what would we do without diversity in our workplaces ?

What would we do without diversity in our workplaces ?

As most companies seek to expand world-wide and some companies for example ROGERS, BELL, APPLE, MICROSOFT etc. are services used all around the world it is only logical that our workplaces be diverse. Diversity in our worplace, communities, and society shows that all men are equal, and appreciated and every idea is important to make our world what it is. Diversity on a whole is very important as it has been said many times, and should, i belive, continue to be encouraged in the work place.

Proverbs Mirror Culture

As we are on the topic of diversity in the workplace, it is also importaant to understand the people we are working with. So here are some example of proverbs from 4 different countries around the worl that reflect their beliefs and tradition and their culture altogether.

China-

A clever person turns great troubles into little ones and little ones into none at all.

 

India-

Large desire is endless poverty,and,I met a hundred men going to Delhi and everyone is my brother.

Jamaica-

No call alligator long mouth till you pass him,and,those who can't dance say the music is no good.

Greece-

First secure an independent income, then practice virtue, and, the old age of an eagle is better than the youth of a sparrow.

 

 

 

High-context and Low-context cultures

 

High-context cultures:

• Japanese
• Arab
• Latin American
• Spanish
• English

AND
Low-context cultures:

• Italian
  


• French
  


• North American
  


• Scandinavian


• German


• Swiss

Remember: low-context cultures are often;

open

straightforward

and emphasize their words

While high-context cultures are often;

formal

patient

and not very literal

Dimensions of Culture

Here are the last two components to the five dimensions of culture:

1) Communication Style

• high-context cultures are very:
• formal
• patient
• and not very literal
• use pictures to communicate
• and take cues pictures as well

And

• low-context cultures are very:
• open
• straightforward
• and emphasize their words

2) Time Orientation

In some cultures people are relaxed towards the time, as time seems endless and going on forever, therefore they do not see it as that important. Whereas in other cultures time is very important as it relates to money. efficency, productivity and everything business like.

Dimensions of culture

Here is the third of the five dimension of culture :

Formality

While North Americans don't quite focus on traditon, style, rules, (wheither social or non-social)and ceremony, many cultures, especially in Asia, are very traditional, ceremonial, focus on dress style, formality in speech and social interactions.

Dimensions of Culture

Here are two of the five dimensions of culture which need to be understood by people in the workforce for good communication between employees and other business transactors:

1)  Context

• low-context culture are found to be:
• precise
• well-grounded 
• action-oriented

And

• high-context culture are found to be:
• affiliated
• perceptive
• attentive
• and reflective

2) Individualism

• low-context individualism prefer:
• individual achievments
• individual ambition
• and self-assertion

And

• high-context individualism prefer:
• choices
• beliefs and group values
• responsibilites

                                                                                                                    By : Mark Harris

Diversity

When a company has become diversified it attracts a greater number of different ethnics groups, who bring to the company fresh ideas, knowledge and experience.

Here are some pointers when making buisness transactions with people from different cultures:

1) take time to understand and read upon other culture.

2)  Remember to keep and open mind when doing buisness but don't continue buisness if it disrupts basic values.

3) Don't make any decisions based on instinct, but if something seems wrong seek it out first, but don't be quick to judge.
  ( FOR MORE DIVERSITY CARTOONS PLEASE VISIT: http://www.glasbergen.com/business-computer-cartoons/?album=1&gallery=15 )