Work in A Socially Diverse Environment Elements of Cultural Diversity Dealing with Misunderstandings Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment CULTURAL AWARENESS Cultural Awareness - knowing about other ways of life other than your own will help you provide the best possible service to all the customers you encounter day by day. It is recognising and appreciating the differences in customers and colleagues values and beliefs in such things : Culture Religion Language It is understanding: The significance of cultural values and mores Cultural diversity in the Australian population Cultural diversity of local and international customers Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS You will be dealing with International Tourists from lots of destinations: Asia Japan Korea China New Zealand America Europe Great Britain – the United Kingdom Africa Russia So it is important you develop an awareness of their different cultural expectations Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

WHAT IS CULTURE? It is a way of life! Culture is everything people make or do - the way they organize their society according to the ideas, beliefs and values they hold. Manners Festivals/Celebrations Social institutions Work Ethics Customs Religions Beliefs Beliefs Myths and legends Rituals Values Laws Concept of self Ideas & Thoughts Morals Language Accepted behavior Art and Artifacts Family Structure Interpersonal relationships Communication Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Elements of Cultural Diversity Language Visitors of non-English speaking backgrounds need to have their requests listened to patiently and considerately as mis-pronunciations of certain words can cause embarrassment to them. Taco means idiot in Japan Communication Communication should be the same for everyone – clear, concise and informative Interpersonal relations Customs both formal and informal require different conventions for greetings, farewell, showing respect In German chewing gum is considered bad manners Dietary Requirements These include when to serve certain food items, how to prepare food and food presentation Religious Beliefs You are not expected to know about all religions – however you need an awareness of their beliefs – dietary habits, etc Festivals Festivals have different impacts for people from different cultures Do you know what ‘Waitangi Day” celebrates? Different Work Ethics Some cultures attach a high degree of importance and commitment to their work, while others see work as a necessity to provide for their families. Others see it as presenting career and advancement opportunities Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Some cultural variances you should be aware of include: Forms of address Level of formality and informality Verbal and non verbal clues Appropriate non verbal behaviour Food preferences General service expectations Work Ethics Dress and appearance Religious beliefs Customer expectations Touch and personal space Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Other factors in a Socially Diverse environment include You need to be aware of the principles of equal employment opportunity and anti discrimination legislation. Equal Employment Opportunity (Commonwealth Authorities) Act 1987 (Cth) Anti Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) They apply to issues of Gender Religion Race Age Sexual preference Disabilities Marital Status Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Advantages of working with members from different cultural backgrounds Cultural diversity enriches the team Sharing new ideas is stimulating Able to learn from other cultures Our way of thinking is being challenged Our team performance is improved Team members are more tolerant of other and perform at higher levels Team members feel they have a place in society/work environment MULTICULTURALISM Is a term describing the cultural and ethnic diversity of contemporary Australia Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

HANDLING INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS - JAPANESE Return a bow with a bow of the head - to show respect and sensitivity Avoid direct eye contact for extended periods Japanese guests have a strong cultural tradition - including the ritual of bathing - where soaking rather than washing is the main purpose. Therefore provide rooms with baths rather than showers. Are generally very formal - touching is not considered acceptable Japanese guest like prompt, efficient service They prefer twin bedded accommodation - with bath When greeting a Japanese guest - use last name followed by SAN - eg Mr Suzuki would be addressed as Suzuki SAN Avoid speaking loudly - this will not help understanding and may cause offence Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

