Chapter 11: Dimensions of Diversity and Intercultural Communication
Learning Objectives
In this chapter, we will:
- Define key terms related to the dimensions of diversity.
- Explain why employees in Ontario should not be discriminated against in the workplace based on protected grounds.
- Describe the benefits and challenges associated with a diverse workforce within an organization.
- Explain the process by which we join and participate in a culture, such as in the workplace.
- Identify dimensions of cultural difference from a sociological perspective.
- Explain strategies for how to establish and maintain friendly professional relations with people from different cultures.
Canadian workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse as organizations recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce, including innovation, creativity, employee satisfaction, and improved retention. In this chapter, we will explore some of the dimensions of diversity that you will likely encounter in your professional life. You’ll then learn about some of the benefits and challenges of diversity in Canadian workplaces. To communicate more effectively, we need to develop our ability to better understand ourselves and how culture influences our communication.
