1. Unit 4 - Part 3
Respect for Diversity

8. UN Core Organizational Values
Integrity
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity

9. Why is this important for me?

10. Why is this important for me?
United Nations Peacekeeping Operations are mixed institutions, including many diversities, including ethnic cultures and institutional backgrounds (military, civilian & police)
The local population will have its own cultural norms and traditions
The mission’s ability to function and its operational success is dependent on its personnel’s ability to maintain respectful relationships and communicate effectively with others

11. Learning Outcomes Explain what is meant by “diversity”
Describe how cultural differences and different kinds of diversity might be evident in the mission environment and in the host country
Describe what is involved in respecting diversity in relation to working effectively in a multicultural peacekeeping environment
Describe strategies for enhancing communication

12. Diversity = variety, different kinds of things
What is Diversity?
Diversity = variety, different kinds of things
Diversity in a human context refers to differences such as of ethnicity, race, professional backgrounds, religious or political beliefs, and much more.

13. The Dimensions of Culture
The importance of the individual vis à vis the group in diverse social and business situations
Group responses to change, the need for rules and the ability to take risks. Also includes the perception of how much control individuals have over their destiny
How roles, power and authority are associated with each gender as well as individuals of different races, religions, nationalities, etc.
The way individuals interact with one another within an organizational hierarchy
How individuals use space to define themselves, including spatial distances used when speaking and the amount of space needed for comfort in business and living environments
The importance of personal achievement and accomplishment to an individual’s overall sense of well-being
The significance placed on completing a job versus devoting time to building relationships among business associates
The way people in a society communicate, including the use of nonverbal gestures
The degree to which a culture believes an individual can focus on one or more tasks, and the evaluation of the importance of personal relationships versus adherence to schedules
Relationships
Time
Communication
Hierarchy
Status Attainment
Space
Diversity Receptivity
Change Tolerance
Group Dependence
The Dimensions of Culture
Process
As indicated, the material here is based on the Windham International Cultural Model (influenced by work by Hofstede and Trompenars)
The information is intended as reference material given the limited time
Instead of reviewing it, it may be helpful to provide a high-level explanation of the dimensions of culture and why they’re important
As we already discussed, a great deal of who we are is based on beliefs and values we hold
Many of these beliefs and values come from our families and many of those are embedded within values held in the culture at large
Review nine dimensions and their primary concerns
Different cultures and parts of the world are often characterized by their different approaches to these dimensions of culture
The Windham International Cultural Model (1997) outlines nine dimensions of culture: relationships, time, communication, hierarchy, status attainment, space, group dependence, diversity receptivity, and change tolerance. The model is intended as a tool for individuals to understand their own behaviour and the behaviour of individuals from other cultures.
Windham International Cultural Model

14. Dimensions of Diversity
Functional Level Classification
Management
Status
Geographic
Location
Work
Content
Field
Language / Accent
Income
Marital Status
Comm./Work
Style
Age
Sex
Race
Parental Status
Personal
Habits
Core Personality and Ability — Who I Am
Sexual
Orientation
Process
The graphic here is based on research conducted by experts in the field of diversity, Gardenschwartz & Roe, who suggest that there are many layers/elements of diversity; keeping this is mind is essential in recognizing and valuing the many aspects of diversity and its impact on who we are and how we see the world
The most core difference between us, of course, is our personality--something that distinguishes us from everyone else
The primary elements of diversity are things we cannot change, such as age, race, physical ability; these are usually things people know about us simply by observing us
The secondary elements are more subtle, such as geographic location, work style, educational background, etc.
The outer ring are the organizational aspects of diversity; these may perhaps be things we don’t think of immediately when we think of diversity but can make a real difference in how we relate to one another, particularly in the workplace
This graphic can also be used to think about how messages and biases about difference can influence the way we think about others
For example, we all receive messages--subtle and explicit--about things like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc., from our families and friends
Until we recognize these messages and understand them, they subtlety influence the way we view and interact with others
Conversely, it’s important to recognize that others are always looking at us and interpreting our behaviour through their “lenses” and experiences
Values and beliefs
Religions and their roles
Customs – birth, death, weddings, “coming of age”, hospitality, greetings, sharing
Respect
Perception of time
Perception of space (intimate, personal, social, public)
Physical contact
Relationships
Occupation
Social class
Societal and community structures
Use of authority
 Looks and abilities
Education
Family
 Relationships
 Sexual orientation
Individual v Collective (group) identity and decision making processes
Ways that people think
Work ethics and practices
Preferences for learning (visually, orally, active doing)
Ways of communicating (verbally / nonverbally, saying NO, giving feedback)
Ways of negotiating
Recreational
Habits
Appearance
Ethnicity
Union
Affiliation
Seniority
Physical
Ability
Religion
Work Experience
Educational
Background
Division
Department
Unit
Work Location
Adapted from Gardenschwartz & Roe

15. Only about 10% of an iceberg is generally seen above the waterline.

16. (explicit & conscious)
see, hear, smell & touch
(explicit & conscious)
Obvious
Beliefs, values,
attitudes, stories
thought patterns,
(implicit & unconscious)
Less
Obvious

