Multicultural

• Culture refers to a social structure and knowledge in ways how people are behaving and believing that identifies as distinct social groups
• In single-celled organisms, substances can easily enter the cell due to a short distance, while in multicellular organisms, the distance is larger due to a higher surface area to volume ratio
• Multicellular organisms require specialised exchange surfaces for efficient gas exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen due to their higher surface area to volume ratio
• Culture is transmitted from one generation to another through communication, whether verbal or non-verbal, and institutionalized as acceptable to the group
• Culture shapes a person's identity, influences behavior, and forms their value system
• Elements under culture create interaction, and as professionals, creating awareness in these elements is crucial
• Art is an expression of creative ideas and imagination used to express craft, translating imagination and ideas into tangible values worth appreciation
• Art impacts tourism professionals by contributing to the customer experience as part of the tourist enterprise
• Beliefs and values are sources of inspiration shared by many people, guiding how a person lives, decides, grows, and makes relationships
• Values guide decisions and are learned from people's experiences
• Beliefs and values raise awareness for both tourists and tourism professionals, cultivating knowledge of being open to other ideas and making fair judgments
• Geography affects culture by determining how people source materials and the physical spaces that affect daily activities
• Geography helps tourism professionals identify the needs of guests from other countries and raises awareness of how people and the environment work within a space
• Language is the basis of communication, essential for understanding culture and transmitting it to those who want to learn
• Learning different languages helps tourism professionals understand guest needs and avoid miscommunication
• Law and politics are products of culture, developed based on acceptable practices to maintain peace and order
• Laws are important for tourism professionals as they set standards for what is right and acceptable, protecting guests and professionals from harm
• Understanding religion plays an important role in tourism professionals by raising sensitivity and consciousness about differences, creating tolerance and understanding cultural practices
• Social organizations reinforce cultural norms, create common ideas, and are essential for relationships and purposes
• In destinations, social organizations can be altered depending on the severity of the influence, potentially jeopardizing the authenticity of the culture
• Tourism professionals can help mitigate altered social structures by recalibrating them for a more authentic cultural exchange that pleases both guests and locals
• Technology may replace certain jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry but can also enhance service quality by reaching more cultures, collaborating, and understanding different world views
• Managers in both public and private businesses must understand, predict, and manage the diverse workforce's interesting nature for a successful business
• Simple diversity refers to basic differences among individuals, while complex diversity involves intricate and intersectional aspects of identities and experiences
• In the hospitality industry, businesses that embrace all levels of diversity can create more inclusive and welcoming environments for both employees and customers
• The concept of diversity refers to the presence and recognition of various differences and variations among individuals within a specific group, community, or society
• Diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including demographic attributes, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, and more
• Diversity acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual and the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives they bring
• Diversity emphasizes inclusivity, equity, and understanding among people from diverse backgrounds
• Creating an environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities, regardless of their differences, is essential in diversity
• Recognizing and appreciating diversity can lead to a more enriched and harmonious society, improved problem-solving, increased creativity, and a greater sense of empathy
• Features of diversity:

  • Multidimensional: encompasses both visible and unseen human aspects
  • Inclusion: includes both differences and similarities among individuals
• Loden Concentric Circles:

  • Categorizes diversity into primary and secondary dimensions
  • Primary dimensions are typically less changeable and have a significant impact on a person's identity
  • Secondary dimensions are more malleable and might change over time
• Grigg's Primary and Secondary Dimensions of Diversity:

  • Categorizes diversity dimensions into primary and secondary categories
  • Primary dimensions are typically not changeable, easily observable, and have a significant impact on an individual's identity
  • Secondary dimensions might change over time, are less visible, and interact with primary dimensions
• Concept of Cultural Diversity:

  • Market Expansion
  • Enhanced Customer Experience
  • Employee Talent Pool
  • Global Perspective
  • Innovation
  • Cultural Competence
  • Employee Engagement
  • Adaptability
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Community Engagement
• Characteristics of Cultural Diversity:

  • Multinational Workforce and Guests
  • Language and Communication Diversity
  • Cultural Norms and Practices
  • Food and Dietary Variations
  • Religious and Attire Diversity
  • Inclusive Policies and Training
• Challenges of Cultural Diversity:

  • Communication
  • Employee Resistance to Change
  • Workplace Diversity Implementation
  • Diversity in the Workplace Policy Implementation
• Benefits of Cultural Diversity:

  1. Expanded Customer Base

  2. Enhanced Guest Experience

  3. Improved Problem Solving

  4. Language Skills

  5. Global Market Competence

  6. Cultural Sensitivity

  7. Employee Satisfaction
• UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity:

  • Aims to raise awareness about the value of cultural diversity
  • Encourages actions to preserve, protect, and promote diverse cultures and traditions
  • Important for advancing cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue worldwide
• Culture refers to a social structure and knowledge in ways how people are behaving and believing that identifies as distinct social groups