TeamWorks and its Associates work throughout the United States with organizations
to inform and educate leaders and employees about cultural diversity issues.
The following are only some of the issues that we can address within organizations.
These issues can manifest as irrational fears, discrimination, and conflict
that can subtly or grossly affect the efficiency and effectiveness of
the organization.
Racism
Ethnocentrism
Sexism and Gender Inequity
Homophobia
Ableism
Ageism
At present, underrepresented cultural groups make up 25% of the U.S.
population and are projected to become the majority by 2050 (Organista,
Chun, & Marín, 1998; U.S. Department of Commerce, 2001). Increasingly,
organizations are realizing the need to understand diversity issues and
incorporate relevant minority experiences into the organizational structure
(Locke, 1998). Race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical
ability, religious affiliation, nationality, family culture, beliefs,
and customs are all relevant when considering diversity issues in the
workplace and educational systems.
TeamWorks and its Associates work on-site or off-site with individuals
and small groups by employing focus groups, surveys, and public forums
to assess and evaluate problems, processes, and solutions. Data analysis
and written reports are generated off-site.
Assessments
TeamWorks and its Associates use a suite of assessment tools, such as
the following, to customize intervention strategies to the needs of the
client organization and its people. All assessments are voluntary. However,
our interventions will have the greatest chance for lasting impact if
the organization's leaders are full and willing participants in the intervention
process.
The Pulse Assessment
The pre-intervention assessment evaluates an organization's needs and
objectives with respect to cultural diversity issues to help us organize
and plan an agenda for intervention. The Pulse gauges individuals' expectations
and areas for growth during intervention. A sample item from the Pulse
assessment is, "What information do you expect or hope to gain from
a TeamWorks workshop?"
Knowledge, Skills, & Awareness (K.S.A.) (Pretest and Posttest)
Assessment
The K.S.A. is a two-part assessment given both before (pretest) and after
(posttest) TeamWorks intervention to measure participant's growth regarding
their knowledge, skills, and awareness of diversity and multicultural
issues. We recommend this assessment for organizations interested in increasing
individuals' sensitivity and ability to work with individuals from diverse
groups. A sample item from the K.S.A. assessment is, "Are you aware
of the similarities and differences between yourself and your clients?"
The term client would be changed to reflect the specific organization
- for example, customers, students, or members.
Cultural Audit for Organizations
The Cultural Audit evaluates an organization's openness to acknowledge
diversity among employees and clientele, and the ability to support individuals
from diverse groups. A sample item from the A.F.O. is, "How well
does this company respond to the needs of individuals from diverse groups?"
Cultural Audit for Individuals (A.F.I.)
The Cultural Audit evaluates an individual's openness to diversity among
employees, supervisors, and clientele, and the person's ability to work
and communicate with individuals from culturally diverse groups and backgrounds.
A sample item from the A.F.I. is, "How well do you communicate with
coworkers or clientele who are culturally different from you?"
