HOD 1100 Small Group Behavior This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program. Diversity in Groups HOD 1100 Small Group Behavior Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Agenda Types of Diversity Group and Cultural Identity Cultural Differences Outcomes of Diversity Harnessing the Benefits of Diversity Five Dysfunctions of Teams Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Types of Diversity Demographic Differences Race, age, and gender Personality Characteristics Social Styles Functional Differences Training, work experience, education, knowledge, and skills Cultural Differences Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Group and Cultural Identity Unconscious Acceptance Conscious Choice Categorization >>> Identification Adoption Unconscious acceptance comes from embracing “common knowledge” or basic assumptions without critically examining them Conscious choice comes from an understanding based upon empirical data, logical reason, personal experience, or authoritative sources We must constantly fight against: Blind assumptions or naïve views of our own and other cultures Egocentric and ethnocentric views – my way is the only way Narcissism and cultural elitism – my way is the right way Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Layers of Culture Acculturation is the process by which the culture of a particular family, group, or society is instilled in its members. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Cultural Differences Universalism vs. particularism regarding rules Individualism vs. communitarianism Neutral vs. emotional regarding expression Specific vs. diffuse regarding dialog/relating Achievement vs. ascription status Attitudes toward time Attitudes toward the environment Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (1998). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Cultural Diversity in Global Business. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Culture in Action Which of the following conceptions of a company is more accurate? A company is a system designed to perform functions and tasks in an efficient way. People are hired to perform these functions with the help of machines and other equipment. They are paid for the tasks they perform. A company is a group of people working together. They have social relations with other people and with the organization. The functioning is dependent on these relations. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Results Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 From Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner (1998)
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 Outcomes of Diversity Cognitive Outcomes and Task Performance Diverse groups make better decisions and have better outcomes on complex tasks More formal and frequent communication with those outside of the work group gives exposure to more ideas Greater coordination losses Affective Outcomes and Relational Connection Minority members are less committed, have lower levels of satisfaction, and less group identification Groups have a greater difficultly developing cohesion Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Harnessing the Benefits of Diversity Raise awareness on diversity issues Create a supportive context Increase minority percentages Increase minority influence Encourage a variety of perspectives Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009
Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009 5 Dysfunctions of Teams Absence of trust Fear of conflict Lack of commitment Avoidance of accountability Inattention to results Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2009