1. Diversity

2. Culture  Culture refers to the relatively specialized lifestyle of a group of people—consisting of their values, beliefs, artifacts, ways of behaving, and ways of communicating  Culture is passed on from one generation to the next through communication, not through genes  Culture is learned

3. Intercultural Communication  Intercultural communication refers to communication that takes place between persons of different cultures  Intercultural communication occurs between persons who have different cultural beliefs, values, or ways of behaving —Bennett, 2000

4. Gender Discussion  Are there differences in communication styles between men and women?  Do you agree or disagree with Deborah Tannen that these differences are “cultural?”  Are there adjustments that each gender must make to adapt to changing the communication pattern when working with each other?  Discuss techniques that you have found to be successful in communicating with others

5. Communication Styles Across Cultures Linear Direct Attached Intellectual Confrontation Circular Indirect Detached Relational Confrontation  or  WESTERN EASTERN

6. Organizational Diversity and Culture  Are there differences in communication styles between teams, units, departments, divisions, etc., on your campus?  Do you agree or disagree with Kouzes and Posner that these differences are “cultural?”  Are there adjustments that groups, teams, departments must make to adapt to changing the communication pattern when working with each other?  Discuss techniques that you have found to be successful in communicating with diverse teams, groups, departments, etc.

7. Celebrating Diversity  Understand and respect individuality and culture  Keep an open mind when working in a diverse workplace  Use communication techniques to communicate how you want to be treated  Ask questions and listen to discover how others want to be treated  Act as a “force for change” to address diversity  Insist on appropriate behavior in the workplace

8. Respect, Affirmation, Inclusion  Respect: Within the workplace, “Respect” looks like a non-judgmental acceptance of others, valuing their contributions and speaking honestly of their efforts in their presence or in the presence of others  Affirmation: Within the workplace, “Affirmation” looks like individual acts of validation and support shared with another person privately or in the presence of others  Inclusion: Within the workplace, “Inclusion” looks like an open and tolerant environment where all are anticipated, welcomed and valued

9. Appreciating Diversity is Effortful “The presentation of our own culture in everyday life is the most natural experience. It is effortful and, therefore, not ‘natural’ to consider and work in ways that bridge the differences of cultural experiences.” —Jolly, 2000

10. Writing and Reflection