Page 94 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Diversity and

the Effects

of Culture
©Nick White/Getty Images

C H A P T E R 4

STUDY OBJECTIVES CENTRAL MESSAGE
As a result of studying Chapter 4, you should be able to: The United States is a
1. Define culture and explain why knowledge of cultural differences
in communication is important for effective group discussion. pluralistic culture composed
2. Explain the advantages that can come from diversity in groups of many different co- cultures
and organizations. that strongly influence
3. Describe six major dimensions on which cultures differ.
4. Explain why race, sex, age, socioeconomic class, and members’ communicative
generational differences may be viewed as cultural differences, behaviors. Diversity in
and describe the differences that have been observed.
5. Know why it is important to understand “deep diversity,” the groups is a fact of life now
concept that much of a group’s diversity is not based on visible and will only increase in the
characteristics.
6. Describe the ethical principles group members should use to future, which makes it
address and embrace cultural differences by acting mindfully. imperative for small group
members to recognize,

understand, adjust to, and
embrace their differences.

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