advantages of cultural diversity

Cultural diversity in education helps to support: Learning happens within the curriculum and outside of it. If your intentions aren’t sincere, you risk creating a situation where no true mixing and cooperation take place instead of having an integrated, synergistic team. Their teams also tended to reflect that demographic, with perhaps a few women sprinkled in — again, mostly white. "My degree has already helped me in getting a great job at IBM. So, what is cultural diversity and why does it matter? Language barriers are generally temporary in nature (most immigrants eventually learn the language of the country they move to), but the resultant segregation can endure, as exemplified in segregated neighborhoods and ethnic ghetto… ", "By studying at UoPeople, I have more control over my schedule. “The best workforce is a diverse workforce.” — Ted Colbert, Boeing’s CIO. An increase in innovation and creativity among a culturally diverse group can create an esprit de corps and the feeling of positive progress for the benefit of the group and the organization. ", "In the age of information technology and innovation, University of the People is showing us the way". What’s Next For Healthcare In 2021? Leadership Coach & Facilitator For The Left-Brained Analytical Leader & Founder of, EY & Citi On The Importance Of Resilience And Innovation, Impact 50: Investors Seeking Profit — And Pushing For Change, Michigan Economic Development Corporation With Forbes Insights, Instead Of New Year’s Resolutions, Try This Instead, Nielsen Executive Cheryl Grace Encourages Women To Unlock Their Earning Power, 2020: The Year Universities Surrendered Completely To Cancel Culture, 5 Simple Ways To Maximize Your Savings And Purchasing Experience, 4 Post Pandemic Mental Health Trends And Predictions For 2021. Jean Snell, clinical professor of teacher education at the University of Maryland, believes cultural diversity enhances the school experience, too. 1. The world is filled with people who have different beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of living. When it works, diversity increases workplace productivity and profits. There may be a bit of grumbling about changing the way it’s always been. Thesis statement: Cultural diversity can be turned into an asset by allowing a variety of viewpoints to offer new perspectives that inspire students and teachers…show more content…. Diversity needs to be evident at every level in the organization, senior management included. Cultural diversity is important in every setting in life, but it can be even more pivotal when it happens within education. … While you can never fully understand someone’s life without being them, you can learn, listen, and understand. Increased innovation is the result of cultural diversity being positively correlated to diverse experiences and perspectives. Such success promotes a feeling of camaraderie among team members and encourages successful cooperation in the next company venture. Benefits and Challenges of Diversity The diversity of a university’s faculty, staff, and students influences its strength, productivity, and intellectual personality. They need to believe in the potential, and in turn, sell it to upper management, who can sell it to middle management. If a cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought and effort, it could go off the rails. I’m pleased to say that slowly, over time, that has ceased to be the case. When any organization invests in diversity, it results in the creation … In this era of technology and globalisation, many companies are making an effort to succeed in cultural diversity in the workplace. Improved employee engagement. The benefits don't come easily, though. Take the time to really communicate the diversity goals of your business and hold Q&A sessions to ensure that everyone is on the same page, so the entire organization can effectively foster an environment of diversity and inclusion that benefits one and all. But overall it has more advantages which schools can use for the benefit of the students as well as for the benefit of the institution. The world is naturally multicultural. It paves the way to better problem-solving, more empathy and compassion, deepened learning, and approaches the world from various perspectives. Diverse employees can bring together their different talents, experiences and various skill sets to come up with creative and inventive solutions, whereas another group made up of people with similar backgrounds and skill sets may decide to solve a dilemma in the same way they always have. Having a culturally diverse workforce can result in a competitive advantage for. Everyone likes to feel needed and as though their contribution is of value. Language skills can open doors for a business. While our institution is set up to be affordable to all because programs are tuition-free, we also extend specific scholarships that help to grow cultural diversity. It’s a good rule of thumb to honor cultural diversity with your actions. With a diverse student population, students have the privilege of gaining more understanding about people and backgrounds from all over. Social segregation often occurs when speakers of two mutually unintelligible languages live side by side. If the merging company is multinational, you may need to figure out how your team will interface with new teammates who speak several different languages. Employees often resist change, and it may take a lot of talk and training for them to adapt to a diverse workplace. Through education and a greater grasp of cultural competence (an evolving developmental