Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking Flashcards
What is diversity in the workplace?
A workplace that has a range of diverse individuals in terms of; age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, education etc…
What are the advantages of having a diverse team?
- Different ideas and new ways of thinking
- Different experiences
- Adds to company culture
- Sense of belonging which boosts productivity
What is inclusion in the workplace?
A work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources and can contribute fully to the organisations success.
What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?
Diversity - the characteristics that make us different
Inclusion - making everyone feel comfortable and equal
What is unconscious bias?
The underlying attitudes and stereotypes that people unconsciously attribute to another person or group of people that affects how they understand and engage with that person or group.
What is equal opportunity?
Ensuring everybody has an equal chance to take up opportunities and make full use of the opportunities on offer and to fulfil their potential
What is teamworking?
A cooperative effort by a group of people to achieve a common goal.
What makes a good teamworking?
- Common sense of purpose
- Clear understanding of objectives
- Mutual respect
- Valuing members strengths/weaknesses
- Range of skills
- Range of personalities
- Willingness to share knowledge and speak openly
What are the benefits of teamworking?
- Shared workload
- Improved productivity
- Improved quality
- Shared knowledge
- Problem solving capability increased
- Utilises different skillsets
Team v committee?
Committee is a group of appointed people for a function. Team is a group working towards a common goal
How would you deal with an inexperienced team member?
- Provide encouragement and motivation
- Give constructive feedback
- Provide support where needed
How to promote open discussions in a team?
- Create a calm relaxed environment
- Promote culture where people can ask questions
- Encourage involvement from all parties
Why might a team fail?
- Poor selection of team members that do not meet the skills required to meet the objective
- Inadequate resource
- Poor leadership
- Conflicting personalities
What is Tuckman’s theoretical model?
Focuses on the way in which a team from formation through to completion, focuses on the key stages:
- Forming - specify goals and behaviours
- Storming - conflicts and negotiation
- Norming - consensus and team spirit
- Performing - finding balance of conformity and deviance
- Adjourning - feedback and dispersion
What is Dr Belbin’s model?
Identifies nine team roles within 3 categories
1) Action-oriented
i. Shaper
ii. Implementer
iii. Completer
2) People-oriented
i. Coordinator
ii. Team worker
iii. Resource investigator
3) Thought oriented
i. Plant
ii. Monitor evaluator
ii. Specialist
Leadership vs management
Leadership is more about setting new direction/vision
Management is about controlling/directing a team in accordance with pre-established values.
How to improve team dynamics?
- Know the team and their motivations
- Empowerment
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Clear communication
How to challenge unconscious bias?
- Acknowledge your biases
- Educate yourself through training
- Slow down decision making
- Challenge your biases
What is discrimination?
- An unjust prejudiced treatment of different categories of people
What is the Equality Act?
Legislation that came into place in 2010. Replaced a number of key acts such as:
- Equal pay act
- Sex discrimination act
- Race relations act
Protects everyone in the UK against discrimination, harassment and victimisation.
What are the 9 protected characteristics under the equality act?
Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnerships, pregnancy, race, religion/belief, sex, sexual orientation
What is the IEQM?
Inclusive Employer Quality Mark
Has 4 key principles:
1) Leadership
2) Recruitment
3) Culture
4) Development
Focuses on changing behaviour of firms to increase inclusivity in the workplace.
What are the four team structures?
Hierarchical - employees ranked, one level above the next
Flat - everyone on a level playing field
Divisional - large structure where each time funcations as its own unit
Functional - similar to hierarchical but responsibilities are divided into functions.
Four types of discrimination
1) Direct: treating someone differently due to an underlying reason e.g. sexual orientation
2) Indirect: less obvious type, usually unintentional (similar to unconscious bias)
3) Harassment: negative behaviour that violates dignity or is offensive towards someone e.g. bullying or inappropriate questions.
4) Victimisation: when someone is treated unfairly because they have undertaken an action in good faith, such as making or supporting a complaint.
How can a business encourage diversity in the indsutry?
-Transparent and open recruitment
-Education, training and initiatives
-Mentorship
-Signing up to IEQM
G&T Policy on EDI?
Commitment to building a culture that values meritocracy, openness, fairness and transparency. Includes:
- The law
- The firms commitment
- Responsibilities of individuals
-Grievances and disciplinary procedures
- Monitoring and review
- Data protection
What are the 4 key IEQM principles?
Leadership - Demonstrate commitment at the highest level to increasing diversity in the workplace
Recruitment - Engage and attract new people into the industry from underrepresented groups
Culture - have an inclusive culture, where all staff are developing, delivering, monitoring and assessing diversity and inclusion
Development - training and promotion policies offer equal access to all members of the work force
What are the drawbacks of teamworking?
- Unequal participation
- Intrinsic conflict
- Slower decision-making
- Loss of creativity