HANDLING INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS -AMERICANS Americans are great questioners - they are by nature very inquisitive and can therefore be expected to ask lots of questions. Americans are used to very attentive service - and they will give very detailed orders. America is a vast country - with many varied people - DON’T EXPECT ALL AMERICAN GUESTS TO BE ALIKE AS THEY COME FROM MANY DIFFERENT STATES AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment WORLD RELIGIONS CHRISTIANITY JUDAISM HINDUISM ISLAM BUDDHISM Sikhism Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment CHRISTIANITY Based on the life of Jesus Christ - believe there is one God. Most followers belong to either: Catholic Protestant Eastern Orthodox Sunday holy day of rest and main festivals are: - Christmas - 25th Dec - Lent - Period before Easter - Easter - Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment JUDAISM Total way of life - spiritual and sociological Can be Orthodox, Reform or Liberal, Conservative or Hasidic Believe in one God - however don’t believe in resurrection of Jesus Includes worship - ceremonies and festivals Has strict dietary laws - permissible or kosher and prohibited foods - Fish must have both scales & fins - Shellfish are not permissible - Four legged animals with cloven hooves that chew their cud are permissible - pork is not permitted - Domestic birds can be eaten - but not birds of prey - Meat and dairy products may not be cooked together Cooking and eating utensils used for meat must not be used with dairy products Saturday is the holy day of rest - beginning on sundown on Friday and ending at nightfall Saturday. Major festivals include: Passover - Festival of Spring Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year - (Sept - Oct) Yom Kippur - Holiest day of the year - (10th day of New Year) marked by 24 hours of abstinence from food and water Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment ISLAM Major World Religion bought to the world by the prophet Muhammad in 7th Century Scriptures called Qu’ran or Koran and guides Muslims on all aspects of their life - spiritual, moral, social and economic Denounces gambling and drinking of alcohol. One of the largest and fastest growing religions Many women in Islamic society will wear traditional veils and long flowing black gowns Strict dietary laws - can eat beef, lamb or mutton but this must be slaughtered according to prescribed rituals. Pork and pork by-products are forbidden as is any animal that scavenges (pigs, goats, dogs, various birds). Adhere to teaching of Five Pillars of Islam Profession of faith Prayer - five times per day Almsgiving - Giving to charity Fasting - during Ramadan - no eating between dawn and sunset Pilgrimage - every Muslim should go to Mecca if they have the means and are able Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment HINDUISM Ancient religion - evolved gradually over thousands of years Has many different sects holding diverse beliefs Believe in reincarnation and have many deities or gods. Hindus do not eat beef as the cow is a sacred animal Usually vegetarians - and have no set day as a holy day. Must avoid all physical, mental, emotional and moral hurt to any living creature Believe in Caste system Worship is generally individual and personal but festivals are a communal activity Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment Sikhism Attempts to unite elements of Hinduism and Islam and is recognisable by the wearing of specific forms of dress – wearing of the Turban by males The beliefs include Reincarnation Worship of God – who is described as a spirit No images or artifacts should be used in worship That all religions display elements of truth The attainment of high moral standards Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment BUDDHISM Originated in India in fifth century BC Evolved from Hinduism - into not so much a religion but a way of life Religion without a God Believe human beings are caught in the cycle of birth and deaths. No distinction of caste, social class or ethnic origin Five precepts are: Kill no living thing Don’t steal Don’t commit adultery Tell no lies Don’t drink intoxicants or take drugs Usually vegetarians and don’t drink alcohol Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment What could go wrong? Some examples of cultural misunderstandings include: Late arrival to a private dinner in India is accepted and even expected In the Philippines they do not like to say no – they will say yes so as not to offend. Therefore yes may mean I agree or maybe In Chinese culture finishing all your food can be an insult to your host as it will be interpreted you are still hungry and they did not supply enough food In other cultures this is seen as an insult not to finish the meal and could mean you have not enjoyed the meal Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Issues that can be causes of misunderstanding includes: Poor communication styles Lack of confidence in language skills Use of colloquialisms and slang Speaking too quickly or quietly Not using active listening skills Not asking enough open questions The use of inappropriate body language Intolerance Poor observation Pre-made prejudice and value judgments Poor understanding of other cultures Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS Don’t ridicule the guest - show respect for the person’s feelings If problems occur, don’t give excuses or reasons - it could only embarrass and upset the person more. Learn from your mistakes - work out what went wrong and learn from it. Study different cultures and religions to learn more - and find out what offends and why - things like colors and numbers. Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Communication techniques to use to avoid misunderstandings Are you using the appropriate greeting – are they performed correctly and with respect? Do you use the correct verbal and non-verbal techniques – is it acceptable of not? Have you analysed the possible language barriers? What could they be? How can you overcome them? Providing signage with corresponding diagrams to assist Using universally understood gestures – applause, stop Be aware of: Internal services including staff who speak the appropriate language External services including interpreters and local cultural organisations Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

How you can help to resolve misunderstandings? Follow recognised complaint handling or problem solving procedure ensuring you: Establish good customer service practices including: Tolerance of peoples’ differing beliefs and values Providing a prompt response to resolve misunderstandings Use efficient communication in language that is understood by the parties involved Display a friendly and courteous manner Use positive gestures and body language Report difficulties with cross cultural misunderstanding to Human Resource Office Supervisors Departmental managers Wherever appropriate Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Organisational Strategies Staff training Using staff cultural skills – language and greetings Written communication and signs in different language where appropriate Promotion of cultural celebrations Flexibility Focusing on the similarities not the differences Adopting a variety of communication methods Developing a knowledge of support agencies and location of cultural buildings Offering flexibility in food service Work in a Socially Diverse Environment

Work in a Socially Diverse Environment Personal Strategies Individual strategies including: Learning the basics of another language Develop an understanding and tolerance of cultural diversity Overcome prejudice and assumptions Use non-verbal communication skills Show interest in cultural events Follow organisational procedures to ensure visitors are informed and feel relaxed Actively seek to break down barriers Adopt a professional attitude at all time Work in a Socially Diverse Environment