Diversity Awareness

Author

Institution

Introduction

Diversity has been one of the most explored concepts in the contemporary world. This is especially considering that the world has undergone a paradigm shift with individuals from different backgrounds living in the same environments.

Reasons for taking the course

Taking this course was necessitated by the need to understand the ways in which one can live in a harmonious way with individuals from different backgrounds. Understanding of the concept of diversity would essentially allow for peaceful resolution of conflicts, which would essentially allow for enhanced cooperation.

In addition, I acknowledged that individuals have different strengths and weaknesses, likes and preferences. Taking this course would equip one with strategies in which one can harness the strengths of individuals while suppressing their weaknesses, thereby enhancing productivity.

How the course has affected my “diversity awareness”

The course has allowed me to see diversity as encompassing respect and acceptance of the uniqueness of other individuals and the recognition of the individual differences. The differences may be along dimensions such as sexual orientation, age, religion, physical abilities, gender, ethnicity or race. In this case, it has expanded my awareness to varied perspectives where I do not assume universality in the conduct of human beings from different backgrounds.

In addition, it has allowed me to be always on the lookout for elements of prejudice, stereotypes and bias irrespective of how subtle they may be or even the manner in which they are expressed.

How the course has affected my “diversity understanding” (8)

This course has enhanced diversity understanding in the recognition of the importance of understanding each other and going beyond simple tolerance to celebrating and embracing the rich dimensions pertaining to diversity incorporated in every individual.

In addition, it has allowed for the exploration of the manner in which the individual differences of people from diverse backgrounds can be singularly or in combination be harnessed so as to contribute to the incredible richness of the institutions within which people operate and the societies at large.

How the course has affected my “diversity skills”

This course has allowed for the re-examination of my diversity skills especially pertaining to communication. This is especially considering that communication makes up the most fundamental part of interaction and determines the strength of relationships created.

In addition, it has modified my thinking so as to incorporate flexibility especially with regard to my interaction with people from different backgrounds. This comes in handy in reviewing the opinions, perceptions and ideas of other people and enhancing cohesion between people of different backgrounds.

Steps to becoming a more diversity-conscious individual

One of the key steps to becoming a diversity conscious individual is striving to learn about the varied aspects of other cultures. There exists numerous written resources covering different cultures, which would equip one with the necessary knowledge on the cultures, their sensitivities and way of life.

In addition, it would be imperative that diversity training sessions are held on a weekly, bimonthly or monthly basis. In these sessions, individuals from different cultures and backgrounds would be asked to make a small presentation that covers an aspect of their identity, including religion, race, age, gender, physical handicap or even national origin. The participants would be encouraged to talk about the hurdles and positive experiences that they encounter, thereby enhancing diversity consciousness among the participants.

Benefits of valuing diversity

Valuing diversity comes with a number of benefits both at the individual level and group level.

First, the individual team members develop an awareness of each other’s distinctive capabilities, as well as learn to identify ways of using these strengths to achieve a common objective in a more effective manner (Page, 2011). This would eliminate inefficiencies and increase productivity, as well as create competitive advantage for the organization and project team.

In addition, valuing diversity results in improved interpersonal relationships. Scholars note that team members who appreciate and comprehend differences are more capable of resolving conflicts through consideration of the likely cultural differences and barriers in styles of conflict resolution (Page, 2011). On the same note, they have better capacity of cooperating and relating to fellow members after this comprehension and appreciation of the numerous member backgrounds and experiences.

Third, valuing diversity results in enhanced personal satisfaction and sense of belonging. In instances where diversity is valued, individuals would be less likely to strive to conform to the norms and standards of the group, which leads to the broadening of the way of thought of the individuals and enhancing of personal satisfaction with oneself. This, essentially, results in more confident team members.

How communication promotes diversity awareness

Effective communication, in any environment, plays an immense role in enhancing diversity awareness.

First, it makes an individual feel that he has been appropriately heard and understood. Scholars have stated that this would come in handy in enhancing the strength and depth of the connection between individuals in the same group.

In addition, it creates an environment where every person feels safe and free to express his opinions, feelings and ideas without the fear of admonishment. This would increase the capacity of individuals to understand each other.

In addition, it comes in handy in relieving negative emotions especially in instances where emotions run high. Effective communication would make the individual know that he has been truly heard, thereby relieving negative emotions and allowing for effective comprehension.

How to improve communication to enhance cooperation

Varied strategies may be using in improving communication to enhance cooperation.

First, it is imperative that one pays attention to his or her listening skills. Indeed, scholars have noted that listening is one of the most fundamental components of communication as it gives the impression that the ideas and opinions of the other party are important. This enhances the confidence and satisfaction between the parties involved and allows for effective cooperation between the different players.

Second, it is imperative that one confirms that there is mutual understanding to the things about which they were communicating. More often than not, individuals think that they have come to an understanding and reached a resolution only for them to realize that they completely misunderstood the thoughts of the other person. Feedback would not only confirm successful communication, but also make the other party feel understood and heard, thereby enhancing cooperation.

Personal diversity goals

In enhancing diversity in every environment within which I live, I have set certain goals that I would need to achieve.

First, I have purposed to promote a culture that encourages personal growth and development of all individuals irrespective of their backgrounds or characteristics.

Second, I have purposed to create and maintain effective relationships with different associations, communities and societies.

How to achieve diversity goals and create an environment that values diversity.

In achieving the specified diversity goals, varied efforts need to be made.

First, I will strive to demonstrate concern, trust and respect for the welfare of all people with whom I interact. This would essentially underline the invaluable nature of the people irrespective of their cultural backgrounds thereby enhancing their personal growth.

Second, it is imperative that I comply with all the applicable executive orders and statutes pertaining to equal educational and employment opportunities, as well as the requirements of affirmative action (Mor, 2006). This will have both a personal and community impact especially considering that compliance would affect the growth opportunities that are available to other people.

On the same note, it will be imperative that I uphold the principles of fairness, growth, opportunity and inclusion for all parties with whom I interact. This strategy would have an impact on the personal and the community level especially considering that such a behavior would also affect the growth opportunities and acceptance of other people in the community and workplaces, as well as inspire similar behavior and standards on other people in the organizations or institutions within which I work (Mor, 2006).

Resources necessary for honoring the commitments

Nevertheless, the achievement of these commitments requires that varied resources be available.

First, it is imperative that there exists a clearly stated policy that supports diversity in the institutions (Mor, 2006). These rules, mission statements and regulations would set the standards of conduct that would underline the expected behavior in the institutions.

Second, it is imperative that there exists specific statutes openly discouraging discrimination on any basis. Indeed, the institutions should expressly state one of their goals as the measurement and contribution in the creation of an environment that is characterized by respect, where individuals value diverse perspectives (Mor, 2006). This would essentially come with specific strategies and commitments to the achievement of the said goals.

Lastly, it is imperative that the institutions hold seminars and programs aimed at enhancing diversity awareness.

References

Page, S. E. (2011). Diversity and Complexity. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Mor, B. M. E. (2006). Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Thousand Oaks, Calif. [u.a.: Sage Publ.