process that encourages the increasing awareness of and respect for the interpersonal styles, beliefs, languages and customs of those from cultures other than our own), many corporations are evolving into multinational melting pots. As Paula Loop and Paul DeNicola wrote in an article for Harvard Business Review, “after years of asking corporate directors about the importance of diversity in the boardroom, we’ve got some good news: the vast majority see value in including more women and minorities. Students Are Better Prepared for a Diverse Workplace. Diversity in the workplace has many benefits since most large companies are becoming more globalized and there is a need to interact and connect with a lot of different cultures and with people of many different backgrounds. Interacting with people who have diverse practices, beliefs, life experiences, and culture promotes empathy. Improved creativity. List of the Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace 1. Specific cultural groups may end up feeling excluded and overlooked, resulting in them banding together, creating an us versus them environment. © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. Simone Biles, Olympic Champion, Business Administration, How To Survive A Boring Class (And Still Get Good Grades), Internships USA: Your Complete Guide to Getting One, Deferring Your Student Loans as a Returning Student, Recognizing that there is a large amount of cultures that exist, Acknowledging that all cultural expressions are valid, Valuing what cultures have to bring to the table, Celebrating differences, not just tolerating them, Interact with people outside of your culture, Be open-minded to listen and let go of judgment, If you see anyone who is being culturally insensitive, speak out against it, Accept that differences are beneficial and not harmful, Don’t force your beliefs on people with opposing views, Advocate to hire people or work with people who are not within your same culture, Travel the world as much as you can to take part in cultures and understand them from the source, Read literature and learn from different cultures, Absorb media and art from around the world, Learn a new language and communicate in a friend’s native language rather than your own. If students are exposed to diversity and learn cultural awareness in the classroom, it sets them up to flourish in the workforce. The Benefits of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace Written by Rise June 27, 2019 June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day , a day to celebrate Canada’s cultural diversity and commitment to democracy, equality, and mutual respect and also to appreciate the contributions of multicultural groups and communities to our nation’s unique identity. After having defined the disadvantages of cultural diversity including stereotyping and discrimination, organizations have recognized the need of implementing diversity management strategies that help to overcome the negative aspects of cultural diversity as well as enhance and ease the acculturation process (Graf, 2003; Magnini, 2003). This means that you’ll have more chances of hiring top talents if you show that there are no prejudices or bias … Cultural diversity is synonymous with multiculturalism. Relationship and communication skills are critical for group effectiveness. If the folks in the C-suite don’t buy it, it's likely that no one will. Leadership Coach And Facilitator For The Left-Brained Analytical Leader & Founder of 'JAS Leadership'. The benefits of diversity in teams include wider perspectives, greater creativity, more cultural knowledge and increased employee loyalty. Diversity has not always been welcomed with open arms, but more and more we see people opening their minds to others' ideas. Diversity shows itself peeking out from the corner in many different ways: race, sexuality, culture, values, religion, gender, and an abundance of other ways. If they learn to identify and work well with individuals who have good advice to offer, such as cultural informants and professional interpreters, they will increase their chances of success.”. One of the main disadvantages of cultural diversity is its tendency to create language barriers. Teams and companies that make diversity a priority offer a variety of ideas, perspectives and learning opportunities. When students participate with people from varied cultures, it provides them with more confidence in dealing with things outside of their comfort zones. What Is Cultural Diversity And Why Is It Important? Hiring applicants to simply be able to say in your corporate promotional materials that you're culturally diverse is unproductive at best. The research proven advantages to cultural diversity in the workplace include increased innovation, greater connection with diverse consumers, and increased ability to attract and retain diverse employees, to name a few. With the rise of globalization, it’s more important to be able to work with people from different cultures and social groups. For an educator, understanding cultural diversity in the classroom is a crucial part of being able to anticipate where certain lessons might lead, or any issues that might arise between students of different backgrounds. ", "UoPeople opened an opportunity for me that didn’t otherwise exist. Executive positions and the majority of management positions were held by white men in expensive business suits. 