As diversity grows in both society and the workplace, interacting and communicating with your coworkers will present specific challenges and rewards. It is important to be sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of your coworkers and to understand how to navigate an increasingly diverse workplace.

Which of the following are appropriate strategies for communication in diverse workplaces? Check all that apply.

Practice ethnocentrism.

Focus on cultural differences.

Understand the value of difference.

Make fewer assumptions.

Learn about your cultural self.

Develop healthy bias.

Accept stereotypes.

Read the following scenarios, and choose the best answer for the following questions.

In a recent company meeting on diversity in the workplace, the HR representative starts a discussion on how to be more sensitive toward the diverse backgrounds of the companys employees. After the informative discussion, you want to know from the HR representatives perspective why your company values diversity in its work environment.

What would be the best response from the HR representative?

The company doesnt want to hear employees gripe about discrimination, so they hire workers with diverse backgrounds.

Even though it is more expensive for the company to hire a diverse workforce, the people are worth it.

Team members with different backgrounds come up with more effective problem-solving techniques, providing your company with a competitive advantage over other companies.

You are the head of HR for a growing toy company. Several managers have shared with you that there is an increasing incidence of verbal arguments between members of your diverse workforce. They ask you to produce a list of topics to cover for a discussion with the employees on improving workplace communication.

What would be the best list of topics to be covered?

How do you fit into your diverse workforce? Finding common ground; Assumptions and why you are always right; The glass ceiling: Why women are better employees than men

How to avoid conflicts at all costs; Making fewer assumptions; How to conform

Understanding the value of diversity; Diversity awareness scenarios; How do you fit into your diverse workforce?