Diversity, when applied in a human context, comprises the inclusion of a wide variety of cultures, ethnicities and groups, races, religious beliefs, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation and gender identity.
The diversity of life is made up not only of the wide realm of human cultures and languages, but also of the diverse world of plants and animal species, habitats and ecosystems. Therefore, a more sustainable world is one in which biological, cultural and linguistic diversity thrive through the strength of the system.
It is upon the foundation of this diverse array of ecological and human cultures that a sustaining, resilient world is built. While the Diversity Celebration conveys a message of sustainability through diversity, on-going greening initiatives of the celebration include:.
The Diversity Celebration provides a venue where diverse perspectives, cultures and values are accepted, appreciated and celebrated. Sustained Dialogue at Appalachian is part of the international Sustained Dialogue Institute program that prepares community members to deeply engage in difficult conversations ranging from race, gender identity and religion to politics and various global challenges.
Copyright Appalachian State University. All rights reserved. Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.
The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees. Jamie Parson, J. Interim Chief Diversity Officer Telephone: diversity appstate. Skip to main content. Both have become prominent topics in today's organizations. But what do both terms mean? Ferris State University suggests these definitions:. Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized. An inclusive university promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members.
Most people probably feel that they are very appreciative of diversity and always help others to feel included. Here are a variety of assessments that you might take about yourself and your organization to get a more accurate perspective.
This is critically important for successful leadership in any type of culture. You make a major difference in your organization, whether you know it or not, just by exposing it to your own nature and style of working.
Thus, you need to understand your nature. For example, the secretarial staff might interact with each other in a manner quite different from that of the marketing staff.
In larger organizations, there are often several differences, for example, between senior management and support staff. You should start in your first interaction with them. State that you recognize that different people might work differently depending on their own personalities and the culture of the overall organization. Ask them how you can understand the nature of their organization. Attempt to get someone from the organization to help you understand their culture and how to work in a manner compatible with the culture of the organization.
This request is not a sign of weakness or lack of expertise; rather it is an authentic request that better serves you and your employees. Consider asking others to help you understand how each of the following aspects might be unique in the culture of the organization. Key cultural aspects that might affect your leadership include:. It is not uncommon for people of any culture to experience confusion or engage in protracted arguments about activities only to realize later on that they have been in agreement all along — they had been using different definitions for the same terms.
The following guidelines are most important when ensuring people continue to understand each other when talking about management activities. What holidays do you celebrate? What is your racial identification? What is your ethnic identity? What is your culture? Why is cultural diversity so important?
Our culture is what shapes us, it shapes our behaviour and our identity. Culture is our way of living, it refers to the shared language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviours, and material objects that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado, who specializes in diversity and multiculturalism, described seven important actions involved in the definition of multiculturalism:. Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. Go out of your way to respectfully interact with and learn about people who are different from you. Ask your children how they would feel if they were excluded from a game because of how they looked or dressed.
Be aware of how you talk about others different from yourself since your children are always listening. Select books, toys, music and watch videos that celebrate cultural and racial differences, especially if your children do not regularly encounter people from backgrounds significantly different from their own.
0コメント