Resolving Workplace Conflicts: Employee Relations - Being Threatened by Cultural Differences & Competency (PDF)

Employees with diverse backgrounds may be very accomplished, but are not valued or respected because of a variety reasons such as language barriers or physical limitations. The obvious differences are focused on rather than the fact that the individual's education, competency, experience and accomplishments are extensive and may be what is actually more threatening to colleagues. If these qualities are valued and appreciated by leadership, and the individual is recognized with promotions and special projects, colleagues may not enjoy the same acknowledgement but feel they deserve it even if they haven't earned it. This causes ongoing tension and conflict among team members. The diverse employees may also take actions to reduce and/or avoid conflict caused by differences such as communication barriers.

With this tool you get the following:

•  The effects discrimination against diverse team members have on the organization.
•  Considerations for why discrimination occurs.
•  Numerous solutions for addressing discrimination.
•  Ideas for negotiating/adjusting solutions.
•  Potential barriers and ways to overcome them to achieve resolution.
•  Implementation timeframe.
•  Follow-up review commitments.

Additionally, we provide a blank, editable Conflict Resolution Worksheet and the Worksheet Guidelines providing a step-by-step process for addressing your own workplace conflicts.