SU 7: Managing Corporate Diversity Flashcards
Europe has very complex _____ & _____ systems
Social and cultural systems
National cultures are _____
Intangible, pervasive and difficult to comprehend
Diversity (traditional model) can be defined broadly in terms of
Race, gender, age, lifestyle, pay level & disability
The inclusive model of diversity includes _____
All ways in which employees are different
What are the dividends of workplace diversity (pg 370)
- better use of employee talent
- increased understanding of the marketplace
- enhanced broadness of understanding leadership positions
- reduce costs associated with high turnover, absenteeism and lawsuits
- increased quality of team problem solving
What are factors that shape personal bias
- prejudice: tendency to view people who are different as being deficient
- discrimination: acts out negative attitudes towards people who are targets of prejudice
- stereotypes: rigid, exaggerated, irrational belief associated with a particular group of people
What’s the difference between stereotyping and valuing cultural differences
Stereotyping
- is based on false assumptions for impressions without any direct experience with a group
- assigns negative traits to members of a group
- assumes that all members of a group have the same characteristics
Valuing cultural differences
- is based on cultural differences verified by scientific research methods
- views cultural differences as positive or neutral
- does not assume that all individuals within a group have the same characteristics
What is ethnocentrism
It is when one believes that their group or subculture is inherently superior to other groups and cultures which makes it difficult to value diversity
What is diversity
It is defined as all the ways in which employees differ
What is a monoculture
The culture that accepts only one way of doing things and one set of values and beliefs
What is pluralism
Describes an environment in which the organization accommodates several subcultures, including employees who would otherwise feel isolated and ignored
What is ethno relativism
Is the belief that groups and subcultures are inherently equal
What are factors affecting women’s careers
- glass ceiling: an invisible barrier that exists for women and minorities that limits their upward mobility in organizations
- opt out trend: women are voluntarily leaving the workforce for various reasons
- female advantage: women are more collaborative, less hierarchical relationship-orientated. they are better able to deliver in terms of what modern society requires of people and demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that help them succeed in the workplace
What are the five steps to developing cultural competence (pg 380)
Step 1 - uncover diversity problems in the organization
Step 2 - strengthen top management commitment
Step 3 - choose solutions to fit a balanced strategy
Step 4 - demand results & revisit the goal
Step 5 - maintain momentum to change the culture
What are diversity initiatives and programs that address diversity problems
- enhancing structures and policies: structures designed to fit the stereotypical male employee now needs to change policies to facilitate and support diversity
- expanding recruitment efforts: organizations can offer internships for racial and ethnic minorities
- establishing mentor relationships: provides minorities and women with direct training and inside information on the norms and expectations of the organization, mentors also act as a friend or counselor, enabling the employee to feel more confident and capable.
- increasing awareness of sexual harassment
- using multicultural teams: teams made up of members from diverse national, racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- encouraging employee affinity groups: based on social identity such as gender or race and are organized by employees to focus on concerns of employees from that group
