week 3
Take a Walk (graded)
Let’s start this discussion by sharing public observations. Spend time either walking around or sitting and watching people in a very busy public place. Look for things that you associate with people from race/ethnic, cultural, gender, and social-class backgrounds that are different from your own. Look for the kinds of common interactions or behaviors between different groups and those like your own. For example, do they acknowledge the other’s presence if eye contact happens to occur? Do any behaviors change in the presence of other groups?
Consider what you expect to see based on your assumptions and understandings about persons of different backgrounds (how you expect them to dress, walk, talk, interact with each other, interact with others, etc). Make note of those things that catch your attention. Pay special attention to what you don’t see as well. In two to three paragraphs, share your observations with the class. Please begin your post with, “In my observation…”
Gender Roles (graded)
When traveling to other countries for business, it is important to know the male/female roles in each country. Not knowing these roles could cause problems in discussions and negotiations. If you were traveling to Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Brazil, Thailand, the Czech Republic, Russia, or Rwanda, what would you need to know about the traditional male/female roles? Search the Internet for one or more of the above countries to find out about male/female roles. Share your findings with the class.
week 4
Board Meeting (graded)
In this discussion, we will explore the role of triggers in shaping our assumptions and behaviors. We will then consider strategies for addressing triggers in our professional interactions.
To begin, review and complete the Week 4 You Decide assignment. Post your position statement below. We will then analyze these statements, along with the views of the different players presented in the assignment, and we’ll connect them to the discussion of triggers in this week’s lecture.
Diverse Groups (graded)
If we look at the term diversity as different groups, we can include groups such as Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. What are some differences between the Baby Boomer group and the Generation Y group when it comes to the work force? What are some of the major differences between these groups, and how can any obstacles be overcome to create a successful organization?
