HN 502 Capella University Multiculturalism and Diversity in Human Services Discussion

 

 

When responding to posts of other learners, please ensure that those responses are substantive. Add to the discussion, offer examples, rather than posting an “I agree” statement. Tell why you agree. Augment your thinking to the critical level. Ask any questions that will help you better understand each post. Make suggestions that will provide food for thought.

Student post down below:

Being an effective multicultural team means that you are accepting of the cultural differences of others and also take advantage of these differences for the benefit of the organization. Acculturation increases the creativity, cross-cultural competency and helps you to be more successful in different cultural situations (Harley-McClaskey, 2015). However, acculturation does not just spontaneously work. Leaders must be aware of different issues that lead to conflict, namely communication, which can create challenges. The organization must be constantly assessing the team for any conflicts and making adjustments as they go to be successful.

An effective team also has influential leaders, research has show to have the following qualities: trust, compassion, stability, and hope (Harley-McClaskey, 2015). Beyond that, an individual must have political influence withing the organization. According to Gentry and Leslie (2012), there are four types of politically intelligent behaviors (Harley-McClaskey, 2015). 1. Mingle strategically. 2. Read the situation. 3. Determine the appropriate action before acting. And 4. Leave them with a good impression. It is important to understand the political environment of the organization and its leadership to be able to have greater influence by building strong networks with influential leaders. The political makeup of a successful organization has to be one where positive outcomes and relationships are the priority.

There are six principles of influence from Cialdini (1993) that lead to influence in the workplace. 1. Consistency. 2. Reciprocation. 3. Social proof. 4. Authority. 5. Liking. 6. Scarcity. Influential teams have people who are consistent in decision making and behaviors. They are able to reciprocate the kindness of others and do so willingly. Social proof suggests that teams will look to others to determine who is influential and accepted. The authority used by leaders should be withing their role and not reaching. Liking is exactly like it sounds. Those who are better liked are more influential. Scarcity or privilege to information can also make for powerful leaders.