Multicultural collaboration

When people of different backgrounds come close to each other with specific
agenda in mind.
Collaboration involves two or more organizations working together on multiple
issues and goals in a long-term commitment. Involved organizations share
resources, establish policy, and jointly conduct educational programs. The core
values of collaboration are mutual respect, a valuing of difference, and a high level
of trust.
A multicultural collaboration is between two or more groups or organizations, each
comprised of members from different cultural backgrounds and orientations (e.g.,
Latino, Native American Indian, white) or with goals or missions oriented to
populations with differing cultures (e.g., African-American, Asian-American). The
cultural differences among groups may consist of ethnic heritage, values,
traditions, languages, history, sense of self, and racial attitudes. Any of these
cultural features can become barriers to working together. Unless they become part
of the relationship, the collaboration will probably be challenged.
Culture is one of the most powerful forces in our world. It's central to what we see,
how we make sense of our world, and how we express ourselves. As people from
different cultural groups work together, values sometimes conflict. When we don't
understand each other we sometimes react in ways that make a partnership
ineffective. Often we're not aware that cultural differences are the root of
miscommunication.
In an effective multicultural collaboration, as with any other collaboration, the
participants must have a sense of common purpose. But they must consider that
different cultural groups may have differing ideas about how leaders are chosen
and exercise power, and about how conflict and disagreement should be managed.
For example, someone from an American Indian tribe may believe that a leader
can be respected only if they are an elder, while this may not be an important factor
to someone in another group.
A multicultural collaboration requires a plan, lots of patience, and determination to
confront old attitudes in new ways by pulling in partners usually not involved. In
order for a multicultural collaboration to be effective, the groups involved must
overcome differences to promote a unified effort. Because of different skill levels
and expertise, the collaboration may seem uneven at first. And, initially,
participants may come for different reasons. For example, some may have been
invited to take on responsibilities others don't want; others may want a scapegoat in
case things don't work. But if the focus is on the common goal, shared decision
making, defined roles, and setting time lines, the organizations involved can make
it work.

Tips

A large part of cultural literacy depends upon communicating in a way that

effectively gets the message across to all team members, while excluding no one
and offending no one due to unintended cultural misunderstandings.

 Simplify your message by using less complex sentence structures and

vocabulary.
 Define the meaning of critical technical words and acronyms.
 Avoid non-standard abbreviations, such as “U R” for “you are.”
 Be patient and try to follow team members’ ideas and logic, which may be
different from yours.
 Ask people to repeat once, maybe twice, if you do not understand them. If
that does not work, ask them to say it in a different manner.
 When you feel strong emotions about something said or done by someone
who comes from a culturally different background than you do, clarify their
meanings and intentions before you express your emotions.
 If you cannot think of any positive interpretation of someone else’s actions
or words, chances are you are missing something. Clarify with the person or
with someone who has experience in dealing with similar cultural groups.
 Adapt your space requirements to those of your counterparts whenever
possible. You can judge someone’s comfort zone by the distance to which
they extend their hand when shaking hands.
 When someone does or says something that seems weird and/or wrong,
give him/her the benefit of the doubt. Ask yourself: “How else could I
interpret these words or actions?”
  Communicate important messages via several different media to ensure
that they are received. Make sure that all the messages are consistent.

Multicultural collaboration is very much important. The term “culturally diverse” is

often used interchangeably with the concept of “multiculturalism.” Multiculturalism is
defined as:
“…a system of beliefs and behaviors that recognizes and respects the presence of all
diverse groups in an organization or society, acknowledges andvalues their socio-
cultural differences, and encourages and enables their continued contribution within an
inclusive cultural context which empowers all within the organization or society.4
Sociologist Dr. Caleb Rosado, who specializes in diversity and multiculturalism,
described seven important actions involved in the definition of multiculturalism.

Why is cultural diversity a “good thing”?

Culture is the lens with which we evaluate everything around us; we evaluate what is
proper or improper, normal or abnormal, through our culture. If we are immersed in a
culture that is unlike our own we may experience culture shock and become disoriented
when we come into contact with a fundamentally different culture. People naturally use
their own culture as the standard to judge other cultures; however, passing judgment
could reach a level where people begin to discriminate against others whose “ways of
being” are different than their own—essentially, we tend to fear that which we do not
understand.
Cultural diversity is important because our country, workplaces, and schools
increasingly consist of various cultural, racial, and ethnic groups. We can learn from one
another, but first we must have a level of understanding about each other in order to
facilitate collaboration and cooperation. Learning about other cultures helps us
understand different perspectives within the world in which we live, and helps to remove
negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups.
In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not
necessarily our own, so that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust,
respect, and understanding across cultures. Furthermore, this diversity makes our
country a more interesting place to live, as people from diverse cultures contribute
language skills, new ways of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences.
How can you support cultural diversity?
 Increase your level of understanding about other cultures by interacting with people
outside of your own culture—meaningful relationships may never develop simply due to a
lack of understanding.
 Avoid imposing values on others that may conflict or be inconsistent with cultures other
than your own.
 When interacting with others who may not be proficient in English, recognize that their
limitations in English proficiency in no way reflects their level of intellectual functioning.
 Recognize and understand that concepts within the helping profession, such as family,
gender roles, spirituality, and emotional well-being, vary significantly among cultures and
influence behavior.
 Within the workplace, educational setting, and/or clinical setting, advocate for the use of
materials that are representative of the various cultural groups within the local community
and the society in general.
 Intervene in an appropriate manner when you observe others engaging in behaviors that
show cultural insensitivity, bias, or prejudice.
 Be proactive in listening, accepting, and welcoming people and ideas that are different
from your own.6

Cultural diversity supports the idea that every person can make a unique and positive
contribution to the larger society in spite of, their differences. Imagine a place where
diversity is recognized and respected; various cultural ideas are acknowledged and
valued; contributions from all groups are encouraged; people are empowered to achieve
their full potential; and differences are celebrated.
“Diversity is the one true thing we have in common.
Celebrate it every day

Advantages of multiculturalism
1- Education - There have been changes in the syllabus of subjects, like history, to
accommodate a more comprehensive and broader version of the past events.
This can be seen as giving more exposure to children, wherein they learn about
different perspectives on a given topic. Kids are educated about equality, and thus
develop an attitude against racism.
2- Professionalism- Employees coming from various cultures can contribute with a
wider range of perspectives on an assignment. A mix of cultural experiences helps
in problem-solving, and can create a strong team. Having a diverse group of
workers always enriches the office environment, improving the work culture.
3- Multinational companies - These service industry giants, specifically the FMCG
(fast-moving consumer goods) manufacturers, have benefited greatly from
globalization. A diverse population employed by these companies in different
countries helps them capture global markets, increase customer base across
nations, and earn profits easily.
4-Skilled migrant labour - Multiethnic countries are home to majority of
immigrants, a significant population of it being a highly educated skilled
workforce. For example, students coming from Asia to the United States for
higher education become part of the country's workforce. Besides their aptness
for the job, a basic requirement, like knowledge of the English language, serves as
an additional asset for both, the employer and the employee.