CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Cultural Diversity

Introduction

Cultural differences can affect an association in many ways; it can strengthen as well as weaken the workforce. With the recent globalization of organizations, it is necessary organizations today recognize the significance of cultural diversity in order to succeed. A business should recognize how cultural diversity impacts the association and how management and human resources address these concerns from a corporate level. Any concerns that are not addressed can affect the association negatively, which leads to bad publicity. In our own business human resources recognize the significance of cultural diversity. They are dedicated staff in place to make certain all employees are treated equally and fairly as well as the association is keen to recognize the values of sustaining a diversified workforce (Beale et al, 1997).

of product and service attributes. It is well known that values influence the importance attached to product attributes and culture-specific elements have been identified in the content and structure of values. Culture has been shown to influence attributions in explaining real-life events.

Discussion

By 2080, people belonging to cultural subgroups will account for more than half (51%) of the US total population. If the present demographic trends continues, the racial and ethnic composition of the United States will be 23.4% Hispanics, 14.7% blacks, and 12% Asian and others.

In order to keep pace with a society that has increasingly more culturally diverse patients, nurses and other medical staff will need to have a sound knowledge of the cultural values and beliefs of specific ethnic groups as well as being aware of the individual practices and preferences. In the past, healthcare providers have experienced difficulties in caring for clients whose cultural beliefs, about health and illness; vary considerably among cultural groups (Beale et al, 1997). Lack of cultural sensitivity by healthcare professionals has resulted in wastage of millions of dollars every year. Certain underrepresented groups are beginning to demand culturally relevant health care that respects their cultural rights and incorporates their specific beliefs and practices into the delivery of care.

The need for medical staff to assess the established customs that influence the behavior is attempting to change. The implications of cultural heritage are sometimes difficult to detect in this pluralistic society. In order to make the teaching process competent, assessment should be such that it determines health values, beliefs, and practices. It should be kept in mind that belonging to an ethnic group does not always mean a person who follows all of the traditions or customs of hi/ her own group. Given that culture affects the ways in which someone perceives a health problem and understands its course and possible treatments options. It is essential to carry out a thorough assessment prior to establishing a plan of action for long-term behavioral change.

Patients and their families, for instance, may believe that behavior is context specific. Therefore, they will adhere to a recommended medical regimen while in the hospital setting but fail to follow through with the guidelines once they return to the home ...