...Importance of Understanding Culture Diversity in the Workplace Jennifer Schulz Devry University Cultural Diversity in the Professions SOCS350 William Tutol January 10, 2014 Importance of Understanding Culture Diversity in the Workplace In business today it is important to have a diverse group of employees in the workplace. Our textbook defines diversity as real or perceived differences among people in race, ethnicity, sex, age, physical and mental ability, sexual orientation, religion, work and family status, weight and appearance, and other identity-based attributes that affect their interactions and relationships (Bell, 2012, p. 5). It is very important to understand the cultural, ethnical, and gender differences by professionals and management in the workforce in this day and age. If an organization develops a reputation for valuing all types of employees, it will become known as an employer of choice, in which workers from all backgrounds feel they have the opportunity to work, grow, and be treated fairly (Bell, 2012, p. 4). By being diverse in its employees, a business has a better opportunity for new ideas and growth potential and less likely to be stymied. Despite extraordinary corporate and media attention paid to diversity in the past thirty years, discrimination, inequality, and exclusion persist in organizations (Bell, 2012, p. 4). As discussed this week in class, when the department head turned down the Jamaican friend for the position, even though he seemed...
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...Thinking About Diversity and Inclusion Shantha Whitehurst 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...
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...Running head: Teamwork and Cultural Differences 1 Teamwork and Culture Differences Diversity with Sensitivity Argosy University July 29, 2013 Com 105 Teamwork and Cultural Differences 2 Introduction Teamwork involves people working together in groups in order to achieve a goal. Teamwork and effective communication is extremely important when it comes to a business and the success to a company. When working in teams, people are able to share ideas and work together to accomplish more than they could by themselves. However, culture differences and personality differences can often cause a challenge. When working together, a person may not have an understanding of another person’s culture, which can have a negative impact on a business. Since companies are more global today, diversity and multicultural communication has become a crucial part of business success. Teamwork and Team Building Teamwork and team building is vitally important in any multicultural and global society. In today’s day, the workforce is becoming more diverse, meaning that people from different cultures are required to come together to work as a team. Teamwork in the workplace often contributes to success in a company. Teamwork enables people to come together to accomplish tasks faster than finishing projects individually. Also, when cooperating with each other, employees are able to share ideas and responsibilities with one another, which usually reduces...
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...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 in a culture. Dimensions...
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...Diversity in the Workplace Wendy Fowler Diversity in the Workplace Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. Workplace diversity is about acknowledging differences and adapting work practices to create an inclusive environment in which diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds are valued. It is about understanding the individual differences in the people we work with that arise from a broad range of backgrounds and lifestyles, and recognizing the value of using those different perspectives, ideas and ways of working to enhance the quality and outcomes of work. Our diversity is shaped by a variety of characteristics including age, ethnicity, gender, disability, language, religious beliefs, life stages, education, career responsibilities, sexual orientation, personality and marital status (Leonard 2013). Workplace diversity builds on the traditional principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO). While EEO focuses on ensuring that all people have access to employment opportunities and conditions, diversity means accepting, welcoming and valuing the differences essential in every individual and recognizing the contribution that a diverse workforce can make to organizational effectiveness and performance. To understand how diversity affects the work place let us look at different types of diversity which includes differences in skill and abilities, values and attitudes, occupation differences, and age. Different Types...
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...The environment within an organization is created by organizational culture, behavior, diversity and communication. Organizational behavior studies the human aspects of behaviors in the workplace by understanding individual and group behavior. Organizational culture guides the behavior of the employees through a set of shared values and beliefs. The cultures of an organization can be broken down into three categories, passive/defensive, constructive, and aggressive/defensive. Maintaining a constructive culture will embrace achievement, and humanistic-encouraging. Diversity is simply the differences in each individual based on race, gender, and ethnicity. The culture can play a part on how well diversity is received. Communication is just as important in an organization as the culture and behavior structure. The absence of communication will create a barrier between employees, hindering creativity, and disrupts the workplace culture. Organizational Behavior Organizational behavior (OB) is “the study of human behavior in organizations” (Schermerhorn, Hunt, Osborn, 2008, p. 5). Organizational behavior is devoted to understanding individual and group behavior, interpersonal processes, and organizational dynamics. The goal of organizational behavior is to improve the performance of an organization and its employees. Understanding organizational behavior can have potential for career success in the changing workplace. As a company, Georgia-Pacific has to study organizational behavior...
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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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...Excellence through diversity is one of the Chancellor's goals, yet the term diversity often raises controversy, confusion, and tension. What does it mean? Is it the same as affirmative action? Why should you focus on it? When people think of diversity, they may think first of ethnicity and race, and then gender; however, diversity is much broader than that. In Workforce America! Managing Employee Diversity as a Vital Resource, diversity is defined as “otherness or those human qualities that are different from our own and outside the groups to which we belong, yet present in other individuals and groups.” Dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to: age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital status, military experience, religious beliefs, parental status, and work experience (Loden and Rosener 1991, 18-19). It's important to understand how these dimensions affect performance, motivation, success, and interactions with others. Institutional structures and practices that have presented barriers to some dimensions of diversity should be examined, challenged, and removed. Managing diversity is defined as "planning and implementing organizational systems and practices to manage people so that the potential advantages of diversity are maximized while its potential disadvantages are minimized," according to Taylor Cox in "Cultural Diversity in Organizations." Managing...
