Views on Diversity
Pablo believes that diversity is the most important issue in our culture, and that it is greatly underemphasized. On the other hand, Ralph rarely thinks of diversity, except when it is mentioned in the workplace. Monica is sensitized to multicultural issues because her parents are immigrants who still struggle with discrimination after being here for 20 years.
To obtain a cross-section of what people think about diversity, conduct five-minute interviews with three individuals you don’t know well, and assess their views on diversity. You have been provided an Informed Consent document for the respondents to sign along with verbally consenting to participate in this assignment. This is to enable that the respondents demonstrate a clear understanding of the meaning and purpose of this assignment. While you are expected to use the informed consent form in keeping with ethical practices for data collection, you do not need to submit it to the instructor as part of the assignment.
Ask the respondents the following questions and record their answers:
When you hear the word diversity mentioned in the workplace, in the media, or in casual conversation, what meaning do you assign this term?
Does a particular race, ethnic group, or other minority group come to mind when you think of diversity? Does one of these groups pertain to you?
Do you think the majority of people in our culture:
Respect cultural differences among groups of people.
Show indifference to cultural differences.
Lack respect for cultural differences. Explain each choice.
If you were to make a suggestion about how our culture should handle diversity over the next decade, what would it be?
Sample Solution
Views on Diversity
The first word and meaning that comes to mind when a person think about diversity is inclusion, making everyone feel like he/she belongs regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic background, disabilities, or sexual orientation. It means people coming together regardless of their backgrounds and living, working and going to school together. When we come across cultural differences, and are unable to recognize and deal with them, our responses are emotional. This can have a detrimental impact on many factors including sense of well-being and confidence. Anxiety and stress are common reactions for people new to working in a foreign culture. Receiving respect from others is important because it helps us to feel safe and to express ourselves. Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, regardless of the cultural indifference.
