Building Intercultural Competence: Make the Most of Diversity in the Workplace

Cultural differences are like an iceberg: only a small portion is visible and the rest lies under the surface. Culture includes the values that belong to a certain group of people, whether economic, social or political. Individual workplaces also have their own culture, which new employees must adapt to. Like biodiversity in the environment, cultural diversity creates richness in the workplace environment. But without individual and collective appreciation for cultural diversity—and the skills to go with it—there can be communication breakdowns, social misunderstandings, strained relationships and lost productivity. Actively creating more inclusive workplaces can reap significant long-term rewards that are well worth the investment for teams that have accomplished this. By developing cultural competence, individuals and teams can make the most of diversity in the workplace. And, the good news is that cultural competence can be developed through practicing methods of inclusion, reflecting on your own cultural perspectives, learning new ways of relating, and pursuing opportunities to interact meaningfully with members of diverse cultures. Equipped with these skills, you can integrate diverse cultural perspectives more fully into your approach to your work and your work itself. Using a self-assessment tool both for individuals and teams, this session will help you better understand the role that cultural competence plays in creating a working culture where diverse perspectives are integrated. You’ll also learn practical techniques for communicating between cultures that will put you ahead of the curve.