HRD in a Culturally Diverse Environment

Chapter 15Human Resource Development

What Is Diversity?Although definitions vary, diversity simply refers to human characteristics that make people different from one anotherIndividual characteristics over which a person has little or no control include biologically determined characteristics such as race, sex, age, and certain physical attributes, as well as the family and society into which he or she is born.It is important to keep in mind the distinction between the sources of diversity and the diversity itself. Without this distinction, stereotyping tends to occur.

The set of activities involved in integrating nontraditional employees (women and minorities) into the work force and using their diversity to the firm’s competitive advantage.

Management of Diversity

Growth and Participation in The U.S. Labor Force (Actual and Projected), 1996-2006

AGE16-2425-5455 and older

SEXMenWomen

RACEAfrican-AmericansAsian-Americans and Other*Hispanic-AmericansNon-Hispanic White Americans

GROWTHActual

1986-1996Projected1996-2000

PARTICIPATIONActual1996

Projected2006

-9.427.5

7.2

3.811.7

12.968.058.2

7.3

13.24.8

43.8

4.410.4

8.033.736.2

7.2

15.872.3

12

53.846.2

11.04.19.5

75.3

16.468.115.4

52.647.4

10.74.9

11.772.7

* “Other” includes Asians, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Alaskan Natives.

Diversity as an AssetGreater creativity. Employee diversity can stimulate consideration of less obvious alternatives.Better problem solving. Homogenous groups are prone to a phenomenon called groupthink, in which all members quickly converge on a mistaken solution because they share the same mindset and view the problem through the lens of conformity.Greater system flexibility. In today’s rapidly changing business environments, flexibility is an important characteristic of successful firms.

Diversity Training

Adopt an inclusive definition of diversity that addresses all kinds of differences among employees, including (but not limited to) race, gender, national origin, disabilities and age.Make sure that top management is not only committed to establishing a diversity program but also communicates that commitment directly to all employees.

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Avoiding Backlash

Avoid political agendasTrainer should be a model for valuing diversityDon’t force people to reveal feelingsRespect individual life stylesDon’t put pressure on one group to change

Avoiding Backlash (continued)

Integrate with organizational overall approach to diversityAvoid taking a remedial approach identifying trainees as having problemsDistinguish between legal requirements and valuing diversityAvoid political correctness approachAllow open discussions

HRD Programs for Culturally Diverse Employees

Confront underlying assumptions, beliefs and attitudes that foster bigotry and stereotyping. Be an advocate for people who are victims.Examine organizational practices in the areas of socialization, orientation, career development, harassment.

Cross-Cultural Education and Training Programs

Impact of globalization: numerous employees sent on expatriate assignments.

Common elements of cross-cultural training:

Raise awareness of cultural differences.Focus on ways that attitudes are shaped.Provide factual information about each culture.Build skills (e.g., language, non-verbal communication, stress management, and adjustment skills).

HRD Programs for Culturally Diverse Employees

Existing HRD programs can be used to promote cultural diversity:

Socialization and orientationCareer developmentMentoring women and minoritiesSexual and racial harassment training

SummaryManaging a culturally diverse workforce requires a long-term, integrated effort.Success is most likely with:

Top management commitment.An inclusive view of diversity.Actions based on a combination of legal, moral, and economic arguments.Coordinated HRD efforts that promote diversity.

Diversity defines our world. How will you respond?

SIGNS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

Paris hotel: Please leave your values at front deskJapanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaidNorwegian bar: Ladies are requested to not have children in the barRussian sign: You are welcome to visit the cemetary where famous Russian composers, artists and writers are buried dailyMenu in Taiwan: Green people with beef fried rice