1. Chapter 5 Leadership and Diversity
Slides developed by Ronald W. Toseland
State University of New York at Albany

2. Leadership of Multiracial Groups
Engage in ongoing self-assessment and of the group, its members and their environment
Anticipate potential sources of tension
In composing the group, in formulating purpose and in structuring the group’s work
Intervene at the individual, group and environmental levels to promote harmony and understanding, to resolve racial, ethnic and cultural issues, and to involve members in confronting and resolving problems within and outside the group

3. A Broad Framework For Intervening in Diverse Groups
Develop cultural sensitivity
Assess cultural influences on group behavior
Intervene with sensitivity to diversity

4. How Group Members Differ
Race, ethnicity, and culture but also:
Gender, social class, geographic background, education, disabilities and abilities, language
Level of acculturation and assimilation, sexual preference, age
Other ways?

5. Developing Cultural Sensitivity
Explore your own cultural identity
How members define themselves culturally
Emphasize the strengths of various cultures when discussing differences
Opportunities to describe how they experience their cultural backgrounds/identities

6. Developing Cultural Sensitivity
Become familiar with the backgrounds, preferences, and values of members
Read about particular cultural communities
Become immersed in a particular culture
Model the value of diversity, acceptance and a nonjudgmental attitude about the values, lifestyles, and beliefs of group members
Acknowledge the effect of societal attitudes and behaviors on members
Honestly explore prejudices, biases, and stereotypes about diverse populations
Social mapping: Observe and analyze the formal and informal relationships of members of a community

7. Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior
The match between leader and member backgrounds
The influence of members’ backgrounds on their participation in the group
Members’ views of the agency sponsoring the group
Potential members help seeking behavior

8. Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior
The cultural sensitivity of outreach and recruiting efforts
The formation of relationships among persons from diverse backgrounds
The larger environmental context where members live and their behavior in the group

9. Assess Cultural Influences on Group Behavior
Preferred patterns of behavior, values and attitudes
Subgroup formation and identity
Language
Experience with oppression; feelings about themselves, group identity & the larger society

10. Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics
Communication and Interaction
Use of language, symbols and nonverbal communication by people of different backgrounds
Language sensitivity and knowledge of words
Stylistic elements of communication
Nonverbal communication, and space and distance
Interaction patterns specific to diverse groups

11. Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics
Cohesion
Subgroup formation and patterns brought about by similarities within the diversity of the group
Expectations and motivations among persons from diverse backgrounds
Cultural characteristics that influence group goals and group content

12. Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics
Social Integration
Culturally determined normative behavior
Influence of culture on task and socio-emotional role development in groups
Influence of discrimination and oppression on how members experience power & control in the group

13. Cultural Influences on Group Dynamics
Group culture
Emerging indigenous leadership and cultural preferences
Shared ideas, beliefs, and values held by members from diverse cultural backgrounds
Level of feelings and strong emotions expressed by members as influenced by cultural norms

14. Intervening with Sensitivity to Diversity
Using social work values and skills
Using a strengths perspective
Exploring common and different experiences among members
Exploring meanings and language

15. Intervening with Sensitivity to Diversity
Challenging prejudice and discrimination
Advocating for members
Empowering members
Using culturally appropriate techniques and program activities

16. Practice Principles
Some diversity is always present – help members explore differences and similarities
Engage in a process of self-exploration of your own identity
Seek knowledge about how members define themselves; how this affects their participation

17. Practice Principles
Be open minded and nonjudgmental – view the positive potential and richness of diversity
Acknowledge and try to understand the effects of prejudice, discrimination and oppression
Consider how diversity effects group dynamics and group development

18. Practice Principles
Consider the effects of diversity when making assessments and working toward goals
Assess how diversity may affect communication and interaction patterns
Empower members who may be oppressed outside of the group

19. Practice Principles
Understand the place of spirituality and traditional concepts of illness and healing
Confront stereotypes, biases and prejudices
Develop a repertoire of specialized cultural formats and ways to structure a group