Diversity and Communication by Sydoney. A.A. Banks
Communication can be difficult because we all have our own specific perceptions of understanding. During the 1960s and the 1970s, the term diversity meant differences based on race, sex, national origin, and religion (Mayhew 1). Over the past fifty years, the term diversity has changed to include more in the definition of diversity (Mayhew 1).
People do have differences and these differences can be broken down into primary and secondary types of diversity: the primary category - includes visible differences such as gender, ethnic origin, and age and the secondary category - includes less obvious differences such as class, sexuality, disability, and work style (UWE 1). Culture is many differences occurring within behavior, lifestyles, customs, and habits that embrace tradition going back generations (UWE 1).
Diversity is a concept that embraces a wide range of characteristics including: language, 'race', ethnic background, dress, values, age, gender, educational background, class, religious observances, political interest, notions about social and community responsibilities, employment and economic status, mental and physical disabilities (UWE 1). Diversity, or difference, is a central feature of modern existence, partly because of interaction between cultures; partly for historical reasons; and partly through the growth of international communications technology and we need to be aware and accepting of differences it we want to reap the benefits that naturally flow from diversity (UWE 1). Diversity brings new skills and fresh ideas and recognise and celebrate the strengths and positives of diversity (UWE 1).
Different diverse populations will perceive communication differently from various sources and it depends a lot on the type of delivery used. Reception of communication can also be tricky if delivery is improperly used. "Effective communication is generally defined as the method that clearly accurately conveys the intended message (Mayhew 1).
RSS Feed
