It is important for human resources professionals to be aware of their own cultural identities, acknowledge their values and beliefs, and be prepared to navigate situations involving cultural and value differences. The purpose of this assignment is to practice having a cultural conversation, experience being vulnerable in discussing cultural identities, recognize emotional responses, have a collaborative discussion about values and differences, recognize differences in experiencing care and support, and identify qualities of a therapeutic environment or relationship that would facilitate a positive working alliance. Understanding your own cultural beliefs and values can help to make you aware of potential biases and limitations and increase empathy without judgment.
INSTRUCTIONS
Find a friend or colleague who is willing to have a cultural conversation of approximately one hour with you. Choose someone who represents a cultural identity that is different from your own (for example, ethnicity, military). This is an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. Explain that you are completing an assignment for Multicultural Issues in Human Services, that you will need to write about the conversation, and that you will use an alias, with no personally identifying information. Write a 4–5-page paper (not counting the title page and reference page). You do not need to write an abstract. Follow current APA professional style standards. Cite and reference our textbooks, Cultural Humility, by Hook et al. (2017), and Cultural Engagement (Chatraw & Prior, 2019) as sources used for support in your paper. You are encouraged to use Scripture as well (see the Writing Style Guide tab for how to cite and reference Bible versions you quote).
Begin with a brief paper introduction where you explain what the paper covers. Use the bold headings below to organize your paper.
In the first section, Cultural Identity Conversation, begin by briefly describing the setting (not specific identifying information) and person you are meeting with; include the date, and beginning and end times. You must use an alias for the person you converse with, and state that this is an alias. Prepare approximately 4-8 questions you can ask about cultural identities and worldview. Each person should discuss important aspects of his or her cultural identity. Pay attention to the thoughts and emotions you have when you are talking and listening to the other person. Listen for a value difference or potential conflict. Summarize the interaction. One-two pages.
In the next section, Value Differences Discussion, choose one value or belief difference or potential conflict that you noted when discussing cultural identities to discuss with your volunteer conversation partner. Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions during this interaction. An example of a value difference could be the importance one places on independence and personal goals and dreams, or collectivistic family values. Summarize the interaction. One page.
In the third section, Therapeutic Relationship, discuss and explain how the person you met with experiences care and support, what makes that person feel empathized with. Identify and discuss specific qualities you believe make for a therapeutic environment or relationship that would facilitate a cultural conversation and positive working alliance. One page.
Full Answer Section
Conversation Starters:
- Can you tell me a bit about your cultural background and how it has shaped your identity?
- What are some of the important traditions or values in your family or cultural community?
- Have you experienced any challenges related to cultural differences in your life?
- How do you think your cultural background influences your approach to work?
Summary:
The conversation with Sarah was insightful and engaging. She shared stories about her upbringing, navigating Korean traditions at home while adapting to American culture at school. We discussed the importance of family and respecting elders in Korean culture, which contrasted with my own experience in a more individualistic environment. While Sarah felt comfortable expressing herself at work, there were instances where she felt a need to code-switch, adjusting her communication style to conform to perceived workplace expectations.
During the conversation, I realized my own cultural bias towards direct communication. Sarah mentioned feeling hesitant to voice disagreements with colleagues for fear of being seen as disrespectful. This sparked a curiosity to understand how cultural norms around communication can influence workplace dynamics.
Value Differences Discussion
One of the value differences we discussed was the concept of expressing disagreement. In my experience, open and direct communication is encouraged, while Sarah highlighted the importance of maintaining harmony and avoiding confrontation within groups.
We explored how these differing values could play out in a work setting. For example, a brainstorming session might benefit from diverse viewpoints, even if some ideas challenge the status quo. However, a situation requiring a quick decision might necessitate a more decisive approach, potentially creating discomfort for someone who values group consensus.
The conversation helped me appreciate the complexities of navigating value differences in the workplace. Finding a balance between respecting diverse perspectives and ensuring efficient decision-making is crucial for fostering a truly inclusive environment.
Therapeutic Relationship
Sarah emphasized the importance of feeling heard and understood. She appreciated my active listening and genuine curiosity about her experiences. Building trust through open communication and a non-judgmental approach seemed key to creating a safe space for sharing cultural differences.
Reflecting on the qualities of a therapeutic relationship, I believe empathy and cultural humility are essential. Empathy allows us to connect with another person's feelings and experiences, while cultural humility acknowledges our own limitations and biases. By creating a space for open dialogue and demonstrating a willingness to learn, we can foster positive working alliances and build trust across cultures (Hook et al., 2017; Chatraw & Prior, 2019).
Conclusion
This cultural conversation served as a valuable learning experience. It highlighted the importance of self-awareness regarding our own cultural identities and biases. By actively listening to and engaging with people from different backgrounds, we can build understanding, navigate value differences, and ultimately create more inclusive and supportive environments.
Sample Answer
This paper explores a cultural conversation undertaken as part of a course requirement on Multicultural Issues in Human Services. The purpose of the conversation was to gain a deeper understanding of cultural identities, values, and how these influence experiences of care and support.
Cultural Identity Conversation
Setting: A quiet coffee shop near a park.
Date: July 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Participant: I met with Sarah (alias), a colleague from a different department. Sarah identifies as Korean American, having immigrated to the United States with her family at a young age.