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Diversity and the Effects of Culture 101

experiences, perceptions, and viewpoints of all members. Someone’s perspective may
be different, but this does not make it invalid, wrong, uneducated, or stupid. We must
learn to work with diversity; this includes members of dominant groups being willing
to learn why they may be resistant to hearing and understanding viewpoints that are
not theirs. When we don’t embrace and encourage group diversity, we deprive groups
of the ideas, creativity, and problem- solving efforts of all members.

Behaving Ethically in Intercultural Interactions
In this chapter we have stressed the value of diversity and have provided information
and examples to show how diversity, necessary to a group, also increases the complex-
ity of small group communication. We have pointed out that diverse perspectives do
not just happen because group members look diverse: Differences have to become
salient to the group— and be recognized and deemed relevant to the effectiveness of
the group. Stella Ting- Toomey, a respected scholar of intercultural communication,
has written extensively on the challenges and complexities of difference. Working
with diversity does not happen without mindful communication. We have to be alert, Mindful
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open, willing, and reflective if we are to bridge differences. Helpful tips will not work Communication
unless group members are the reflective participant- observers we discussed in Communication in
Chapter 1. which the participants
If communication rules can be so culturally diverse, are there any transcend- are thoughtful,
ing principles that can preserve the integrity of cultural differences and help mem- paying careful
bers of different cultures work together? We have suggested one overriding attention to what the
principle already— mindful communication. Kale suggests two broad principles other participants’
that should govern intercultural interactions: We should protect the worth and say and also to what
dignity of all human beings, and we should act in such a way as to promote peace they say.
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among all people. The following ethical guidelines follow from these broad
principles:
1. Communicate in a way that extends empathy and respect to all members of
the group.
Similar to the ethical principle described in Chapter 1, this principle requires
that you work to understand others as they want to be understood. This is
more challenging between group members of different cultures because there
are fewer “givens,” but there are things you can do. First, remember that all
discussions are to some extent intercultural; be aware of and sensitive to
cultural differences and view them as potential strengths for a group, not
liabilities. Resist making judgments about the intelligence or motives of
others. Encourage all members to get to know each other beyond the task
demands of the group. Finally, initiate discussion of the differences,
especially those deep differences that may not be visible. You will help group
members move toward greater understanding and empathy if you explicitly
acknowledge differences and willingly discuss them, not in a judgmental way
but as an opportunity to learn more about your fellow group members and
yourself.

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