Shows how to use a new approach to face-to-face communications in culturally diverse workplaces and an equally new approach to diversity.

America's rapid and drastically changing demographics pose new challenges to society and particularly to the workplace. Taking as their theme that The only antidote to stereotyping and discrimination is to know each other as individuals, the authors look carefully at the direction in which America is heading demographically and where it will be in the 21st century. They discuss what the workplace will be like and how it will be affected by the characteristics of the people who will comprise it. The essence of the problem, say the authors, is communication—the face-to-face interaction between people of different ethnicities, races, and genders. They may be speaking to each other but are not being heard. Exploring the relationship between culture, communication and management, this new research in management introduces and applies the theory of 'Reflexive Communication' and the microskills necessary for using it in day-to-day work situations. The authors lay out the patterns of culture-specific values and behaviors of the major demographic groups in the workplace—white males, women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. In each of these chapters the authors apply their theory and show step-by-step how individuals within each group can be accessed and trained by the precepts of 'Reflexive Communication'. The book concludes with a thoughtful examination of the future of diversity and diversity training in America and reasserts the need for people of differing cultures to find ways to work together, not only for their own personal benefit, but for the benefit of their workplaces and organizations. The authors lay out the patterns of culture-specific values and behaviors of the major demographic groups in the workplace—white males, women, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. In each of these chapters the authors apply their theory and show step-by-step how individuals within each group can be accessed and trained according to the precepts of 'Reflexive Communication'. The book concludes with a thoughtful examination of the future of diversity training in America and reasserts the need for people of differing cultures to find ways to work together, not only for their own personal benefit, but for the benefit of their workplaces and organizations.

Explores the issues surrounding workforce diversity, cultural differences and management sensitivity.

Foregrounding the vital importance of interpersonal communication and cultural competence in the workplace, this book offers concise, practical strategies for daily communication in a global business environment. The workplace is steadily becoming more diverse, and cultural competence is widely recognized as a key to success, in terms of revenue, profit, market share, and workforce productivity. This and diversity appreciation are the two cornerstones for effective interpersonal communication, facilitating relationship development, improving job satisfaction, commitment, loyalty, and trust, and leading to performance and organizational success. The effectiveness of diversity training sessions and cultural guidebooks can vary – business professionals need a book that presents more than descriptions of culture-bound business practices or prescriptions for valuing diversity. This book is that practical solution, presenting a conceptual model along with tools to put it to work from day one, including cases and examples. With its strategies for reducing diversity miscues, techniques for responding in uncomfortable conversations, and innovative ways to bridge cultural gaps, this book will help current and aspiring leaders across industries build rapport and promote constructive behaviors in a diverse work environment, resulting in organizational success.

This book explores the opportunities, challenges, and effective approaches to organizational change regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Featuring application-based case studies and practical guidelines for meaningful organizational change, this book problematizes some of the current DEI initiatives in today’s organizations. It examines multiple forms of diversity (e.g., race, age, and mental health) from a variety of perspectives (e.g., leadership and employee), with case studies that demonstrate how changemaking efforts can be reimagined and implemented in better, more nuanced, and more sustainable ways to produce meaningful organizational change. Through these case studies, readers learn from organizations’ successes and failures in their attempts to implement DEI practices. Each chapter concludes with explicit practical implications and/or actionable recommendations for organizational changemaking. This text will make an impactful addition to courses in communication and diversity or organizational communication/change at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level, and will be an essential guide for professionals wishing to lead change in their organizations.