1. CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Teaching Tolerance
Tolerance is defined as “recognition of and respect for the opinions, practices or behavior of others.”

7. People long to be celebrated, not tolerated!
Remember . . .
People long
to be celebrated,
not tolerated!

8. 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.

9. ARE YOU PART OF THE TEAM?

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.

14. HAVE A HAND IN DIVERSITY

15. FOUR STEPS TO CULTURAL DIVERSITY SUCCESS

16. 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.

17. Support cultural competency of the staff.
II. Staff Oriented
Support cultural competency of the staff. 

18. III. Client Oriented
To support and promote the involvement of clients, families
and advocacy groups in the
planning and development of care.

19. IV. Information Driven
To support monitoring and dissemination of  the level of cultural awareness, knowledge and skills

20. 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?

21. ONE MIND, ONE RACE

22. DO YOUR HOMEWORK Learn about other cultures. Know respectful behavior.
Identify a cultural guide.
Gain entry into the community.

23. Conclusion
Learning about and accepting diversity can improve your interpersonal effectiveness and increase your personal and professional opportunities.

24. Cultural Diversity in the Workplace
Resource:
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