Final paper

Cultural Diversity

Janet McMillan

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Cultural Diversity

I. Introduction

Culture derives from various social elements such as language customs, beliefs, rules and also practices (Faure, 2000). Cultural diversity, on the other hand, is a concept based on cultural variations. The existence of different cultures in the current society can be mainly attributed to cross national migrations all over the world. People from different cultures migrate in search of better living conditions due the perception that other countries offer better economic opportunities. Culture affects how a community perceives certain things in the society. For instance, what is unethical in one society may be found to be permissible in another. .

II. Benefits of diversity in the workplace

A. Cultural diversity is often experienced in the workplace.

B. People from varied cultures come together with an aim of achieving the organizations goals and objectives.

C. Successful organizations can attribute their achievements to the varied cultures present in their organization. Culture brings expertise and skill to the company for purposes of increasing profitability, efficiency and skill (Greenberg, 2014).

III. Challenges arising from workplace diversity

A. Problems of diversity are often experienced in the workplace.

B. Issues of misunderstanding each other due to cultural norms and values often arise. Additionally, there are employers who treat people from different cultural backgrounds differently.

C. You will find that in one organization, people from a certain culture are dominant and receive positive treatment from their supervisors at the expense of minority cultures.

D. The issue of racial discrimination in the workplace.

E. Employees may also complain of being denied promotion and certain benefits because of professing a culture that is new in the organization.

IV. Experiences from diversity in the workplace

A. People from different cultures have varied opinions in terms of the treatments they receive in their organizations.

B. In respect to culture, such sentiments are usually informed by the individual’s attitude towards the employer or his or her coworkers.

C. There are those who think that they get treated negatively because they come from a different cultural background.

D. Such misconceptions oppose the motive behind a diverse workforce.

E. Complaints, of not receiving promotions, may arise and in extreme cases a disgruntled employee may opt to sue the organization.

V. Dealing with Diversity Issues

A. To avoid problems that arise from varied cultures within the organization, managers should seek to understand the people from different groups.

B. Brown (1995) states that it may be challenging to learn ones culture unless you familiarize with the customs, practices and attitudes associated with that culture.

C. Monthly or annual forums should be put in place for workers to showcase their culture and to communicate the importance of diversity.

D. This will give other works an opportunity to learn about their colleague’s thus enhancing acceptance within the workplace.

VI. Conclusion

Differences in culture is a valuable concept for developing the society we live in as it helps in nurturing human values, skills, attitudes and strengthens choices. Recognizing cultural diversity in an organization is of value as it yields positive relationships among the employees thus creating a favorable working atmosphere for everyone within the organization.

References

Brown, A. (1995). Organizational Culture, Pitman, London, Kluwer Academic Publishers, vol. 9.

Faure G. O. (2000).The Cultural Dimension of Negotiation: The Chinese Case. Group Decision and Negotiation

Greenberg, J. (2014). Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions. http://www.multiculturaladvantage.com/recruit/diversity/diversity-in-the-workplace-benefits-challenges-solutions.asp