Diversity

Diversity is a Strength

Whether in one's own workplace or in outside contact with vendors, customers, or the public, the global workplace is diverse and vibrant. Awareness of differences should increase sensitivities and not hinder effective, respectful communication. Becoming more aware of other cultures, lifestyles, or belief systems can help to smooth communication and prevent misunderstandings. When one sees this diversity as a strength, a healthy environment is created, productivity increases, and innovation is unleashed.

Diversity

Nationality
Race, ethnicity
Religion
Gender, Non-binary
LGBTQ communities
Disability
Size, weight, appearance
Culture
Marital status, Single Parents
Monolingual, Multilingual

Nationality and Culture

When interacting with other nationalities and cultures in the business world, one cannot assume one's own business culture is normative.

For instance, politeness is defined differently very differently from place to place.
Being direct is valued in some cultures, and offensive in others.
Some cultures stand closer together than others; some are more likely to touch one another.
Sometimes gender changes the cultural norms or rules.

Always do your research on a potential client's national culture so as not to insult them or unnecessarily lose a deal.

Some Differences in Business Culture

This short article from the Harvard Business Review describes how corporate culture can differ from country to country.

hbr.org-How Corporate Cultures Differ Around the World.pdf

Here are 9 examples where workplace cultures often differ.

inverse.com-Workplace culture How 9 countries compare to the US.pdf

This short article also has interesting examples of cultural differences in the business world.

glassdoor.com-10 Ways Workplace Culture Differs Around the World.pdf

TIP: Research individual countries

Learn about the business culture and etiquette of other countries in order to communicate effectively and without miscommunication or embarrassing mistakes.

Here is an interesting look at the etiquette surrounding bowing in Japanese culture:

Bowing in JapanEverything you've ever wanted to know about how to bow, and how not to bow, in Japan.

The following website offers interesting insights and tips about the business culture unique to individual European countries and India:

Passport to Trade

Introductions

Introductions are an important time to know the cultural background of the people you may work with, interview for, or hope to make a business deal. They will help you start on the right foot and tone.

Read the following short essay on Introductions in Japanese Culture, how is this different from your culture?

Greetings and Introductions in Japanese Culture.pdf

Here is a recommended book for understanding and conducting business around the world:
“Global Business Etiquette: A Guide to International Communication and Customs” written by Jeanette S. Martin, Lillian H. Chaney

Bottom line is to learn about other practices, don't assume anything, be flexible, open, and try to read the room.

Avoid Sexist Language

Sexist language is language that offends or excludes people based on their assumed gender.

Language that Offends

Offensive language includes gross generalizations, both negative and positive, about males or females as a group.

Derogatory language and slang terms are not appropriate in a work environment or in written communications.

Calling adult women 'girls' is considered offensive in many circles.

Comments about appearance generally should be avoided.

Do not call women by their first name or by 'Mrs.' when they clearly have a title such as Doctor, Professor, or Senator, especially when you use that title for men.

Many schools have policies that give students the right to determine their pronoun preferences. Respect peoples' wishes.

Sexual jokes and sexual innuendo are not just inappropriate but in many cases illegal. Women are not excused from this rule.

Language that Excludes

Over the last fifty years, English users have been avoiding sexist language or word usage that excludes women.

It is no longer suitable to speak of 'man' as including males and females, nor to assume the reader/customer/worker is male with words like 'he' and 'his.'
Words such as 'policeman' and 'salesman' have been replaced with gender neutral terms like 'police officer' and 'salesperson' or 'sales representative/rep.'
Adding gender in to a neutral term would also be inappropriate. For instance, we don't use 'male nurse' or 'woman doctor.'

Many titles in the business world have changed as well, to make them more inclusive or to move away from stereotypes about their value.

For instance, many companies no longer use the term 'secretary' and prefer 'administrative assistant.'
'Chair' or 'Chairperson' is often used instead of 'chairman.'
Instead of 'maid' and 'cleaning lady' words like 'janitorial staff' or 'cleaners' might be used.

Especially in American culture, gender-inclusive language is the norm in the business and academic world. This video offers helpful vocabulary to avoid using older, sexist terms in speaking and writing in order to avoid offending modern sensibilities which emphasize equality between men and women in language use.

This video describes 7 levels of gender communication in the workplace that might lead to different kinds of communication styles or conflicts.

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