The Role of Cultural Diversity in Driving Progress and Development

Much of the innovative capacity of an organization is realized at the unit level in working teams. Recent research points to cultural diversity having an especially significant impact on innovation team performance. The reports also highlight the need for the optimal team operating principles to derive maximum benefit.

To prepare such innovation teams for success, it is valuable to understand the dynamics of team diversity at the project level and the underlying barriers and opportunities presented.

What is cultural diversity?

Culture is what shapes us, it is the reason we have certain beliefs, influences how we behave and is what gives us our identity.

Cultural diversity is the representation of different cultural and ethnic groups in society.

When talking about cultural diversity in the workplace.

It is the inclusion of employees from different backgrounds, different races, different sexual orientations and different political views .

The term cultural diversity encourages an environment of inclusion, with representatives from a range of various backgrounds that come together to work as a team.

It’s easy to talk about the theory and definitions of cultural diversity, but when it comes to creating that within an organisation.

It very much depends on the practices used during the hiring process.

Why is cultural diversity important?

We’ve touched on the idea of the benefits cultural diversity offers, but equality and diversity are something that hasn’t just received lip service within the media. There’s been extensive research into its positive effects and the importance of business inclusivity.

Studies looking at why cultural diversity is important give us solid stats to work from when thinking about its benefits. For instance, economically, research shows that the 43 most diverse public corporations were 24% more profitable than the S&P 500 . Other studies show that almost 95% of directors agree that diversity brings unique perspectives .

Ultimately, workplace diversity and inclusion allow businesses to build teams that bring different viewpoints and talents to the mix, increasing innovation and driving higher revenues.

Origin and purpose:

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

Next, in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted.

The resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development A/C.2/70/L.59, affirming culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the world.

And recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.

The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO

Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005:

Support sustainable systems of governance for culture
Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals
Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks
Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms

The ninth session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 6 to 8 June 2023 to examine the state of the implementation of the Convention worldwide.

And the major challenges facing the cultural and creative sectors in the post COVID-19 pandemic context.

The Role of Cultural Diversity in Driving Progress and Development,The Role of Cultural Diversity in Driving Progress and Development