CINEMA
Understanding Diversity
Beginning the Culture Breakdown
Over the next 3 Lessons we will be exploring the rich and diverse nature of universal culture and how this relates to building a united and thriving communities.
To begin this journey, we start with ensuring we understand diversity.
Ever heard the saying 'townie'? Or perhaps your culture reflects that of a 'typical kiwi bloke'.
These 'stereotypes' are indeed influenced by aspects of being a part of certain cultural groups. From Louis Vuitton shoes and the hustle and bustle of the Lambton Quay traffic, to the fishing rods, stubby shorts and red band gumboots.
Yet the reality is, those who identify with aspects of these cultures may or may not, like those expensive shoes or stubby shorts.
We are all uniquely different. Difference is what diversity is about.
We have already spent some time exploring differences in how we see the world and what influences these 'perspectives'. However, before we progress on cultural diversity (focussed on groups), we will take a moment to fully understand what is meant by diversity.
DANGER ALERT
We have all heard of ‘one size fits all’ referring to the ‘one way applies to everyone’ thinking. The current diversity and inclusion discourse surrounding workplace development recognises the importance of embracing difference. This means we must learn to think from a place of embracing difference.
So if we are all uniquely different, how do we define group based culture? Let us find out.
Cultural Diversity:
Introducing The First 3 Pillars
So now that we understand what diversity is, let's begin to explore CULTURE!
TECHNOLOGIES
Cultural technologies recognise the material aspects of culture, the ‘things’ that define a cultural group.
VALUES
Are a set of principles (sometimes overt and other times covert) that guide a cultural group. They can be recognised by the group as what is important to them.
BELIEFS
Are an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof
3 Part Video Series
What is Workplace Culture Anyway?
Video 1 exploring 3 of the 7 universal culture pillars, and how these relate to the workplace.
