Overview

Cultural inclusion requires a different set of competencies from the ‘gender smarts’ required for gender inclusion. A culturally inclusive work setting requires a culturally intelligent workforce and leadership. Cultural intelligence is positively associated with workgroup cohesion, integration, trust and performance in diverse cultural settings. Cultural intelligence predicts the formation of diverse networks and the sharing and integration of information and ideas. Cultural intelligence dismantles ‘us vs them’ social categorisations and negative stereotypes and enhances intercultural understanding and respect — workplace incivility, harassment and discrimination are lower. 

Content & Flow

• The business case for cultural and linguistic diversity
• Understanding culture and its impact on interpersonal interactions
• Knowledge of core cultural values and their implications for behaviour (e.g. individualism-collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, orientation to time, being vs. doing)
• Knowledge of common intercultural challenges in professional settings, including language, cultural norms regarding speaking up in a group setting, value differences in self-promotion versus humility, variations in verbal and nonverbal communication, establishing trust, and differences in decision-making and reasoning. 
• Cultural bias at work—origin, nature and impact 
• The six traits of culturally intelligent individuals: optimism, curiosity, mindfulness, flexibility, humility, respect
• Strategies for effective multicultural teaming
• Case studies
• Reflection and action plan

Approach 

Consistent with research on adult learning, we believe that the best learning outcomes result when participants engage holistically with program content. All Culture Plus Consulting learning and development programs incorporate experiential learning techniques, including opportunities to reflect on and apply learnings to the real-life challenges facing participants.