Diversity, Inclusion & Teamworking - Level 1

Question 1

Tell me about an example of where you have worked well in a team

Question 2

How successful do you think this team was?

Question 3

How could you have improved your role within the team?

Question 4

What is a common issue you have come across when working in a team?

Question 5

Why is diversity and inclusivity valuable to businesses/teams?

Answer 5

1. Increased creativity and innovation - different perspectives and ideas
2. Improved decision-making - diverse team is likely to consider a range of viewpoints and potential outcomes which can lead to a better overall decision
3. Increased employee engagement and retention - employees feel valued wen working in an environment that embraces diversity
4. Enhanced reputation - businesses committed to diversity and inclusivity is often seen as more socially responsible and attractive to potential employees

Question 6

What are the differences between diversity and inclusion?

Answer 6

Diversity = differences among people (e.g. background and characteristics)

Inclusion = the act of creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported regardless of differences

Question 7

What does inclusive communication include?

Answer 7

Way of communicating which considers the needs and preferences of diverse individuals or groups - it involves using language and formats that are accessible an easily understood by everyone, regardless of their background or characteristics

e.g.
1. providing information in multiple formats - written, audio and visual
2. Providing translation

Question 8

What is partnering and collaborative working?

Answer 8

Approach of working together in a cooperative and coordinated way between different parties such as clients and stakeholders.

The aim is to establish a long-term relationship based on trust, open communication and mutual respect.

Question 9

What is unconscious bias and how can you reduce it?

Answer 9

Refers to the attitudes, stereotypes or judgements that people may hold towards certain groups of people without realising it.

Reducing unconscious bias can be challenging but some steps are:
1. Education
2. Challenge your assumptions and biases by seeking diverse perspectives
3. Encourage open dialogue and feedback among team members
4. Use objective criteria when hiring / performance evaluation

Question 10

What policies does your company have and how do you comply with them?

Question 11

Explain what the RICS inclusive Employer Quality Mark is

Answer 11

Recognition scheme for organisations that have made a commitment to improving diversity and inclusion within their workplace. The scheme is designed to help firms identify areas of improvement and provide support and guidance to make positive changes.

Question 12

What is a RACI matrix?

Answer 12

Ways of working matrix that is used to clarify and define the roles and responsibilities in a project or process

Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed

Question 13

What is a strategic alliance?

Answer 13

Collaborative relationship between two or more firms or individuals who agree to work together in pursuit of a common goal or objective.

Question 14

Explain your understanding of supply chain management

Answer 14

Coordination and management of all activities involved in the production and delivery of goods and services to customers.

Question 15

What legislation relates to selecting a project team?

Answer 15

Equality Act 2010

Question 16

Why is accountability and responsibility important when working in a team?

Answer 16

They help to establish a clear understanding of each team member’s role, tasks and objectives. This creates a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the projects success.

Question 17

Explain Tuckerman’s theory in relation to teamwork

Answer 17

The stages in order to become high-performing:

1. Forming - getting to know the team and setting goals
2. Storming - conflicts and tensions arise as team members assert opinions
3. Norming - resolve conflicts and work together
4. Performing - team is highly effective and works together
5. Adjourning - team completes work and moves on to next project

Theory is that teams need to go through these stages to develop trust, communication and shared understanding.

Question 18

Explain the Belbin team roles

Answer 18

1. Plant - creative, unorthodox and imaginative problem solver
2. Monitor evaluator - analytical and objective
3. Coordinator - confident individual managing team focus
4. Resource investigator - extroverted person who explores opportunity
5. Implementer - turns ideas to action
6. Completer Finisher - detail-oriented who ensures tasks completed on time
7. Teamworker - diplomatic and supportive
8. Shaper - dynamic and energetic who motivates
9. Specialist - focused individual with in-depth knowledge

Teams should have a balance of these roles to achieve optimal performance.

Question 19

Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Answer 19

People cannot move up hierarchy until lower needs have been satisfied. Once satisfied it no longer motivates behaviour and the individual moves to the next level. In order:

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety needs
3. Love and belonging
4. Esteem needs
5. Self-actualisation needs

Question 20

Explain how the RICS Rules of Conduct relate to inclusion and diversity

Answer 20

Rule 4 - treat others with respect and encourage diversity and inclusion

Question 21

What is Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE)?

Answer 21

Global assessment methodology and business certification standard that aims to help organisations create an optimal workplace for gender equality.

Question 22

What is neurodiversity?

Answer 22

The range of variations in the human brain and nervous system.

The concept of neurodiversity emphasises acceptance and inclusion of all individuals regardless of their neurological makeup, and aims to promote a more equitable and diverse society.

Question 23

How and why should neurodiversity be accommodated in the workplace?

Answer 23

How:
1. Flexible work arrangements
2. Sensory accommodations
3. Clear communication
4. Coaching and mentoring

Why:
1. Enhance diversity and inclusion
2. Boost productivity and creativity
3. promote employee well-being

Question 24

Explain the aims of the Memorandum of Understanding: Creating a More Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Built Environment Sector

Answer 24

An agreement between several organisations in the UK, including the RICS, to work together to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the built environment sector.

The aims are:
1. To increase representation of underrepresented groups
2. To create a more inclusive culture
3. To create a more equitable sector by removing barriers to entry
4. To collaborate on initiatives and projects that support the aims of the memo