The “Dynamics” of Diversity

Dr. Tiffany S Powell

The Learning Cove, LLC

As you are waiting to get started,

write down one question on the post-it,

that you have in regards to diversity and

park it in the “Parking Lot”

Welcome and Introduction

Walk the Room

There are different questions about diversity around the room.

� While the music is playing walk around the room and read the different questions.

� When the music stops, go the nearest question.

� As a group briefly discuss the question and select one person to record the groups’ thoughts.

� When the music begins again this is your cue to make your way back to your seat.

� When the music stops you should be back at your seat.

Identifying Our Diversity

Who Am I?

Cultural Diversity of Individuals

Fickel, 2004

What is Culture?

Culture is the totality of ideas, beliefs, values,

activities, and knowledge of a group or individuals

who share historical, geographical, religious,

racial, linguistic, ethnic or social traditions, and

who transmit, reinforce and modify those

traditions.

Culture as an Iceberg

SURFACE CULTUREOrganizational Personal

Rules Accent

Policies Behavior

Mission Customs Observed

Regulations Physical Appearance

DEEP CULTUREBenefits Structure/Organization Beliefs

Hiring Practices Channels of Communication Values

Appraisal Systems “Why” Perceptions

Assumptions Emotionally Charged Communication Styles

(Bucher, 2010)

Understanding Our Diversity

�Dimensions of diversity may be hidden or visible

�Dimensions of diversity are found within groups as

well as within individuals

�Dimensions of diversity are in a constant state of

flux

�Dimensions of diversity are not always clear cut or

easily identified

Diversity: A Paradigm Shift

�The way we are (human diversity)

�The way we think (cultural diversity)

�The way we do things (systems

diversity)

Diversity Myths

�Myth 1: Diversity=Women + Minorities

�Myth 2: Diversity is a New Phenomenon

�Myth 3: Diversity=Deficiency

�Myth 4: Diversity=Divisiveness

�Myth 5: Diversity is to be Feared

Understanding the

“Dynamics” of Diversity

Defensiveness and Denial

Deny

Minimize

Avoidance

Blame the victim

Call it something else

It’s better this way

It doesn’t count if you don’t mean it

I’m one of the good ones

I don’t see color

Don’t be defensive

I’m sick and tired

What’s the Difference?

�Prejudice

�Discrimination

�Isms (ex: Racism)

Diversity Education

Diversity Awareness

Diversity

Consciousness

Diversity Skills

Mentoring, Diversity Training, Internet, Study Groups,

Cultural Activities, Other Opportunities, Travel, Workshops,

Courses, Study Abroad, Study Circles

Diversity Education

Refers to the strategies that enable us to

develop diversity consciousness. We

develop awareness, understanding, and

a variety of skills in the area of diversity.(Bucher, 2010)

Diversity Skills

The Cultural Proficiency Continuum

Cultural Cultural Blindness Cultural Competence

Destructiveness

_________________________________

Cultural Incapacity Cultural Cultural Proficiency

Pre-competence

(Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

Guiding Principles

�Culture is a predominant force; you cannot NOT be influenced by culture.

�People are served in varying degrees by the dominant culture.

�People have group identities that they want to have acknowledged.

�Cultures are not homogeneous; there is diversity within groups

�The unique needs of every culture must be respected. (Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

Barriers

�The presumption of entitlement

�Systems of oppression

�Unawareness of the need to adapt

(Lindsey, Robins, Terrell, 2009)

Diversity Consciousness is NOT…

� Simply common sense

� The result of good intentions

� The result of some simple formula or strategy

� Importance of just some of us

� Simply ignoring differences and treating everybody the

same

� Some “feel good” activity

� A passing fad (Bucher, 2010)

Developing Diversity Consciousness

�Take active role in educating yourself

� Put yourself in a learning mode in any

multicultural setting

�Remember that your own life experiences are one

of many important sources of knowledge

�Move beyond your personal comfort zone

(Bucher, 2010, p.142-143)

Developing Diversity Consciousness

�Be modest

�Don’t be too hard on yourself if misunderstandings

arise

�Realize you are not alone

�Never stop learning

(Bucher, 2010, p.142-143)

Diversity is Like…

Back to the Parking Lot

Closing Evaluations

3-Words to describe your experience during the

workshop today

2-Ideas that you are taking away with you

1-Suggestion or question that you still have

Contact Information

Tiffany S. Powell, Ph.D

The Learning Cove, LLC, President

REAL Scholars, President

Email: thelearningcove@gmail.com

Phone: 785.477.5264