Working in Cultural Diversity

This unit examines cultural diversity and its implications for case managers. Students will examine the cultural and linguistic awareness and skills required for effective communication and cooperation with persons of diverse cultures and linguistic needs, and will discuss ways of participating in the development of workplace policies that acknowledge such cultural diversity.
Students will be encouraged to consider the nature of cultural diversity and the ways in which they are able to work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers. Issues covered will include cultural awareness in the workplace, recognising and eliminating bias and discrimination, improving cross-cultural communication, and resolving cross-cultural misunderstandings and conflict.

Learning Outcomes

• Reflect cultural awareness in work practice
• Accept cultural diversity as a basis for effective workplace and professional relationships
• Communicate effectively with culturally diverse persons
• Resolve cross-cultural misunderstandings

Content Areas

• Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Awareness
• Attitudes, Stereotypes and Bias
• Eliminating Bias and Discrimination in the Workplace
• Using Communication to Develop and Maintain Culturally Diverse Relationships
• Barriers to Cross-Cultural Communication
• An Awareness and Celebration of Diversity
• Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings and Conflict
• Resolving Cross-Cultural Misunderstandings and Conflict
• Developing Workplace Policies on Cultural Diversity
• Creating a Culturally and Psychologically Safe Environment
• Reviewing and Modifying Work Practices

Module Duration and Workload

This module involves a total of 48 hours per term of study including a course work component, educator contact, research, related study activities, and completion of assessment tasks. This translates as 4 hours per week for the module.