"Do you think
the rapid polarization of U.S. society affects one's cultural intelligence or
competence within the work environment?"
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I do believe polarization moving at a very fast pace impacts our cultural intelligence in the work environment. I read an article that talked about this very topic. Leaders in companies realize how slow they are moving in reacting to this change. Not only are companies losing money by not widening their customer base but they are also losing these same individuals who work for them. The increasing Asian, Hispanic, and African-American is forcing these companies to shift their attention and change their business approach. Understanding how this diversity plays a key role in a business will provide a need for cultural intelligence. It also has to be authentic and not seen not only a strategy in sustaining their business. If you have some time, please read the below Forbes article that talks about these widespread initiatives.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2011/05/30/the-lack-of-cultural-intelligence-is-damaging-our-enterprises-and-our-economy/#73a17cd31e78
Excellent article, David. Thank you for posting it. A perfect segue to the topics we'll cover in Saturday's class--Emotional Intelligence and Cultural Intelligence. Below is an excerpt taken from the Introduction to Module 3 - some things to think about . . .
DeleteAre there additional elements to intercultural competence? If so, what are they? How much of intercultural skill is different from interpersonal skill? Does one need to be interpersonally competent to achieve intercultural competence? Can clear distinctions be made and if so, what are they? How many of these competencies are trainable?
I think it depends on what is meant by polarization. Is it related to our bi-partisan viewpoints, racial segregation or what? Regardless what angle you take, I think cultural intelligence is necessary to be successful in the workplace today. It seems few companies keep their transactions within their own market without branching out.
ReplyDeleteI think the segregation we see in our society most definitely affects our competence in the workplace, one way or the other. No matter how hard we try to remain objective on many issues facing our nation, it rarely occurs that our subjective views do not come into play somehow. Harmless “watercooler” chat can easily turn downhill if you bring up sensitive topics.
Additionally, people who do not possess cultural intelligence may have a difficult time adapting to a more culturally diverse workplace. It takes an open mind, education and respect to really have an open and safe work environment.
Here is another great article that stresses the importance of cultural intelligence in the workplace.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/iese/2015/03/24/why-you-need-cultural-intelligence-and-how-to-develop-it/#14a12a5b3670
I’m inclined to agree and disagree. To elaborate from my work experience, certain topics are considered to be a work faux pas like politics. You definitely see segregation on some stance like religion and politics but topics like these are quickly changed and dropped for the most part. After incidents like that, those topics are usually put on an unspoken ban list. Sure you bring up that topic again but nobody will fall into the trap of discussing them. I don’t believe the culture in my work place is anti-confrontational, it’s just a common sense attitude as we know there are no benefits to discussing those topics. That being said, there are certain people that still do bring up touchy subjects like religion and most people avoid non-work related discussions with them. The problem here is lack of cultural intelligence and it setting back diversity. Sure this person may have great ideas but you will never know as you avoid speaking to the person because of them always brining up those topics.
DeleteYes, for the most part, I feel that rapid polarization of U.S. society adversely impacts one's cultural intelligence or competence within the work environment. I'm struggling to think of an example where either Segregation or Social Exclusion has improved competency in the work environment, or expanded someone's cultural intelligence.
ReplyDeleteThere have always been opposing ideals in our society, but I think these issues are being talked about a lot more openly than they have been in the past. With that said, I think a leader's cultural intelligence, or at the very least, their cultural awareness should be on high alert. When I think about cultural awareness, I always wondered whose responsibility it was to adapt. An article that I read about cultural intelligence in the workplace put it very well for me: 'Adapting is the responsibility of anyone who cares about performance.' I think what it truly boils down to is the issue of respect. It is foolish to think that people will be of the same mind in every issue, but if people are able to extend and receive respect towards sensitive issues, it goes a long way towards building a cohesive culture. Respect does not indicate agreement, but it does show that opinions are valued.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.imd.org/research/challenges/TC081-08.cfm
"Do you think the rapid polarization of U.S. society affects one's cultural intelligence or competence within the work environment?"
ReplyDeleteI believe the answer to this question depends a great deal on the degree of emotional intelligence that already exists among staff members in an organization. Having recently completed a Business Law class here at Northwestern, I am more aware of the discriminatory statements and actions that may cause hurt feelings, or worse, in a work environment. Over the years, many discriminatory situations have resulted in litigation, thus created laws that effectively legislated away some areas of discrimination from the work environment. Consequently, I believe that these laws affect HR competencies, and it turn, the acceptable actions made by management. Therefore, I feel that the work environment has improved in cultural intelligence over past years. Aside from blatant discriminatory actions, however, the subtle ways in which individuals continue to exhibit cultural insensitivity still exists in those who are not yet culturally aware of their actions. Any news story may - at any particular time - cause a significant reaction with members of society, and in turn, the work environment, as well. That is why we must remain inclusive in our daily behavior, so that we may remain sensitive to the feelings and concerns of our co-workers. The best way to achieve this is to get to know them as individuals.
In answer to Charlene’s question to the class, I feel that it is necessary to have achieved interpersonal competencies before intercultural competencies can be developed.
I tend to think it is moving fast and definitely affects the cultural intelligence and/or competence in the workplace. How could it not?!! and there is no stopping it! I see this integration as an open loop and can only increase the cultural intelligence of an organization if the leadership encourages and looks for opportunities for growth by continually educating the human capital within the throughout all the stakeholders. The very existences of the organization depends on transferring the current knowledge,developing new ways to be competitive, communicating the vision, and objectives to all stakeholders. It doesn't seem that most organizations can keep up with the pace in my opinion.
ReplyDelete(391-16SP08) Rapid Polarization is moving fast and I do believe cultural intelligence and competencies are being affected. What I believe that exposes the understanding of culture is being able to live within that environment. This allows many people to be exposed to the different cultures. I also believe that an organization must do its due diligence and make sure diversity is high. When people come from different backgrounds, it opens up a whole new world. It allows people from different points of view to look at a problem differently.
ReplyDelete