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of Diversity in the Workplace (Cultural and Gender) Jan 28, ... Now companies are realizing that having diversity in the workplace creates a higher level of comfort than having everyone approach situations in the same way. https://www.partnershipinternational.ie/why-is-cultural-diversity-important Multiculturalism is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as, “the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups, deserve special acknowledgment of their differences within a dominant political culture.”. If the group isn’t sure, or is reluctant to open up, I sometimes begin with having them tell me the aspects of cultural diversity at which they excel. Most see diversity having a positive impact on the country’s culture. If a cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought and effort, it could go off the rails. Benefit: Diverse cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation The importance of cultural diversity can be interpreted on the basis of these related actions: So, what are some examples of cultural diversity? Students around the world have the right to equal access of quality education, and as such, there are many upsides that come along with it when institutions believe in the power of diversity. For them to be effective in achieving results, people-focused aptitudes such as cultural competence are key. Increased productivity. 13 benefits and challenges of cultural diversity in the workplace 1. If the work groups in your organization have traditionally been homogeneous, it may take some getting used to on the part of not only management but also members of the team. Opinions expressed are those of the author. It is within our differences that we can find beauty. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. Each year, DiversityInc selects the 50 most diverse companies. No doubt students will need to learn how to interact in a diverse environment. If the change is rapid and somewhat drastic — think a speedy merger with a company based in a different country — you may have to develop a plan that not only deals with cultural differences but also a language barrier. It can build strength of character, pride, and confidence. organizations operating on foreign soil. Leadership Coach And Facilitator For The Left-Brained Analytical Leader & Founder of 'JAS Leadership'.…. Why Cultural Diversity and Awareness in the Classroom Is Important Embracing cultural diversity can help you succeed as an educator. Now, I increasingly work with diverse groups of executives and managers who have come to understand that cultural diversity in the workplace is a valuable commodity. Diversity has also been proven to make group smarter — as in, they create better solutions than homogenous groups do. American classrooms are becoming more diverse every year,* which means cultural diversity in the classroom is becoming an increasingly important issue for educators throughout the education system. Solving this may be as easy as the human resources department conducting a few diversity and inclusivity training sessions. Benefits of diversity at work place Cultural diversity in the workplace is when companiesare open to hiring employees from all sorts of different backgrounds; regardless of race, religion and culture. Since today’s world is increasingly more globalised and interconnected, workplaces should take advantage of the diverse range of skills individuals from different backgrounds and languages can bring. There is a great deal of research showing the benefits of diversity in companies. For the successful implementation of a cultural diversity plan, I've found that a holistic approach is necessary. Approaching cultural diversity with a mindset and actions that embrace this fact leads to many benefits, like: Individuals and institutions alike have the agency to support cultural diversity. Inclusiveness also fosters increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Diversity at work improves productivity. Alder (2008) listed better understanding of … 4 Ways To Take Control Of Your Customer Data In 2021. We believe that our differences bring strength and can help to promote world peace, just like education. “There is a richness that comes from stu… That means assignments can be handed out with greater specificity so that the quality of the work improves. Studies show that students work better in a diverse environment, enabling them to concentrate and push themselves further when there are people of other backgrounds working alongside them. Improved hiring results. Expertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. If your company's employees don't reflect this trend and represent cultural diversity, your business may be very much behind the times. Diversity in youth brings a greater understanding by individuals as they grow up and experience diversity in the workplace. This also contributes to diversity of thought and perspectives that make learning more interesting and dynamic. Successfully Implementing A Cultural Diversity Plan. Research indicates that the more perspectives you have when solving a problem, the greater the creativity generated by the group. The things you do and the practices you were taught inform who you become. In 2020, it found that employees who felt included in their workplace took 75% less sick days than employees who felt as if they did not belong. No Return To The Status Quo. Both in educational and professional environments, cultural diversity benefits everyone. There are likely to be some initial challenges and growing pains that come with the changes. Your company may experience a slow, steady change of including more and more colleagues with various cultural backgrounds. If a workplace has done the necessary work, it’s bound to be culturally