Cultural sensitivity is an increasingly important concept in the workplace. While cultural diversity is often seen as a positive goal, cultural sensitivity is essential in creating a workplace environment that is truly inclusive. In this article, we’ll explore why cultural sensitivity matters more than cultural diversity in the workplace.
Why Cultural Diversity is Not Enough
While cultural diversity is certainly desirable, it is not enough to create a truly inclusive workplace. Simply having employees from diverse backgrounds is not sufficient if they don’t feel comfortable expressing their unique perspectives and experiences. In fact, a workplace that emphasizes diversity without emphasizing cultural sensitivity can actually create a sense of exclusion for those who don’t fit the dominant culture.
The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity is the ability to understand and appreciate the customs, traditions, and beliefs of people from diverse backgrounds. It involves being open to different ways of thinking and communicating, and being able to adapt your behavior and communication style accordingly. Cultural sensitivity acknowledges the diversity of perspectives and experiences that exist within a workplace, and seeks to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Why Cultural Sensitivity Matters More
Cultural sensitivity is especially crucial in the current globalized business landscape. With more and more companies operating internationally, cross-cultural communication has become increasingly important. Cultural sensitivity enables employees to work effectively with colleagues and clients from different backgrounds, which can ultimately lead to more successful business outcomes. Additionally, cultural sensitivity can help to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that can arise when people from different backgrounds communicate without an understanding of the other’s cultural context.
Case Study: Starbucks
Starbucks is a well-known example of a company that has actively prioritized cultural sensitivity in its workplace culture. In 2018, the coffee giant closed its more than 8,000 US stores for an afternoon of racial bias training. The training was prompted by an incident at a Philadelphia Starbucks in which two black men were arrested while waiting for a friend. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led Starbucks to take a closer look at its internal practices. The racial bias training was aimed at helping employees understand the unconscious biases that can lead to discriminatory behavior, and encouraged them to take steps to avoid those biases in the future.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, cultural sensitivity matters more than cultural diversity in the workplace. Cultural diversity is certainly a worthy goal, but it is not sufficient without an emphasis on cultural sensitivity. Cultural sensitivity creates a workplace environment that is truly inclusive and acknowledges the diversity of experiences and perspectives that exist. It enables employees to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, which can lead to more successful business outcomes. By prioritizing cultural sensitivity, companies can create a workplace culture that is innovative, respectful, and ultimately more successful.
