The Benefits and Challenges of Living, Teaching and Working in Today’s Diverse World

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this report is to provide an understanding of cultural diversity in today’s global economy and to understand what shapes our identities and what influences our behavior. Background: Culture is the way of functioning in today’s world and it refers to the shared language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that are passed down from one generation to the next. Cultural diversity helps individuals recognize and respect the stewpot of today’s world and promoting cultural diversity and cultural competency helps individuals define and respect the diversity that encompasses today. Cultural competence also helps individuals embrace values and cultural nuances that are not necessarily akin to the one’s the individual possesses. Individuals interact with others to build bridges to trust, respect, and understanding across cultures. Furthermore, diversity makes the world a more interesting place to live, as people from diverse backgrounds contribute language, new ways of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences. Methodology: A non-systematic literature review by way of reviewing articles that were found in many of major databases under the terms “Diversity in the workplace” since the year 2010 was conducted. Findings: This study identified major findings that would help individuals shape the diversity encountered and provides an avenue toward unity.