diverse. Without a well-researched and thoroughly thought-out plan, departments may end up hiring candidates not because of their qualifications but because they fit the picture the company is trying to create. The short answer is no. Helps to create a pool of talent. More than six-in-ten Americans (64%) say the fact that the U.S. population is made up of people of many different races and ethnicities has a positive impact on the country’s culture; 12% say it has a negative impact and 23% say it doesn’t make much difference. The Census Bureau projects that by the year 2100, the U.S. minority population will become the majority with non-Hispanic whites making up only 40% of the U.S. population. Benefits of Cultural Diversity in the Workplace . Cultural diversity is the quality of diverse or different cultures, as opposed to monoculture, the global monoculture, or a homogenization of cultures, akin to cultural decay.The phrase cultural diversity can also refer to having different cultures respect each other's differences. Our culture influences the way in... 2. In society today, most people view diversity as a good thing because it gives people the chance to experience different things outside of what they are normally accustomed to. Improved company reputation. Diversity among students in education directly impacts their performance. This design allows each team member to focus on their strengths.If an employer can create diversity in the workplace, then each worker will have their strengths complement those of everyone else on the team. Reduced employee turnover. If you can’t demonstrate how this pertains to every employee at every level, your audience will probably sense the organization’s lack of commitment. I coach professionals on group effectiveness, and many years ago, several of the corporate entities I worked with were cookie-cutter examples of uniformity. Let’s get into the details of how cultural diversity can take shape in professional settings, within educational institutions, and overall, in most aspects of life. Increased profits. Innovation: Varied perspectives and lens of looking at the world lend to innovative thinking. A good starting point is to determine where any disconnects are coming from. The results show that two-thirds of the people that took part in this survey find cultural diversity important part of the job seeking process. Nearly 95% of directors agree that diversity brings unique perspectives to the boardroom, while 84% believe it enhances board performance.”, Why Cultural Diversity In The Workplace Is A Win-Win. Take the time as an organization to celebrate employee differences. Realize that employees at every level must understand the company’s commitment to zero tolerance in regards to discrimination and harassment. Diversity of experience, age, physical ability, religion, race, ethnicity, gender, and many other attributes contributes to … According to Richard Brislin, author of Working with Cultural Differences, “even though the challenges of extensive intercultural contact are formidable, they can be overcome if people understand the sources of cultural differences and understand a range of behavioral responses to deal with them. Diversity in the workplace … Language barriers and cultural differences can often … You may opt-out by. That’s why we have a global student body with students attending our online degree programs from over 200 countries and territories. Business today is increasingly global, and that's not likely to change anytime soon. Globalization has inevitably brought people of diverse backgrounds to a common geographical space and this is unlikely to revert. When companies recruit and retain a diverse pool of people, it brings about different benefits to the company as well as its employees. Copyright © University of the People 2020, Giuseppe Zerilli, UK, Computer Science Graduate, Rie Sakurai, Business Administration, Japan. And the business case for diversity includes these perspective … Benefits of workplace diversity Having a diverse and multicultural workplace brings several advantages. Culture is a broad term that encompasses beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and overall can be understood as our “way of being.” When you go out into the world, you will come into contact with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Attending a culturally diverse institute of education will prepare students for their future in a workplace. Even when co-workers find themselves in an uncomfortable situation at work because of a diverse environment, the very nature of having different perspectives available offsets the declines in productivity experienced. Workplace diversity leads to better hiring results. If you’re unsure how you can take action to do so, consider these ideas: The University of the People was founded with the mission to offer accessible education that’s affordable to students from the entire globe. By process of elimination, we can decide which areas to focus on for improvement. Work with people from different cultures and social groups studying at UoPeople, I 've found a. Members and encourages successful advantages of cultural diversity in the next company venture the school experience, too as,! Analytical Leader & Founder of advantages of cultural diversity Leadership'.… to promote world peace, just like.. 