Intercultural Competence:

Transcription

1 Intercultural Competence: Maximizing a diverse workforce Wednesday, November 30, 2011 To connect to audio from a direct line: Type in your phone number when prompted. You will be called on this number. If your number contains an extension: When the audio prompt pops up, hit CANCEL then DIAL # Both options: Press 1# for English, then enter #

2 SPEAKERS Ritu Bhasin People Strategist and Diversity Expert bhasin consulting inc. Sue Santoni Branch Manager (Ottawa) RBC

3 Agenda 1. Define intercultural competence 2. Elements of intercultural competence training 3. Diversity at RBC 4. Importance of intercultural competence 5. What two RBC managers learned 6. Q & A 7. Wrap up

4 Polling Question

5 What is Intercultural Competence (IC)? The ability to build bridges across cultural commonalities and adapt behaviours across cultural differences. (Dr. M. Hammer; Dr. M.Bennett) The goals of IC training: Creating inclusive environments Working more effectively across differences on teams Advancing career development

6 Mapping out your training program What attributes should a trainer possess? Who should attend? What is the best way to structure training?

7 Key elements of IC training content Cultural archetypes Cultural dimensions

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9 Key elements of IC training content (cont.) Exercises/applied learning opportunities Recommendations on how to develop IC In-depth analysis of how IC impacts employee development

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11 Key points to remember Don t be afraid of focusing on DIFFERENCE in your training Engage a highly skilled IC trainer Tailor your programming content by audience Focus on cultural dimensions Provide applied learning opportunities

12 RBC Global organization with 18 million clients and more than 80,000 employees who speak more than 100 languages Most business in Canada and United States but also have employees in 50 countries Recognized for commitment to diversity: 2010 Catalyst Award for Diversity, Canada s Best Diversity Employers 2009, Best Employer for New Canadians 2011

13 RBC: Diversity for growth & innovation Diversity objectives: Leader in workforce diversity Financial institution of choice for diverse clients Leverage diversity for growth of RBC and success of clients and communities we serve RBC workforce representation visible minorities

14 Polling Question

15 Making a local commitment to diversity Nationally: Career Bridge (internships) and MOSAIC (employee resource group for visible minorities and newcomers) Locally: Hire Immigrants Ottawa (immigrant employment council) Access to resources, training and local partners: LASI World Skills, Ottawa Job Match and Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organizations (OCISO)

16 Cross-cultural competency training Hiring managers need to be aware of cultural nuances to find best talent Course examines personal attitudes towards cultural differences and impact on behaviour Personal assessment tools, coaching to improve communication skills, group discussions of workplace case studies First step is to engage in open discussion with employees to better understand cultural differences

17 Applying the learnings Each person has a different cultural background and perception Need to understand these differences and pick up cues Can affect interviewing, selecting and coaching

18 Tips for other employers Encourage recruiters and people managers to participate Engage leadership Network with other employers Tap into free programs at immigrant serving agencies Ask diverse employees what can be improved

19 Q & A Please type questions in the chat box on the lower left hand corner of your screen.

20 Wrap Up Visit to sign up for etips and watch past webinars Next webinar Professional Immigrant Networks: Tapping into immigrant talent Feedback survey