Diversity

Question 1

Homogeneous Groups

Answer 1

Members share many of the same characteristics, such as experience, culture, age, socio-economic status and gender
Members are all very alike
Have fewer resources
Engage in less controversy
Generally have lower performance expectations and outcomes

Question 2

Heterogeneous Groups

Answer 2

Members have many different characteristics; heterogeneous groups generally perform better than homogeneous groups
A lot of variety/diversity among members

Question 3

Making Member Diversity a Strength

Answer 3

1. Ensure a high level of interdependence
2. Create a superordinate group identity
3. Learn about diversity through members
4. Clarify miscommunications

Question 4

Ensure a High Level of Interdependence

Answer 4

Make sure we are all depending on one another and working towards the same goal
Agree on mutual goals
Build trust between members (key)
Provide avenues for accountability for all members (establish roles)
Promote face to face interaction
Encourage relationships AND productivity

Question 5

Create a Superordinate Group Identity

Answer 5

Something that is strong and will stand out
Create one from many
Each individual member must appreciate and continuously re-evaluate what they bring to the table
Appreciate the identities of others in the group; see them as people of value regardless of differences
Encourage a new identity development as “group member”
Adopt homogeneous values concerning group goals and group process (want to foster coming together and diversity when creating/defining goals as much as possible)

Question 6

Learn About Diversity Through Members

Answer 6

Interaction: seek opportunities to interact with diverse group members
Trust: Realize that people will have questions out of sheer curiosity; questions about differences are not challenges to diversity
Candor: Encourage group members to be candid by openly discussing opinions with you. If trust is in place, this should not be challenging.

Question 7

Clarifying Miscommunications

Answer 7

Language sensitivity: avoid using terms that devalue individuals or ignore their worth. Use person-centered language instead of labeling
Awareness of verbal and non-verbal language: non-verbal language in one culture may mean different things in another, ask questions and embrace opportunities to become aware of these cultural differences

Question 8

Guidelines for Communication

Answer 8

Negotiate for meaning: make sure you fully understand what someone means, if not have the back-and-forth dialogue until it is clear
Watch non-verbal language for an indication of understanding: watch for subtleties, mirroring
Be patient with communication: take time for dialogue and allow lines of communication to remain open throughout the process

Question 9

Embracing Diversity in Groups

Answer 9

Diversity allows us more resources
Diversity encourages dissent and controversy, which enhances understanding within groups
Diversity challenges the status quo (even bringing someone in from a different department can help generate new ideas or identify flaws)
Increasing diversity costs very little, economically