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 other’s perceptions.

Recognize effects of -ism on the others.
Teaching Tolerance

Tolerance is 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?
ABMHC’s Cultural Diversity
Committee Supports
SCDMH’s 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.
ABMHC’s Cultural Diversity
Committee Supports
SCDMH’s 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