Question

Is there any diversity issue involved here, if yes how can this diversity issue dealt with?

Answer 1

Diversity is the state of being in a mixture. There are different types of diversities as social, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, educational etc. As the world is progressing into a global village, people are getting increasingly mixed up. This involves mixing up of cultures which in turn evokes conflicts and issues, at least for the intolerant ones.

Companies these days are venturing into different markets and are employing people from different cultures. It is the duty of leaders and managers to guide such multi-cultural teams to achieve companies’ goals, as a team. Diversity issues arise when people from different backgrounds work together. For everyone, it is normal to be in a state which they have been in. For example, America is an information-based society while the middle east is a relationship based one. For an Indian it will be awkward to get kissed on the cheek while you greet while in the Europe, it is customary.

For effective diversity management, the leaders and managers shall live by examples. It shall come from the top and they shall be tolerant enough to accommodate new cultures and diversity.

Communication is the life blood of management and people shall communicate more to understand others better. Reflective communication skills shall be developed by people in multi-cultural situations.

Learning about cultural differences will help accommodate new cultures. Everyone is different and everyone needs to respect other’s differences. Sensitiveness shall be there for other people’s beliefs and religion.

Team building activities like parties and weekend get-togethers will help people understand others and their differences better.