Chapter 2 Diversity and Ethics Business Communication Chapter 2 Diversity and Ethics Copyright 2010 South-Western Cengage Learning

Overview of Diversity Diversity benefits Diversity challenges Diversity and you Diversity Terms © Digital Vision / Getty Images A diverse workforce can help a company understand its customers. 2.1 Diversity at Work

Diversity Trends Population predictions Diverse workforce U.S. population projected to reach 419.9 million in 2050 U.S. population will become more diverse Diverse workforce Workforce will increase to 162.3 million by 2012 Workforce will become more diverse 2.1 Diversity at Work

The World as a Global Workplace Globalization: the integration of activities among nations in areas such as commerce and culture Globalization and the workforce Multinational companies © Beathan / Corbis Globalization affects the workforce in many ways. 2.1 Diversity at Work

Work/Life Balance Work/life balance: the need workers have to balance work with other aspects of life Different careers make different demands on workers and their families Consider how your career choice will affect all aspects of your life 2.1 Diversity at Work

Cultural Differences Language Body language Personal space © Stockbyte / Getty Images Greeting colleagues appropriately is important. 2.2 Differences

Customs and Etiquette Customs: beliefs, traditions, and practices of a group of people Etiquette: a set of rules of behavior for a particular place or situation Customs and etiquette vary from culture to culture Stereotype Prejudice 2.2 Differences

Building Vocabulary Vocabulary: words and terms you recognize and understand Building vocabulary helps improve reading speed and comprehension 2.2 Differences

Professional Attitude Reduces communication barriers A person who has a professional attitude: Refrains from making judgments about others Keeps an open mind Does not make assumptions or jump to conclusions Keeps emotions in check Is slow to take offense Gives others the benefit of the doubt 2.3 Strategies for Effective Communication

Cross-Cultural Communication Learning Language Guidelines Cross-Cultural Guidelines © Digital Vision / Getty Images When language is a barrier, use visual aids that are easily understood. 2.3 Strategies for Effective Communication

Fairness and Sensitivity Have a professional attitude Treat everyone with respect Do not discriminate unfairly © Photodisc / Getty Images Avoid sensitive topics when talking with clients. 2.3 Strategies for Effective Communication

EEOC EEOC: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Questions List the links that are shown under Discrimination by Type. Write a short summary of the main points of the Discrimination by Type page. school.cengage.com/bcomm/buscomm 2.3 Strategies for Effective Communication

Ethics in Business Communication Ethics: principles of right and wrong Personal ethics are influenced by: Your experiences Your culture Code of ethics: statement of how a business or group should treat clients, employees, or members 2.4 Ethics in Business Communication

Communicating in an Ethical Way Honesty Confidential information Medical information Other types of information Identity theft Trade secrets Protecting confidential data © Photodisc / Getty Images Be truthful when communicating with customers. 2.4 Ethics in Business Communication

Communicating in an Ethical Way Privacy and electronic rights Protect data stored on computers Remember that e-mail and text messages are not private Plagiarism Avoiding plagiarism Copyright and fair use 2.4 Ethics in Business Communication

Vocabulary copyright cross-cultural communication culture discrimination diversity ethics ethnicity etiquette globalization identity theft inclusion multinational company plagiarism prejudice race stereotype trade secret

Cross-Cultural Communication Guidelines Do not make assumptions Be adaptable Avoid discussing sensitive topics Be careful when using humor Maintain personal contact Listen actively Use visual aids BACK 2.3 Strategies for Effective Communication

Terms Related to Diversity Race The division of people into groups based on physical characteristics, such as skin or hair color Ethnicity The division of people into groups that share a common ancestry, history, or culture Culture A set of beliefs, attitudes, practices, and social customs that distinguishes a group of people Inclusion Seeing and valuing the contributions of everyone in a workplace and treating everyone fairly BACK 2.1 Diversity at Work