Diversity and Inclusion in Australian Workplace

The assignment discusses four major cultural groups (Arabs, Italians, Punjabis/Sikhs, and Islam) and their key differences in the Australian workplace. It also covers three key concepts of Australia's anti-discrimination legislation (Age Discrimination Act 2004, Racial Discrimination Act 1975, and Disability Discrimination Act 1992). The document examines the benefits and challenges of employing people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, it provides two methods of reasonable adjustment for participation by people with disabilities in the workplace.

PART ONE: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. Identify four (4) major cultural groups including two (2) cultural and two (2)
religious groups you are likely to work with in the Australian workplace and outline
two key differences of each group identified.
Two cultural groups:
Arabs :
 They pronounce certain words in a different manner and hence makes it a bit hard
for other people to understand or follow the presentation or speech.
 The way they greet people is different in their culture and is one of the key
differences in workplace
Italians :
 Their social beliefs are different and are often reserved and does not shake hands
which I consider a key difference as a good meeting starts with a good handshake.
 They have specific eating timing for lunch and breakfast and hence may not fall in
the break time of company.
Two religious’ groups:
Punjabis/Sikhs:
 All the Sikhs are vegetarians and hence need to be considered when having formal
lunch or dinner meetings with other employees.
 It is mandatory cultural practice for them to tie a folded cloth on the head and is
considered as difference in workplace
Islam:
 Eating of pork is strictly forbidden and needs to be considered before offering or
sharing food at workplace.
 The women of specific group in Islam follow their cultural practice of covering their
faces.

2. Source of information:
https://www.intercaretraining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/CHCDIV001-
Work-with-diverse-people-Resource-InterCare.pdf
3. List and explain at least three (3) key concepts that you know about Australia’s anti-
discrimination legislation
Age discrimination act 2004 – Act of the Parliament of Australia that prohibits age
discrimination in many areas including employment, education, accommodation
and the provision of goods and services.
Racial discrimination act 1975 – The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 gives effect to
Australia's obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Racial Discrimination. Its major objectives are to
 promote equality before the law for all persons, regardless of their race,
colour or national or ethnic origin, and
 make discrimination against people on the basis of their race, colour, descent
or national or ethnic origin unlawful.
Disability discrimination act 1992 – The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)
makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person, in many areas of public life,
including employment, education, getting or using services, renting or buying a
house or unit, and accessing public places, because of their disability
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?
Benefits:

 Knowledge on local and international markets
 Increased productivity
 Greater chance of resolution during issues
 Diverse client behavior
 More innovative ideas
Challenges:
 Different nature of work style
 Change in opinions
 prejudice
5. Identify two (2) methods of reasonable adjustment you would undertake to ensure
participation by people with disabilities in the Australian workplace
 Provide them with modified equipment like large computer screen and touch
phones for easy access to increase participation.
 Change the work premises according to them for easy entry and exit and will
adjust work schedule accordingly.
6. What types of discrimination have you experienced or are you aware of? List at least
two (2) types of discrimination in your response.
 Discriminated by country of origin
 Work experience related discrimination
7. What communication skills do you need to promote diversity in your work team to
improve performance and interpersonal relationships?
 Necessary training
 Being receptive
 Using infographics as much as possible
 Body language
 Mentorship
 Balance in attitude

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.
Education sector:
The cultural diversity aids allow the country to accept the students from many
countries and contributes to greater amount of GDP of country and thus appeal as
most desired education destination.
Research and innovation:
Migration flows have been found to empirically contribute to innovation by
increasing the knowledge, skills, and cultures available. Cultural diversity, along with
high technological capabilities, contributes to the vibrancy of regional business
networks and entrepreneurship.
9. Provide a definition of social justice and how it relates to workplace diversity in the
Australian culture.
Social justice is the phenomena of every individual in a fair manner and equally and
are entitled to all the rights and opportunities provided by the constitution.
Ensuring the equity and creating an environment where diverse groups of employees
work efficiently together improves performance and gives company a competitive
edge.
CASE STUDY:
1. What are the cultural considerations and sensitivities that Hong needs to take into
account when communicating with the staff members and employers?
 Resolve issue in peaceful manner
 Do not discriminate
 Do not trigger them in aggressive manner
 Ask for possible solutions
 Choose most appropriate solution
 Make owners understand the problem in peaceful manner

2. What legislative requirements should Hong be aware of before taking the problem to the
employers?
 Human rights act 2004
 Racial discrimination act 1975
 Fair work act 2009
3. How should Hong document the staff member’s complaint?
 Hong should make note of the complaints in the staff complaints file and report it
to the owners and should also ask the employees to sign under the complaint
4. Should Hong speak to the team members individually or collectively when gathering
information about the problem? Explain your answer.
I think Hong should talk to the two employees who complained as the owners made
remarks about third employee. And about the pay related issue Hong should talk
collectively to all employees.
5. Why has the staff members’ work performance been affected so negatively because of this
situation? How might customers be also affected?
The staff are being under paid and hence are not satisfied leading to reduced efficiency
and are determined to their job which lead to poor work performance and thus the
customers get poor service as staff are nor welcoming and unhappy .
6. What laws are the employers breaching? What government department could assist Hong
in dealing with this situation?
Laws breached:
Racial discrimination act 1975
Fair work act 2009
Australia human rights act 1986
Fair works is the right department that will help Hong to deal with situation.