Cultural Competency and Appreciation vs Appropriation

01/20/25 • 72 min

What is the difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation? In this episode of You Must Be Woking, Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore this nuanced topic, particularly in the context of increasingly diverse workplaces. They begin by defining cultural appropriation as the act of taking or using elements from a culture, often without permission or understanding, in a way that can be disrespectful or harmful. In contrast, cultural appreciation involves recognising, respecting, and valuing the richness of different cultures, often through informed and respectful engagement. The hosts stress that understanding this distinction is crucial for business leaders who aim to create inclusive workplaces where all employees feel respected and valued.

How can business leaders build cultural competence to foster an inclusive atmosphere? Dawn and Craig emphasise that building cultural competence involves the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. They suggest that leaders can build this competence by actively seeking to learn about different cultures, engaging in open dialogues with employees from diverse backgrounds, and participating in cultural sensitivity training. By doing so, leaders can better navigate the complexities of a multicultural workforce, ensuring that all employees feel seen and heard.

What practical strategies can leaders employ to navigate diverse workplaces and avoid cultural appropriation? First, the two recommend you to conduct regular audits to ensure cultural elements are used respectfully. Second, create opportunities for employees to share their cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual respect. Third, consult cultural experts before incorporating cultural elements into business practices or campaigns.

Dawn and Craig then share examples to highlight the line between appreciation and appropriation. They discuss how some advertising uses cultural symbols superficially, leading to backlash, while others collaborate authentically. They also contrast workplaces that adopt cultural holidays without understanding them to those that educate and celebrate those holidays meaningfully. In media, they point out the difference between tokenistic representation and genuine inclusion of diverse voices.

The episode equips leaders with tools to engage with cultural diversity respectfully and effectively. Dawn and Craig encourage leaders to approach this with humility, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity. By embracing diversity and building cultural competence, leaders can create workplaces where all employees feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

So, how will you take steps to foster inclusion and cultural understanding in your workplace?

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For more information on how evidence-led inclusion can transform your organisation, visit the Metimur Global website, and stay connected on social media for updates, insights, and more: https://linktr.ee/MetimurGlobal

Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

So, how will you take steps to foster inclusion and cultural understanding in your workplace?

___

Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/

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Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

Previous Episode

Sometimes A Sheep Is Just A Bloody Sheep

What challenges do organisations face when attempting to integrate inclusive language into their communication practices?

In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards explore these intricate dynamics, focusing on the difficulties and apprehensions organisations encounter. A key part of their discussion is the British Red Cross's controversial Inclusive Language Guide, which serves as a case study illustrating the complexities and potential pitfalls of such initiatives.

How do historical and generational contexts influence our understanding of language? Dawn and Craig dive into this question, emphasising the significance of these contexts in shaping how we perceive and use language. They argue that while language is constantly evolving, we must be mindful of how these shifts affect individual perceptions. They advise caution against over-policing language, suggesting that doing so can stifle meaningful dialogue and hinder progress. Instead, they advocate for fostering an environment where respectful and open conversations can flourish, allowing people to express themselves and learn from one another.

What roles do gender identity and religious language play in shaping inclusive communication? A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to these sensitive topics. The two co-hosts stress the importance of approaching these issues with both respect and curiosity, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully and informatively. Dawn suggests using simpler, more relatable terms to make these conversations more accessible and less intimidating, ensuring that people feel comfortable participating while also being educated on the nuances of these discussions.

What practical steps can organisations take to create more inclusive environments? As the episode nears its conclusion, Craig offers practical advice for organisations striving to embrace inclusivity. Both highlight the essential role of education in this process, recommending training programmes and resources to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of inclusive language. Furthermore, they stress the importance of open communication, urging organisations to establish channels where employees can voice concerns and experiences without fear of retribution.

Why should organisations embrace inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of their culture? Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to action, urging organisations to move beyond seeing inclusivity as just a policy and instead prioritise it as a core value. By focusing on education, promoting open dialogue, and approaching language with respect and curiosity, organisations can cultivate environments that are genuinely welcoming and inclusive for all.

So, what will you do differently to make your organisation more inclusive?

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Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion

Next Episode

Diversity is Dead! The DEI Pushback

In this episode of You Must Be Woking, hosts Dawn Hurst and Craig Richards delve into the question "Is DEI Dead?", examining how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts have evolved, particularly in the aftermath of the start of Donald Trump's second presidency. They explore the landscape of DEI in a world where political and social climates have shifted, leading to significant changes in how organisations approach these initiatives. The two discuss the noticeable pushback against DEI efforts, highlighting how major corporations have started to roll back their programmes, reflecting a broader societal trend of skepticism and resistance.

Why are major corporations rolling back their DEI programmes? Dawn and Craig analyse the reasons behind those retreating, noting that some companies have faced backlash from various stakeholders who question the effectiveness and necessity of DEI initiatives. They point out that while some organisations initially embraced DEI as a response to social pressures, their lack of clear, measurable outcomes has led to disillusionment. The conversation emphasises the importance of moving beyond mere quotas and numbers, advocating for a more genuine approach to inclusion that truly integrates diverse perspectives and experiences into the fabric of the workplace, which ultimately delivers a positive and tangible impact.

How can DEI impacts be measured effectively? Both Co-hosts stress the need for developing robust metrics that go beyond superficial indicators. They argue that organisations must find ways to assess the real impact of DEI initiatives on company culture, employee satisfaction, and business outcomes. By focusing on qualitative measures, such as employee engagement and retention rates among diverse groups, organisations can gain a clearer understanding of how well they are fostering an inclusive environment. Dawn and Craig suggest that without these meaningful metrics, DEI efforts risk becoming vanity projects and lose their intended impact.

How can organisations foster equitable workplaces? Throughout the episode, Dawn and Craig encourage listeners to approach DEI with a sense of openness and curiosity. They suggest that willingness and a positive attitude can be powerful tools in breaking down barriers and facilitating honest discussions about diversity and inclusion. By creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives, organisations can cultivate a culture of empathy and understanding, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable DEI initiatives.

So as the conversation around DEI continues to evolve, the real question is - will organisations rise to the challenge of true, meaningful, impactful inclusion, or will they retreat into complacency?

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Follow the You Must Be Woking podcast on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youmustbewokingpodcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/you-must-be-woking-podcast/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/YouMustBeWoking

Also, be sure to follow our partners at EA Inclusion for additional resources on inclusive practices: https://linktr.ee/EAInclusion