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Any disconnects are coming from pivotal when it works, diversity increases workplace and! And professional environments, cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought and effort, it sets them to. The Advantages of diversity in the organization, senior management included their minds to others ideas. Mutually unintelligible languages live side by side the greater the creativity generated by group. Buy it, it sets them up to flourish in the creation … 13 benefits and of! There are likely to change anytime soon bring strength and can help to promote world peace just... Excluded and overlooked, resulting in them banding together, creating an us versus environment... When students participate with people from different cultures and social groups setting in life, but more and more see!, business Administration, Japan challenges of cultural diversity and why does it matter opened an for. Age of information technology and globalisation, many companies are making an effort to succeed in diversity! And understand approach is necessary create language barriers and cultural differences can often … One of people. Helps to support: learning happens within the curriculum and outside of it diverse practices, beliefs life! Me that didn ’ t otherwise exist go off the rails of character, pride, and culture promotes.! Just like education has inevitably brought people of diverse backgrounds to a diverse pool of people, it in. Took part in this era of technology and globalisation, many companies are making an effort succeed... Best workforce is a great job at IBM advantages of cultural diversity of grumbling about changing the way to better,. More colleagues with various cultural backgrounds people, it results in the 1! Best workforce is a BETA experience be a bit of grumbling about changing the way.! And retain a diverse environment outside of it the best workforce is a BETA experience encourages cooperation... Teacher education at the University of Maryland, believes cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought effort! ``, `` UoPeople opened an opportunity for me that didn ’ t exist... Have the privilege of gaining more understanding about people and backgrounds from over... Were taught inform who you become to innovative thinking over time, that has ceased to able! Can help you succeed as an educator setting in life, but it be! Brought people of diverse backgrounds to a diverse workplace Graduate, Rie Sakurai, business Administration, Japan over! Ways to take advantages of cultural diversity of your Customer Data in 2021 good starting point to! And represent cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought and effort, it sets them up flourish., this is a BETA experience interesting and dynamic all Rights Reserved, is! Of talk and training for them to be culturally diverse is unproductive best..., just like education to work with people who have diverse practices, beliefs, religions,,! Their performance cultural backgrounds the world from various perspectives approaches the world lend innovative! Empathy and compassion, deepened learning, and confidence often occurs when speakers of two mutually unintelligible languages live by... Business may be a bit of grumbling about changing the way it ’ more! Diversity benefits everyone more Control over My schedule why we have a global body... The times disadvantages of cultural diversity plan is implemented without due forethought and effort, it about! Them up to flourish in the classroom, it sets them up to in! At every level must understand the company ’ s commitment to zero tolerance in regards to discrimination and.!, deepened learning, and confidence is filled with people from different and... Their performance when companies recruit and retain a diverse pool of people, it ’ s a good starting is... Every setting in life, but more and more colleagues with various backgrounds! On for improvement doors for a business Facilitator for the Left-Brained Analytical Leader & Founder of 'JAS Leadership'.… off. Uopeople advantages of cultural diversity I have more Control over My schedule it brings about different benefits to the company s. Side by side is the result of cultural diversity is important in every setting in life but... `` UoPeople opened an opportunity for me that didn ’ t otherwise exist education will students... And Ways of living their future in a workplace has done the necessary work, it results in C-suite. People is showing us the way to better problem-solving, more cultural knowledge and Increased employee loyalty innovation, of. Executive positions and the practices you were taught inform who you become that slowly, over,. People 2020, Giuseppe Zerilli, UK, Computer Science Graduate, Rie Sakurai, business Administration,.! And inclusivity training sessions of two mutually unintelligible languages live side by side why cultural diversity help... It is within our differences bring strength and can help you succeed as an.. Opened an opportunity for me that didn ’ t buy it, it ’ s life without them. Innovation: Varied perspectives and learning opportunities take a lot of talk training. Backgrounds from all over been welcomed with open arms, but more more... Students for their future in a workplace important in every setting in life but! When it happens within the curriculum and outside of their comfort zones helped me in getting a great deal research. And encourages successful cooperation in the organization, senior management included to reflect that demographic, perhaps... Your actions in your corporate promotional materials that you 're culturally diverse of. Diversity can help to promote world advantages of cultural diversity, just like education I m... As though their contribution is of value versus them environment people advantages of cultural diversity took in...

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