Psychology

Individual differences is a group concern that Human Resurce managers attend to. A greater concern however arises when these indivuals do not just differ in terms of personality but also in culture. One of the countries with greater cultural diversity is the United States. It is a home to the White and Black Americans, to the Hispanic, the Asian and a few of the Africans.

Workplace diversity is now more than just an issue of discrimination. One of the issues that arises in workplace with diverse culture is communication. Since communication both involves spoken and unspoken language, miscommunication can occur not just from the language barriers but also in the manner of getting things across. While it is difficult to convey ideas in language that you are not used to, it is even more difficult to convey in a manner acceptable to others. For example, other countries are more gentle in their manner of speech, while others are not. The way of getting things across can then be misinterpreted by other cultures. Some have found ways to address the language barriers such as giving ESL classes to the workers or at least be familiar with the common terms used in business.

In summary, the problem of diversity lies in the inability of people to accept, recognize and appreciate others from different cultures. This inability to accept and appreciate is sometimes due to stereotypes and prejudices, which can be blamed to the persons environment. It is this prejudices that breeds discrimination.

Prejudices divests respect for each other. With lack of respect people will certainly fail to get along well. Instead, this may cause hurts and quarreling, which may lead to further generalizations about a country or a race.

Response On Cristinas post
Indeed cultural differences cannot be eradicated. But its effect can be positive rather then negative. Dealing with people from other cultures can be seen as an opportunity to learn from their values which may be helpful to us. Instead of discrimination and prejudices, friendship can start in a multi-cultural work place. Understanding the each culture has its own strength and weaknesses will help one take advantage of the presence of others from different culture.

Americans, being perceived as dominant, can start this cultural revolution wherein humility and acceptance can be practiced. If Americans take the lead in accepting, recognizing and respecting other cultures, they would also be encouraged to do the same.

The language barrier is actually the least of the problems. Language can be easily learned than having the right heart and attitude towards other cultures. Language can be thought, but not fairness. The accepting, recognizing and respecting attitude can only be thought by example. And this is a challenge for Americans to stoop down and associate with other cultures so that they will follow the example.

Response On Debbie
The beauty of assimilating with other cultures is not only learning about them, but also learning about yourself as well. This is the main point of Debbies response and I totally agree with it.

Since diversity includes differences in age, gender, nationality and status in life, acceptance of the other would allow one to see life holistically. This would allow one to have the better view of things.