Cultural Groups in Australian Workplace

Part one
1. Identify four (4) major cultural groups including two (2) cultural and two (2) religious
groups you are likely to work within the Australian workplace and outline two key
differences of each group identified.
Answer
To identify four major cultural groups I like to work within Australian workplace; two
cultural groups selected are Asian and European. Two religious groups selected for this purpose
are Catholic and Hindu groups. Two key differences of Asian and European cultural groups are
in the domain of conservativeness of thinking and disciplined way of living life. Two key
differences of Catholic and Hindu religious group are their belief on religion and the criticalness
of religious beliefs and rituals followed by them.
2. For the groups used in Question 1, explain how did you source information on these
cultural groups and provide the information sources in your response.
Answer
The information sources about selection of cultural groups are from the website Cultural
diversity in Australia (Culturaldiversity, n.d) and the general feeling while meeting those
people from different cultural groups. Even if the website provides theoretical knowledge, the
practical information gathered is by meeting people of those groups in real life.
3. List and explain at least three (3) key concepts that you know about Australia’s anti-
discrimination legislation
Answer
The three key concepts of anti discrimination legislation of Australia are protecting the
fields of – a) Racial Discrimination Law, 1975; b) Disability Discrimination Law, 1992; and c)
Sex Discrimination Law, 1984. All these legislations are covered by Federal authorities and to
be complied by the Australian Human Rights Commission. Main objectives of these legislations
are to provide equal status for the workforce with mitigation of discrimination caused by racism,
disability and sex. (Commission, n.d)
4. In what ways do you think employing people of different ages, with different abilities
and from a range of backgrounds and cultures could benefit your organization and other
organizations? Can you see any disadvantages?
Answer
The employment of people from diverse background, age and expertise can benefit the
organizations to explore the resources extracted from those employees, which can be exploited
for the betterment of the organizations. The disadvantages of this concept is the probable in-
house conflict within the organization related to values, ethnicity, belief and thought process of
diverse people regarding varied ages, abilities and culture.
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5. Identify two (2) methods of reasonable adjustment you would undertake to ensure
participation by people with disabilities in the Australian workplace
Answer
Two methods of reasonable adjustment for employees with disabilities in Australian
workplace as per Section 6 of Disability Discrimination Act are:
 To allow any disable employee with flexible environment in their working condition like
fixation of working hour including the provision of tele-working for some portion of a
week;
 To redistribute minor deliverables, which are not compulsory need of the job, and which
the employee with disability finds hard to deliver. (Disability, n.d)
6. What types of discrimination have you experienced or are you aware of? List at least two
(2) types of discrimination in your response.
Answer
Tow types discrimination found in workplace are sex discrimination and disability
discrimination. Sex discrimination occurs when the employer tries to exploit the position of
female employee by providing lower salary and higher working hours. Disability discrimination
occurs when the employee with disability is not treated with reasonable adjustments as per
legislative provision of Human Rights Commission of Australia.
7. What communication skills do you need to promote diversity in your work team to
improve performance and interpersonal relationships?
Answer
The communication skill required to promote diversity in work team for better
performance and interpersonal relationship are- enhancement of self awareness; depending more
on non-verbal communication; showing respect to other team members; showing empathy and
sign of understanding for colleagues; be a patient and active listener; and communicating
clearly to other team members.
8. Explain at least two (2)ways Australia’s cultural diversity aids the economy and society
in relation to workforce development; with consideration of the contribution to
Australia’s position in a global economy
Answer
The cultural diversity of Australia aids the economy in different ways. The two ways of
developing Australian workforce with diversity can benefit the economy are increased
productivity and improved employee engagement. Increased productivity is caused through the
insertion of different culture and expertise of workforce. Improved employee engagement is
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