Chapter 5 Leadership and Diversity Slides developed by Ronald W. Toseland State University of New York at Albany

Leadership of Multiracial Groups Engage in ongoing self-assessment and of the group, its members and their environment Anticipate potential sources of tension In composing the group, in formulating purpose and in structuring the group’s work Intervene at the individual, group and environmental levels to promote harmony and understanding, to resolve racial, ethnic and cultural issues, and to involve members in confronting and resolving problems within and outside the group

A Broad Framework For Intervening in Diverse Groups Develop cultural sensitivity Assess cultural influences on group behavior Intervene with sensitivity to diversity

How Group Members Differ Race, ethnicity, and culture but also: Gender, social class, geographic background, education, disabilities and abilities, language Level of acculturation and assimilation, sexual preference, age Other ways?

Developing Cultural Sensitivity Explore your own cultural identity How members define themselves culturally Emphasize the strengths of various cultures when discussing differences Opportunities to describe how they experience their cultural backgrounds/identities

Developing Cultural Sensitivity Become familiar with the backgrounds, preferences, and values of members Read about particular cultural communities Become immersed in a particular culture Model the value of diversity, acceptance and a nonjudgmental attitude about the values, lifestyles, and beliefs of group members Acknowledge the effect of societal attitudes and behaviors on members Honestly explore prejudices, biases, and stereotypes about diverse populations Social mapping: Observe and analyze the formal and informal relationships of members of a community

Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior The match between leader and member backgrounds The influence of members’ backgrounds on their participation in the group Members’ views of the agency sponsoring the group Potential members help seeking behavior

Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior The cultural sensitivity of outreach and recruiting efforts The formation of relationships among persons from diverse backgrounds The larger environmental context where members live and their behavior in the group

Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior Preferred patterns of behavior, values and attitudes Subgroup formation and identity Language Experience with oppression; feelings about themselves, group identity & the larger society

Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics Communication and Interaction Use of language, symbols and nonverbal communication by people of different backgrounds Language sensitivity and knowledge of words Stylistic elements of communication Nonverbal communication, and space and distance Interaction patterns specific to diverse groups

Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics Cohesion Subgroup formation and patterns brought about by similarities within the diversity of the group Expectations and motivations among persons from diverse backgrounds Cultural characteristics that influence group goals and group content

Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics Social Integration Culturally determined normative behavior Influence of culture on task and socio-emotional role development in groups Influence of discrimination and oppression on how members experience power & control in the group

Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics Group culture Emerging indigenous leadership and cultural preferences Shared ideas, beliefs, and values held by members from diverse cultural backgrounds Level of feelings and strong emotions expressed by members as influenced by cultural norms

Intervening with Sensitivity to Diversity Using social work values and skills Using a strengths perspective Exploring common and different experiences among members Exploring meanings and language

Intervening with Sensitivity to Diversity Challenging prejudice and discrimination Advocating for members Empowering members Using culturally appropriate techniques and program activities

Practice Principles Some diversity is always present – help members explore differences and similarities Engage in a process of self-exploration of your own identity Seek knowledge about how members define themselves; how this affects their participation

Practice Principles Be open minded and nonjudgmental – view the positive potential and richness of diversity Acknowledge and try to understand the effects of prejudice, discrimination and oppression Consider how diversity effects group dynamics and group development

Practice Principles Consider the effects of diversity when making assessments and working toward goals Assess how diversity may affect communication and interaction patterns Empower members who may be oppressed outside of the group

Practice Principles Understand the place of spirituality and traditional concepts of illness and healing Confront stereotypes, biases and prejudices Develop a repertoire of specialized cultural formats and ways to structure a group