable aspects of diversity. It would include areas like friendships or our career choices. Finally personality dimensions would include aspect such as religion, personal values as wells as an individual’s like and dislikes. With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common. I am an African-American...
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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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...Introduction A successful organisation is built on the communication that develops between its constituents (Dietz & Den Hartog 2006). Encouraging efficient communication within any organisation can prove a difficult task, especially when faced with the complexity of a diverse workforce. The organisation being considered is a small accounting company (‘The Company’) located in Zimbabwe, South Africa. Due to its ‘multiplicity of traditions and skin tones’ (Brand South Africa 2011), South Africa has been portrayed as a ‘Rainbow Nation’ since the end of the Apartheid era. When diversity is not managed and monitored carefully, differences can lead to highly counter-productive communication dilemmas. Two fundamental aspects of diversity will be discussed: Firstly, cultural differences are common throughout The Company and have proven to be an issue of emotional and economic importance. Five of Hofstede’s (1994) dimensions of culture can be used to explain the reluctance of employees from different countries to effortlessly integrate their personalities and ideas within The Company. Power distance, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity and long-term orientation will be analysed in terms of their affect on interpersonal communication between culturally diverse employees. Secondly, another feature of diversification within The Company is the range of conflicting generational profiles. A generational gap that has formed between employees and managers within the organisation...
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...Bachelor's thesis Degree Programme In Hospitality Management Hospitality Management 2012 Veera Korjala CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT – How to improve cultural diversity workforce BACHELOR'S THESIS | ABSTRACT TURKU UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES Degree Programme In Hospitality Management | Hospitality Management 2012 | 64 Susanna Saari Veera Korjala CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT The bachelor´s thesis investigates cultural diversity in the hospitality management. It aims at presenting effective ways to improve cultural diversity in a workplace. This study was commissioned by JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas, USA and three hotels in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA: Atherton Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites and Residence Inn. The bachelor´s thesis incorporates culture theories and their applications to the workplace. Additionally, it focuses on cultural diversity dimensions in hospitality workplace, such as its benefits and challenges, its reflection in the work environment which have been related to the organization’s cultural diversity management. Eventually it provides solutions, such as a corporate strategic plan which focuses on the improvement of cultural diversity in the workplace by means of cultural diversity training. These best practices of cultural diversity are discussed in detail both in the literature review and in the study. The bachelor’s thesis has used two research methods, both qualitative and quantitative...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Adriana Sardinas SOC/315 January 17, 2011 Professor Joyce Mackey 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...
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...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...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Rhonda G. Allen SOC/315 May 6, 2013 Professor Anne Tindall Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Cultural Diversity has many dimensions, recognizing what they are can be challenging to those of who may not be familiar with them. The first dimension of Cultural Diversity, Primary Dimensions, which are considered basic and cannot be changed by the individual. The second dimension, Secondary Dimensions, is aspects of someone that can be influenced by outside factors. Finally the last dimension of Cultural Diversity is the Visibility Dimension, the more visible the aspect the stronger the influences have a potential to be viewed. A prime example of the visibility factor in Cultural Diversity would be, you may pretend to be a Christian, but you cannot pretend to be a black person when your skin is obviously white. All three dimensions develop a part of your personal identity, affecting your environment, behavior and how others perceive you. When person characteristics are influenced by the outside views of others is called Stereotyping. Stereotypical views may vary from religious beliefs, gender, racial profiles, and ethnicity. The specific group of Cultural Diversity of which I can identify with would be gender based. Being a female has many difficulties in the corporate world. For as long as you can refer back in time, the female gender in the workplace has more than likely held a subordinate position. Many studies...
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...Thinking about diversity and inclusion 1. What are the dimensions of cultural diversity? Identify and briefly explain the dimensions by referencing both textbooks. The dimensions of cultural diversity consist of in the diverse cultures in the world. The diversity is the different race, gender, age, ethical, language, religion, education, and more. The geographic region and the social roll are the result of the cultural diversity in the world. The diversity is variable and depends of the human’s need and it has changed through human evolution. Countries that were pioneer on a cultural growth got behind and others countries progressed in art, technology, and science over the time. The immigration also interferes in the cultural diversity. The United States has a large amount of immigrants from many countries in the world. Immigrants try to preserve their cultural traditions to the future generations and over the time their cultures have influenced in the art, music, and the way to affront political issues of the United States. Cultures exist to serve the vital, practical requirements of human life (Harvey & Allard, 2009, p. 77). 2. With what ethnic, cultural, or other groups do you identify? Describe what members of your social circle have in common. Ethnic group is categorized to be integrated by people from other countries that speak different languages, cultural roots, and attitudes. The writer of this paper identify with the Hispanic group.The Hispanic social circle members...
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