Cultural diversity is about appreciating that society is made up of many different groups with different interests, skills, talents and needs It also means that you recognise that people in society can have differing religious beliefs and sexual orientations to you

Gender stereotyping refers to the practice of ascribing to an individual woman or man specific attributes, characteristics, or roles by reason only of her or his membership in the social group of women or men

The term “stereotype”, as it is understood today, was coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Lippmann He defines the term in his 1922 book, Public Opinion, as “the pictures in our heads” that we have of a specific group of people

Diverse cultural perspectives can inspire creativity and drive innovation Local market knowledge and insight makes a business more competitive and profitable Cultural sensitivity, insight, and local knowledge means higher quality, targeted marketing

Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live It helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not necessarily our own

Below are some tips on how to manage cultural differences in the workplace

1. 1 – Teamwork It is important to have an open mind towards the new culture, embrace teamwork activities and sharing of tasks rather than focus on individual differences
2. 2 – Model the right behaviour
3. 3 – Awareness
4. 4 – Communication

A diverse workplace can significantly improve team success, allowing for greater input from various sources When it comes to nursing, cultural awareness can improve the work environment for all co-workers, but can also improve patients’ experiences and satisfaction with their care

Workplace culture in an important factor to all workplaces It determines how pleasant or toxic your work environment is It has a direct influence on how your employee fits into the organisation and your organisation’s ability to attract and retain employees because it shapes the environment that they work in

Best Practices for Working with Different Cultures in the

1. Promote Understanding to Fight Stereotypes Most people grow up hearing stereotypes about certain cultures that are often unfair or untrue
2. Be Flexible with Employee Schedules
3. Host Team-Building Activities
4. Be an Empathetic Leader
5. Connect Diversity to Your Brand

Here are our top ten tips for effective cross-cultural communication:

• Maintain etiquette Many cultures have specific etiquette around the way they communicate
• Avoid slang
• Speak slowly
• Keep it simple
• Practice active listening
• Take turns to talk
• Write things down
• Avoid closed questions

Cultural Differences in the Workplace

• Inducting New Staff
• Dress codes
• Managing Performance
• Workplace Bullying
• Workplace Sexual Harassment
• Pregnancy and Work
• Injury and Illness
• Disability and Work

An example of cultural conflict is the debate over abortion Ethnic cleansing is another extreme example of cultural conflict Wars can also be a result of a cultural conflict; for example the differing views on slavery were one of the reasons for the American civil war

Unacceptable behaviour (including bullying, harassment and victimisation), may involve actions, words or physical gestures that could reasonably be perceived to be the cause of another person’s distress or discomfort

Seek out different perspectives You are relying on the same people, same perspectives, and same experience Get others involved Ask for their input and perspective Give others exciting development opportunities

Fifteen Ways to Show Your Value at Work

1. Be part of the bottom line
2. Remember that time is money
3. Sing your own praises (but not too loudly)
4. Recognize “deal or no deal” situations
5. Get smart
6. Be a confident innovator
7. Keep an eye on your e-trail