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...1.0 Introduction Nowadays, due increase in globalization, many organizations require more interaction among people from diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds than before. This scenario is known as diversity in workplace. Organization needs diversity to become more creative and open to change. Maximizing and capitalizing on workplace diversity has become an important issue for management today. Besides that, diversity has the potential of yielding greater productivity and competitive advantages as long as organizations need to focus on diversity and look for ways to become totally inclusive organizations. Managing diversity means more than simply observing legal and policy requirements. Diversity is not something that will go away or diminish over time. Rather, the increasing diversity within our workforce population is emerging as a major resource upon which managers and organizations can seek solutions to various aspects of their businesses. 1.1 Definition of Diversity Frequently, diversity is viewed in a narrow perspective which includes differences in terms of race, ethnic or gender differences, and quite often linked to discriminate and enforcing laws to protect certain groups. Diversity includes all characteristics and experiences that define each of us as individuals. It can be further defined as primary dimensions of an individual, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions include communication style...
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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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...Diversity is an aspect of life that is almost inescapable, especially in the workplace. As we go about our daily lives, we are surrounded by people and cultures that differ from what was once considered the typical American lifestyle. There are endless options of food, music and social activities allowing us a small chance to experience and explore what life is like in other countries. Businesses are also recognizing the need and importance of diversity. Many have begun investing in diversity and inclusion as part of their overall management structures. To continually challenge their practice, organizations are striving to make the connection between those principles and their corporate performance (Chaney & Martin, 2014). This paper will explore some of the key issues regarding diversity in the US and India. Cultural variations, communication and management styles will be examined for a more in depth look at the ever changing corporate environment. Cultural Variations Carol Milano (2012) with ASME.org analyzes that in the United States, especially in large cities, a “time is money” attitude is common. Often working professionals appear to be in a rush, which gives the impression that Americans tend to get down to business rather quickly. Many countries have a different perspective and work ethic, where people are not in such a hurry. They may prefer to get to know a colleague before they start working together, which reiterates the fact that teamwork is an area rich...
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...Workplace Diversity: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization. That sounds simple, but diversity encompasses race, gender, ethnic group, age, personality, cognitive style, tenure, organizational function, education, background and more. Diversity not only involves how people perceive themselves, but how they perceive others. Those perceptions affect their interactions. For a wide assortment of employees to function effectively as an organization, human resource professionals need to deal effectively with issues such as communication, adaptability and change. Diversity will increase significantly in the coming years. Successful organizations recognize the need for immediate action and are ready and willing to spend resources on managing diversity in the workplace now. Benefits of Workplace Diversity An organization’s success and competitiveness depends upon its ability to embrace diversity and realize the benefits. When organizations actively assess their handling of workplace diversity issues, develop and implement diversity plans, multiple benefits are reported such as: Increased adaptability Organizations employing a diverse workforce can supply a greater variety of solutions to problems in service, sourcing, and allocation of resources. Employees from diverse backgrounds bring individual talents and experiences in suggesting ideas that are flexible in adapting to fluctuating markets...
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...Dionne Butler Analyzing Diversity in the Workplace Business 610 Organizational Behavior Gary Shelton July 18, 2011 Abstract Diversity plays a very important role in success of an organization. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual (free dictionary). In order for a company to survive and prosper in an increasingly society, organizations must capitalize on employee diversity as a source of completive advantage. The debate over how to deal with diversity has become highly charged and politicized. Therefore, companies have to design a diversity training program to raise awareness, understanding for cross-cultural issues as well as for areas of sexual orientation, age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion and mental or physical disability. Analyzing Diversity The word diversity is not new to the American vernacular; it has been around for many years. However, the meaning of the word diversity continues to evolve...
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...professional from understanding the different types. To be an efficient paralegal it would be very wise to gain skills in cultural engagement by developing knowledge of the different cultures. This can help a paralegal to better understand and approach cases in a better way from the different types of perspectives. If a paralegal or any professional in the legal career world can argue the law from different views of cultures, this can be an essential part of our responsibility to serve our clientele. Effective knowledge of cultures will help you to better understand your different types of employees, employers, and clientele and give you a better understanding of the facts and surroundings of the legal matter. With a growing multicultural environment, it is very crucial for a legal professional to incur effective relationships with their co-workers and clients and gasp their needs. This could mean culturally too. Having a great understanding of both your employees and clientele base would create an effective workplace and help to communicate better with one another. It can also help you to gain the trust of others. Multicultural knowledge in the workplace will also help a person to understand and see the differences and similarities between a professional and a client. This will help the professional to get a better understanding of the case and help them to figure out the best way to help that specific client. Some benefits of diversity in a workplace with different...
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...Managing Diversity in the Workplace – Understanding Cultural Differences: Part 1 A smart business person understands the importance of a productive and efficient workforce. Business experts insist that your employees are your biggest investment. If you are a manager of a culturally diverse workforce you will have to make an effort to understand what motivates your employees and makes them happy. This requires an understanding of cultural differences; your employees will have many different values and traditions. A culturally diverse workplace could include people from many different Asian and Latino cultures. I use these two examples only because they represent large numbers of immigrant workers. The following advice can be applied in most situations. 1. Do not assume: Do not assume that Spanish speaking people are the same. Latin America has a diverse collection of cultures and traditions. And they have different ways of looking at things. Managing diversity in the workplace means taking the time to find out your employees nationalities and do some research about their homeland. Then share your knowledge with them and ask questions about them personally. In many cultures that personal connection means a lot more than meeting production deadlines. 2. Give some instruction: It is also a good idea for your employees to be given some instruction in American values and traditions. Don’t forget that your employees also have to function in our society when they are not at work...
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