17. Obvious Less Obvious see, hear, smell & touch (explicit & conscious)
Race, Ethnicity
Language, Dialects
Hair, Skin & Eye Colour
Sex, Age, Size, Physical Ability
Clothing, Uniforms, Job Titles,
Food, Art, Dance, Music, Stories
see, hear, smell & touch
(explicit & conscious)
Obvious
Beliefs, values,
attitudes, stories
thought patterns,
(implicit & unconscious)
Less
Obvious

18. Obvious Less Obvious see, hear, smell & touch (explicit & conscious)
Race, Ethnicity
Language, Dialects,
Hair, Skin & Eye Colour,
Sex, Age, Size, Physical Ability,
Clothing, Uniforms, Job Titles,
Food, Art, Dance, Music, Literature
see, hear, smell & touch
(explicit & conscious)
Obvious
Concept of Time, Work Ethic,
Religious Beliefs, Definitions of Sin,
Organizational Attitudes and Practices
Concept of Justice, Courtship Practices,
Meanings about Clothing, Concept of Cleanliness
Beliefs, values,
attitudes, stories
thought patterns,
(implicit & unconscious)
Less
Obvious
Theories on Disease, Concepts of Past & Future
Attitudes to New Things, New People and Change
Attitudes & Relationships to Hierarchies and Authority
Patterns of Superior / Subordinate Behaviour (on job or otherwise)
Family Roles & Responsibilities, Traditional Roles of Men and Women
And much more…

19. It is important to be aware of…
Beliefs about all people of a certain type
Judgements or opinions that are formed without real knowledge or examination of facts
Prejudices are generally negative
Stereotypes = Prejudices =

20. UN Core Value Respect for Diversity
Work effectively with people from all backgrounds
Treat all people with dignity and respect
Treat men and women equally
Show respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrate this understanding in daily work and decision-making

21. UN Core Value Respect for Diversity (cont.)
Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses
Do not discriminate against any individual or group

22. Attitudes Regarding Authority and Management
Remember that the difference may be cultural
Take time to understand what is happening
Be clear & respectful
in your communications
and expectations

23. Body Language & Gestures
Observe and acquaint yourself with what is culturally appropriate
Ask colleagues for advice as needed

24. Religion
Be aware of different religious beliefs and customs, particularly local ones
Practice respect for all religious beliefs
Practice respect for religious artifacts and places of workshop

25. Family and Roles Pay respect to elders Understand family ties
Understand local roles and traditions for men and women

26. Dress Code Be aware of local cultural norms and climate
Adapt yourself to local dress codes

27. Concepts of Time
Don’t over generalize about any group’s ways of perceiving or managing time
Reserve judgment
about the meaning
behind different
attitudes and practices
regarding time

28. Communication Process
Communicated through filter of
Decoded
through filter of
LANGUAGE, IDIOMS,
NORMS, VALUES
LANGUAGE, IDIOMS,
NORMS, VALUES
Verbal,
Non-verbal, Written
Communication
Resultant
Understanding
Original Intention
CULTURE B
CULTURE A

29. Communication Tips Use common words and avoid slang and idioms
Check that you are understanding and also that you have been understood
Convey interest in understanding properly
Allow enough time for people to speak and create opportunities for those who are speaking less
Be aware of how what your tone of voice or body language may be communicating. Practice patience.
Be careful in your use of humour

30. Learning from Others
National colleagues are a great resource of cultural information
Other colleagues who have worked in other missions and cultures may also be able to provide guidance

32. Unit 4 Part 3 Assessment Questions
What do we mean when we talk about “diversity”in this context?
What kinds of diversities and cultural differences might you experience in a peacekeeping mission and the host country?
How does the UN expect personnel to demonstrate respect for diversity?
What are some specific ways that you can practice respect for diversity?
What are some ways you can enhance communications in a culturally diverse environment?

33. Unit 4 Part 3 Assessment Answers
In this context, the word ‘diversity’ refers to the differences such as ethnicity, race, professional backgrounds, religious and political beliefs, etc.What kinds of diversities and cultural differences might you experience in a peacekeeping mission and the host country.
Possible answers include: race, ethnicity, language, sex, gender, physical appearances, physical abilities, clothing norms, eating habits and food preferences, religion, concepts of time, ways of working and perspectives on priorities, body language and meanings of gestures, style of communicating, etc.

34. Unit 4 Part 3 Assessment Answers
The UN identifies the following ways UN personnel is expected to demonstrate respect for diversity.
Working effectively with people from all backgrounds
Treating all people with dignity and respect
Treating men and women equally
Showing respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making
Examining own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses
Not discriminating against any individual or group

35. Unit 4 Part 3 Assessment Answers
Specific ways to practice respect for diversity include (but are not limited to):
Take time to observe and acquaint yourself with what is culturally appropriate
Respect others religions as we would our own beliefs
Pay respect to elders
Be sensitive to local clothing norms and concepts of modesty and propriety
Reserve judgment about the meaning behind different attitudes and practices regarding time
Seek advice from national colleagues and those who have experience working internationally and in peacekeeping missions

36. Unit 4 Part 3 Assessment Answers
Ways to enhance communications include (but are not limited to):
Use common and simple words
Avoid slang, jargon and idioms
Check if you are understanding
Convey interest in understanding
Check if you are being understood
Allow enough time for people to speak and provide opportunities for those who speak less
Be aware of your body language and tone of voice and the impact they might have
Be conscious and careful in your use of humour