CULTURAL

DIVERSITY IN THE
WORKPLACE
 Definition of Culture

Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of

knowledge, experience, beliefs, values,
attitudes and religion by a group of people
generally without thinking about them.
 Philosophy
Consider cultural competence a priority.
Culture is dynamic, therefore cultural
competence must be an on-going
process.
Cultural competence is the effective use
of social and interpersonal knowledge and
skills that demonstrates understanding
and appreciation of individual and group
differences and similarities.
 Cultural Diversity in the
Workplace
Cultural diversity in the workplace
provides strength. It also challenges
individuals to respond to their diverse
work environment effectively.
Valuing individual and group cultural
differences is critical to achieving the
organizational goals.
 Cultural Awareness
Know your own cultural background.

Recognize your own stereotypes and biases.

Gain knowledge of cultural history and

heritage.

Be aware of others perceptions.

Recognize effects of -ism on the others.

 Teaching Tolerance

Toleranceis defined as recognition of

and respect for the opinions, practices
or behavior of others.
 Remember . . .

People long
to be celebrated,
not tolerated!
 Forming a Team

There are three important characteristics of

teams: size, diversity and interdependence.
Teams diverse in skill sets and knowledge
levels, as well as ethnicity and culture,
perform better than those with identical
skills sets.

Diversity actually decreases team conflicts

and enhances creativity.
ARE YOU PART OF THE
TEAM?
ABMHCs Cultural Diversity
Committee Supports
SCDMHs Focus
To teach employees communication and
conflict resolution techniques to be used in
the framework of working with a culturally
diverse population whose members may
solve problems in very different ways.
ABMHCs Cultural Diversity
Committee Supports
SCDMHs Mission

To support the Recovery mission through

the continual development of a culturally
aware, culturally knowledgeable, and
culturally skilled workforce.
Cultural Diversity Activities

Multicultural Calendars (cultural

information divided by the month, holiday
and country)
Readings
Quizzes
Fact sheets
Other tools that foster dialogue and
questions within the organization
 Why are Activities
Important?
They help clinicians reach clients who may
benefit from a more hands-on or practical
learning experience.
They encourage clients to become actively
involved in the therapeutic process without
bias, rather than being passive recipients.
HAVE A HAND IN DIVERSITY
 FOUR STEPS TO
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
SUCCESS
 I. Leadership Driven

Create and maintain culturally

and linguistically competent
services by supporting:
Multiculturalism embedded into
all organizational units.
Continued efforts to recruit,
retain and develop a culturally
diverse workforce.
 II. Staff Oriented

Support cultural competency of

the staff.
 III. Client Oriented

To support and promote the

involvement of clients, families
and advocacy groups in the
planning and development of
care.
 IV. Information Driven

To support monitoring and

dissemination of the level of
cultural awareness, knowledge
and skills
 Life Without Diversity
Close your eyes and imagine that
everyone in the room is the same. Exactly
the same! Same hair, eye color, height,
weight, gender, race, language. Everyone
dresses the same and sounds the same.

Now open your eyes, look to your left and

your
right.
What do you see?
ONE MIND, ONE RACE
 DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Learn about other cultures.

Know respectful behavior.

Identify a cultural guide.

Gain entry into the community.

 Conclusion

Learning about and accepting diversity

can
improve your interpersonal effectiveness
and increase your personal and
professional
opportunities.
 Cultural Diversity
in the Workplace
Resource:
http://www.state.sc.us/dmh/multi_culture/home.html

If any additional information regarding this presentation

is
needed, please contact Terry Miller or Cynthia Smith.

Thank You For Your Time!

The Cultural Diversity Committee at ABMHC