ORGL-506: Leadership and Diversity. 

Competencies Expected:

Course content invited me to examine and apply elements of social constructionism shaped in part by the roles I occupy and how society views these roles and how it creates implications for life.  Course competencies invited me to 1) explain and evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity on an individual’s life with an ability to understanding the perspective of another by applying intercultural communication theory and practices 2) describe and analyze various issues affecting gender and communication in social groups and within organizations 3) articulate and critique the impact of socioeconomic status on identity development, communication competence, and life chances 4) describe and exhibit respectful behaviors, providing an empathetic explanation of various individuals’ perspectives, through the use of competent intercultural communication 5) apply concepts learned about race, class, gender, and intercultural communication to improve personal leadership and communication competencies. 

Competencies Achieved:

Engaging in dialogue throughout the course opened my mind to the culpability I play in furthering a lack of diversity through the facilitation that if I do not recognize it (ignorance) is therefore fails to exist.  For example, in the group slideshow we prepared we researched the role of Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity on diversity within organizations.  This course engaged me at such a level to think differently about diversity that I completed a Literature Review on Intercultural Communication Competence. Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) is “the ability to effectively and appropriately execute communication behaviors that negotiate each other’s cultural identity or identities in a culturally diverse environment” (Chen & Starosta, 1996). 

Competencies Applied: 

Applying Bennett’s Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity is a lifetime opportunity for growth and development.  Bennett’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity is a developmental model helps those interested in developing their intercultural communication competence. 

Bennett’s Model of Intercultural Sensitivity is a social construction that encourages individuals to interpret their identity introspectively while learning that development is ongoing.  Bennett’s Model emphasizesthe focusing on subjective cultures to objective cultures – from narrow to open mindedness.  Unlike other models, Bennett’s Model focuses on the developmental stages of intercultural sensitivity that can be applied across all cultures and is not specific to one ethnicity. 

Now, as I recognize the split second reaction I have when I see someone of a differing culture I mentally stop, identify the emotion or fear and seek to recognize the root cause of the stated experience.  Oftentimes it is rooted in societal influences and rarely a real concern or threat. 

 Artifact Inclusion:   

References:

Allen, B. J. (2004). Difference matters: Communicating social identity. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.

Bordas, J. (2007). Salsa, soul, and spirit: Leadership for a multicultual age. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Kohler.

Haggis, P. (Director). (2004). Crash [Motion picture on DVD]. USA.

Hooks, B. (2000). Where we stand: Class matters. New York, NY: Routledge.

Jeffcoat, J. (Director). (2006). Outsourced [Motion picture on DVD]. Israel.

Muccino, G. (Director), Black, T., Blumenthal, J., Tisch, S., Lassiter, J., & Smith, W. (Producers), & Conrad, S. (Writer). (2006). The pursuit of happyness [Motion picture on DVD]. United States: Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Paronnaud, V., & Satrapi, M. (Directors). (2008). Persepolis [Motion picture on DVD]. USA: 01 Distribution.