A quick and brief understanding of Cultural sensitivity and diversity in workplace.

1. Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity in
Workplace
Prerna Tiwary
MBA-Oct'18

2. OBJECTIVES
 Introduction and Meaning
 Challenges
 Advantages for organisation
 Understanding the context with Example

3. Introduction and Meaning
 Diversity is the way of life. It can either be considered as a
melting pot or a mixing bowl.
Meaning of Diversity:
 Recognition that each of the different people at work are
unique in their own way. Either it be talent, skills, personality,
traits, physical abilities, personal background, cultural belief,
thoughts, point of view, etc.
 Its about “Learning from others” who are not the same about
respect for all, dignity and about creating workplace
environments and practices that encourages learning from
others and captures the advantages of diverse perspective.

4. Characteristics
 Primary Characteristics : The characteristics we are born with.
E.g : Eye color, Gender, Hair Color, Race, birth defects and skin
color.
 Secondary Characteristics :
● Religion – Education, Status
● Geographical Location – Dress, Skills
● Political Condition – Marital Status, Tertiary
Charateristics linked to personality and style.

5. Challenges of Cross Cultural
Communications
There are assumptions that makes it difficult to accept others
who are different from us. They includes :
 Assumption of Superiority : I am better.
 Assumption of correctness : My way is the correct way.
 Assumption of universality : We are all humans. But if you are
less than me you must be a sub-human.
 Other barriers are : Prejudice, Perceptions, Stereotypes and
Discrimination.

6. Advantages For Organization
 Helps to appreciate our differences and the potential value
they bring to the organisation.
 It promotes stronger and healthier organisation.
 Promotes creativity and greater variety of solutions to the
problems.
 Promotes greater productivity and competitive advantage.

7. Example
LATINO USA
In Latino employees are being taught
that their works should do the talking
instead of them talking about their
achievements.
Whereas, in USA people don't get
promoted if they don't know or speak
about their achievements as the
companies in USA expects that their
employee should promote their
contribution towards the organisation.

8. Thank you.