Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: A Personal Journey

Introduction

The term 'diversity' often conjures images of mandated policies and quotas, but the true essence of cultural diversity lies in its natural manifestation within our daily lives and workplaces. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and observations on how cultural diversity enriches our professional and personal lives, fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect.

Personal Experiences and Reflections

My journey with cultural diversity began in the most unlikely of places - a retail job at Nike. Recently, a young employee of African descent was hired, and his experience, as well as the subsequent events, shed light on the complexities of cultural diversity in a professional setting. While his demonstration for his boss might seem extreme, it reflects the importance of understanding and embracing cultural differences.

“One day, a young thug was hired at the Nike store because he was black. Then, he pulled a gun on his boss for telling him what to do.”

Then, an employee from the Caribbean arrived at the front desk, and the term 'sprung' was explained in a different context. This interchange, while humorous, highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding of cultural nuances. Cultural diversity does not need to be mandated; it should naturally arise from genuine interactions and mutual respect.

Academic Perspectives on Diversity

From an academic standpoint, diversity within university faculties is invaluable. It enriches intellectual discourse, enhances problem-solving capabilities, and provides a variety of perspectives in research and teaching. For instance, faculties that consist of individuals from the same university tend to be less intellectually stimulating, as they may share similar thinking patterns and views. In contrast, faculties with diverse backgrounds bring new insights and methods to the table, which can benefit both the faculty members and the students.

“In university faculties it is helpful--just intellectually but also in problem solving teaching and research--to have members from diverse backgrounds. The worst departments have most faculty trained at the same university ‘inbred’.”

A prime example of this is my own experience. I grew up in a medium-sized city with access to various amenities and technology, while my wife, who teaches in the same department, is from Taiwan. Together, we formed a 11-person department with members hailing from diverse backgrounds, including India, Nepal, Jordan, Cameroon, and various parts of the United States. The richness of these backgrounds fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for our students. We believe in bringing in candidates who can contribute positively to the department, and while it's not always perfect, we have found that it is never necessary to force diversity.

Conclusion

As we strive to create more inclusive and diverse work environments, let us remember that true cultural diversity is about embracing the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings. It is about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, both in our professional and personal lives. Cultural diversity should be celebrated for its inherent value, not mandated by policies or procedures.

Let us continue to build inclusive workplaces where differences are celebrated and leveraged for the betterment of all. As I often say, ‘Diversity doesn’t need to be mandated in any way by anyone.’ It should be an organic part of our interactions and experiences.