Diversity In The Workplace - Blog #6 Due Tuesday July 2nd
Studies show that 52% of people prefer to work with people like themselves. This begs the question, "What about diversity in the workplace?" Since most of us cannot choose who we will have to communicate with at work, how do we navigate through the complexities of a multicultural workplace? The top 4 diversity issues that cause problems are:
1. Language Differences
2. Differences in Values and Etiquette
3. Tone of voice
4. "Clustering" (hanging out with others from similar backgrounds)
Post an example of how a difference in one of these areas has caused a misunderstanding due to diversity. Offer some suggestions on how you think communication between people from diverse backgrounds can relate better to each other.
The think language differences can always come in and cause issues. It may not just be the "communication" issue, but also the literal use of different languages, language background and its use. I have observed as well as been part of "issues" that have arisen from language differences and all the other diversity issues listed. I recently was involved in a situation when I was saying something to a co-worker and because of the tone of my voice, it cause a misinterpretation of the message that I was trying to communicate. It caused tension, which needed to be worked through quickly!
ReplyDeleteI think it's important for us to become more multiculturally aware and sensitive, but also mature! I think some people claim their differences are based on culture or generation...when in reality it's just immaturity. At least that is something I have noticed & my opinion. Genuine respect and consideration for others is also important. That helps with cultural sensitivity and awareness.
I work at subway, and when I first started there was this 19 year old boy that would take the sandwich I was making right out of my hands, and I would tell him that that was upsetting me and frustrating to me because I felt like we should work together instead of out doing each other. I asked him to wait until I past it to him instead of him crowding my area. His reply "I'm just doing my job."
ReplyDelete2.Differences in Values and Etiquette
I thought he was being rude and trying to show off that he was better and faster at making sandwiches than I was, but I now think that he was just trying to over achieve for insecurity reasons.
My solution was to calmly tell the manager what was going on and how it made me feel. He spoke with the 19 year old and was able to get us all on the same page and now I feel like we are a better happier team.
I am going to go with languages. I feel like it can cause a big deal in workplace or really any where only because when you have people around who do not know it they might take offense to it. I remember a time when I worked at a job and they would tell us upon hire that we were not allow to speak any other language expect for English, due to not everyone knowing other languages weather it was Spanish and so forth.
ReplyDeleteThe language barrier is a huge deal for some, especially here with lot of spanish speaking people. When someone overhears a conversation and doesn't know the language it is easy for their mind to wonder what is being said. In some cases this can lead to conflict or maybe even mistrust which will overall harm the relationship whatever kind it may be.
ReplyDeletethe best example I can think of involves a difference in values and etiquette.A friend of mine has issues with a coworker leaving the workplace without signing out or following proper office procedure,which usually leaves my friend alone in the office, when leaving. My friend is African-American and the coworker is not.
ReplyDeleteWhen asked about the matter the coworker assumes my friend is trying to be intimidating. Statements are made like "I am not afraid of you because you're black when the issue is the lack of consideration for others in the office. It's hard to discuss a problem to someone who refuses to see it and assumes you are being aggressive whenever you try to address the issue. In this particular situation it could benefit both parties greatly to include some type of mediator, someone who can see the real issue and help them deal with it. I personally believe the first step to communicating with a diverse group is to allow the other person room to communicate. It is also important not to view someone based on preconceived ideas or past experiences. Employers could offer team building projects such as office outings or seminars. Even though communication can be challenging we should each try to understand and hear in the same manner we desire to be understood and heard.
Tone of voice can cause misunderstandings in the workplace, I used to be a life guard at Sea World and the majority of the other life guards were around my age(16-18) and often times I don't think that people of that age are really aware of how they're coming across. They may think that when they ask a guest or even a supervisor to do something that they're saying it in a respectable tone but in reality they are speaking pretty rudely. Even though the exact same words could be coming out of two different peoples mouths the way that the words were said can definitely affect the way the listener perceives it and can cause misunderstandings.
ReplyDeleteI feel that all four could potentially cause difficulties in the workplace. First of all, there is little to no values and etiquette in the work place now a days. We experience this as the customer in many places. The language difference has also become an issue because other languages are being spoken. The co-workers or even the customer could feel that something negative is being said about them. As for the tone of voice, many people do not or are not aware of their deliverance/response. Plus, yes, there is definitely rudeness out there in the work place due to lack of respect for others. And lastly, "clustering", this will never dissolve. It's like being back in elementary where there were "cliques." People are too busy meddling into others business. The combination of these issues can make the workplace rather challenging. I feel that we need to take it upon ourselves to be the "difference" so that the challenges in the workplace will be less. I have experienced these in the workplace however, I step it up and most times come up ahead because I refuse to be involved. My past experiences have brought me to a better place and as I always say "I will be the better person."
ReplyDeleteWhen I was talking to someone once, they had a very loud tone. I knew that the person usually speaks like that so it didn't bother me, but someone else had heard the conversation and thought the other person was upset with me. They were going to say something but I told her that the person I was talking too just spoke in that matter of tone.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I have truly encountered this a lot in my work life. I always got along with all types of people quite well. My first "job" was the Navy, so I met a lot of people from many backgrounds. I learned a lot about many different cultures and found ways in which I am similar to all of them. Language can be an issue, although I have found that generally we can find a way past that barrier as well. I think we are all way more alike than we want to admit. We are all connected. We are all one! Love!
ReplyDeleteI think differences in values and etiquette causes the most problems because people tend to take these differences personally whereas language barriers are generally excused. I've experienced my fair share of difficult co-workers, but from my experience I've learned to ease into co-worker relationships and constantly remind myself that everyone is different and not to take certain comments or actions personally. I've learned that with time and patience most work place conflict because of differences in values and etiquette can be dodged.
ReplyDeleteTone of voice. My opinion is, it is easiest to misinterpret what someone is trying to convey if their tone of voice is off. Sometimes when I try to explain things to a customer, they take it as one way when it was meant as another, just due to the tone of voice I am using.
ReplyDeleteIm going to have to say laugues as well because as a cashier when you can not communicate with someone that makes your job really hard. for example my manager was trying to teach an employee a new skill but she spoke broken english and she was getting fustrated because the employee was not understanding what she wanted done.
ReplyDelete