Culture & Global Diversity
It’s fairly well accepted that with each passing day, societies and organizations are becoming less homogenous and we find ourselves dealing with cultural diversity in many more places of our lives. From our neighborhoods and schools to our workplaces and virtual communities, we are much more likely to interact with people who are different from ourselves. There are similarities, too, of course; yet it is the ability to discern which differences are making a difference, that is the key to fulfilling the promise of diversity.
Many organizations have begun to focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, attempting to manage the myriad of differences that are found in the modern workplace. In the US, for example, race, religion, gender, age, physical abilities, and sexual orientation are but a few of the standard components of “diversity”. On a global scale, we often see gender and generation as the most common starting place for exploring the impact of diversity--and increasingly, worldwide, we are starting to also see components such as ethnicity, immigration status, religion, nationality, and native language becoming part of the discussion. Sometimes even socio-economic class and sexual orientation are part of the global diversity dialogue.
Managing this global diversity requires a commitment to it and an understanding of it. Looking at the culture of a specific group--including that group's frame regarding experiences and shared influences--can add to this understanding and can provide a basis for meaningful engagement. LCW’s service offerings address global diversity in a new and powerful way.
Global Diversity and its correlation to culture is a regular topic on our blog at www.NavigatingCultures.com. For example, there you can explore:
Are Female Cultural Patterns Something to be 'Overcome'?'
LGBT Institutions of Influence
Generations and Privacy: Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Net Gen
6 Major Differences Between Diversity Training and Intercultural Training
The Intersection of Diversity, Inclusion and Culture
What, Me!? Ethnocentric? What Americans and Indians (and some Japanese) Say About Working Together