Assignment: Unit 8 Working Across Cultures

INTRODUCTION

In the beginning of the 21st century, the United States appears to be moving toward greater acceptance of cultural differences. In many respects, Americans seem to be embracing diversity and celebrating differences rather than challenging them. Despite this higher level of tolerance, though, there are still unique cultural characteristics due to socioeconomics, race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, and at some of these levels, culture clash still occurs.

In any society, a significant amount of cultural capital is required to work across cultural boundaries. What is cultural capital? Consider it the traits and skills that each individual-public administrator, stakeholder, activist, or community member-brings to the process. These competencies arise from the unique situations in which each culture evolves: through its environment, the challenges it has faced, and the benefits it has realized.

Culture can be defined as everything from a style of dress to a set of beliefs and values. An individual perceives culture as identity, as well as an accumulation of knowledge and experience. This accumulation brings value to public processes and can help to address some of the thorniest and most complex public issues facing the world today. True, cultures can compete with one another, but they also can (and do) borrow from one another. The knowledge and experience that is a part of a culture can open eyes, expand horizons, and broaden understanding when it is shared and, more importantly, accepted.

In the public administration field, we rely on the differences of individuals to stimulate thinking and provide synergistic solutions. The purpose of this unit is to examine the benefits of culture accumulation and the impacts of evolving technology on our global and diverse societies.

OBJECTIVES

To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:

1. Discuss and analyze the relationships that exist between public participation, collective identity, and multiculturalism.

2. Apply knowledge of public administrative strategies that encourage the positive application of multiculturalism and collective identity.

Unit 8 Study 1

Studies

Readings

Use the Griswold text, Cultures and Societies in a Changing World, to complete the following:

• Read "Organizations in a Multicultural World," pages 119-140.

Research

Complete the following research in preparation for this unit's discussions:

• Use the Capella library, the Internet, and other resources available to you to locate at least three examples of culture crossing boundaries in government organizations. These examples do not need to be from peer-reviewed sources, but should be academically sound. You will use these examples in the Culture in Organizations discussion later in this unit.

• Unit 8 Study 2

Preparation for Project Phase 3

The final phase of your project will be due in Unit 10. Read the directions for the Global Issue - Analysis (Phase 3) assignment carefully and plan how you will meet this deadline. If you have any questions about the directions, contact your instructor.

Review of Literature

Continue your review of literature relevant to your issue. Your list of references for Phase 3 will include those you previously cited in Phase 2, but should be augmented. It may include added material located through the Global Issue Resources interactive, course readings, and media presentations if relevant. In addition, the final project must include at least 12 peer-reviewed sources located from the Capella library or other sources online or in print.

In order to make sure you maximize the results of your research, read the instructions for Phase 3 carefully and plan to meet the requirements. Keep notes and the citations of all sources you consult. It could be helpful to begin an outline or a rough draft this week.

Resources

Unit 8 Discussion 1

Culture in Organizations

Just as culture needs to cross geographic or national boundaries, culture also crosses the boundaries of organizations within a government. Use the examples you found in this unit's study to inform your post.

How does culture cross boundaries in public administration organizations? Analyze government examples from the United States and in other countries to support your post. Describe the implications this has for public administrators in being more sensitive to issues of multiculturalism and diversity.

Response Guidelines

Read your peers' posts and respond substantively to at least one (please choose a post that has fewest responses.) Compare your peer's post to yours, and include insights you have gained from the rest of the discussion. Answer the following questions if they are relevant:

• Does your peer's writing contain any assumptions or faulty logic that should be questioned?
• Is it incomplete in any way?
• Can you expand upon the ideas presented or suggest variations?
• What points are made particularly well?

Resources.

Attachment:- Chapter-6-Orgsin-a-Multicultural-word.rar