How to Manage Diversity People Skills for a Multicultural Workplace
Just as the United States is a melting pot, so are its workplaces. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than one-third of workplaces are comprised of minorities, and these figures are expected only to increase. While diversity offers a variety of advantages for businesses, managing diversity in a multicultural workplace requires ensuring that all employees have a healthy respect for people who are different than they are, and know how to communicate across cultural barriers.
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Instructions
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Create a company diversity policy to which the employees must adhere. Define what is meant by "diversity" in the policy, then set out rules of conduct that show an appreciation of diversity and prohibit discrimination.
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Provide training to new and current employees on the diversity policy. Explain how diversity is beneficial for the company. Give examples of conduct and speech that flies in the face of the policy. Then give examples of conduct and speech that is respectful of diversity.
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Set and model rules for engagement. People from different backgrounds can communicate differently. So that everyone is on the same page and misunderstandings are avoided, show employees how they should communicate with one another. This can include sitting and listening while one person speaks, and replying only when the person has finished speaking. Particularly during discussions, keeping to these rules can ensure civility.
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Create a mentoring program in which colleagues are paired with fellow employees from different backgrounds. By getting to know each other, they can gain an appreciation of each other's culture and practice communicating in a way that is respectful of cultural and other differences. This allows employees to develop or polish their diversity people skills.
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Handle intolerance for diversity by explaining, as the need arises, that various federal laws protect employees from discrimination based on race, origin, color, sex and religious beliefs. Show intolerant employees how discrimination is not only illegal, but counterproductive for the company.
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References
- University of Florida: Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and the Required Managerial Tools; Kelli A. Green et al, 2009
- Manager Wise: A Uniting Culture for the New Multicultural Workplace; Susan Dunn, 2011
- The Multicultural Advantage: Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions: Josh Greenberg, 2004
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Workforce in Opportunities
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
