Cultural Diversity: Impact on Mark and Natalie's Situation - Essay Sample

Introduction

Cultural diversity has continued to be more pronounced in the contemporary work environment (Martin, 2014). Undoubtedly, cultural diversity encompasses differences in values, beliefs, practices, and traditions which influence individuals' behavior. Notably, cultural diversity plays a key role in Mark and Natalie's situation. In the first instance, the cultural difference becomes illuminated when Miss Florence Marshal, the principal of St. Mathew's, arrives late despite arranging a meeting at 8.00 a.m. (Tattersall, 2009). More confounding was that even the other teachers had not arrived to bring students into order and commence their lessons at 9.00 a.m. as scheduled. Also, Miss Marshall hardly bothers to apologize for being late for the meeting, which illustrates cultural diversity. Moreover, the couple's frustrating situation is exacerbated by the fact that teachers at St. Matthew's Human Resource Center do not adhere to the outlined policies that discourage their disorganized conduct.

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Further, how teachers undertake various school activities at St. Matthew’s points to cultural diversity, which impacted Mark and Natalie's performance during their volunteer work. The school did not develop a curriculum and schedule that is critical for effective functioning. Still, Mr. Thompson and Miss Johnson, who have a distinct cultural background from the couple, provided a harsh work environment that adversely affected their enthusiasm. More specifically, Miss Johnson's interruptions during Natalie's lessons affected her comprehensively, covering the topics (Tattersall, 2009). Additionally, teachers at St. Matthew's have depicted self-consciousness and guarded attitude when they are in the company of the couple. Undeniably, Mark and Natalie were further alienated as the teachers preferred speaking patois despite their ability to speak fluent English that could be understood by all. More critically, Miss Marshall demonstrates that the cultural differences have been fueled economic struggles that inevitably demotivate teachers.

How the Couple Can Understand Jamaican Culture

Notably, Canada and Jamaica have different cultures, and it necessary that Mark and Natalie understand the underlying cultural differences to guarantee their effective volunteer functioning at St. Mathew's. The couple should ensure that they spend a lot of time with teachers at the school to deeply understand their culture and effectively align with the best practices. Undeniably, some Jamaican culture may not be the best in the eyes of the couple. Regarding this, they need to create an interaction between the two cultures and encourage the adoption of best practices that will inevitably benefit the school. More importantly, the couple and, more particularly, Natalie should forge a close relationship with Miss Johnson to understand Jamaican culture that will enable them to have a close working relationship that enhances student's learning experience (Tattersall, 2009). Also, the couple should remain inquisitive about the Jamaican culture and seeks the key factors that influence it as that will allow them to deal with existing cultural differences. Furthermore, in this era of technological advancement, especially in the spectrum of the internet, the couple should conduct online research on Jamaican culture to identify gaps and develop an approach to cultural differences.

Reasons for the Current Situation

It should be noted that the current situation has been caused by the underlying cultural differences in Jamaica and Canada. The current situation has been caused largely by abject poverty that ravages most parts of the country. More particularly, the limited resources have inhibited the school from creating welfare programs that can motivate the teachers to work hard. Also, teachers in the school have little regard for the established policies that point to their embedded cultural practices. Moreover, the current situation has been exacerbated by the inability of people in positions of power, such as Miss Marshall, to ensure strict adherence to the outlined guidelines and policies. Still, the couple's inability to interact more frequently with the teachers and the community at St. Matthew's has contributed to the current situation. Undeniably, the couple's disinterest in understanding the Jamaican culture has denied them the opportunity to deal with their cultural differences that threaten their effective functioning. Further, the teacher's guarded nature and self-consciousness caused the current situation as they were unwilling to introduce the couple to their culture by speaking perfect English that would have been understood by all.

Advice to Miss Marshall

The current problems at St. Matthew's will inevitably derail the common purpose of the larger St. Peter's Foundation, especially if they are not effectively resolved. I would advise Miss Marshall to ensure that she develops a program that will create awareness among the teachers on the importance of staying focused on achieving the school's objectives. Also, I would implore Miss Marshall to utilize available resources in creating the much-needed incentive that will encourage teachers that are below the poverty line to work hard in school. Undoubtedly, creating welfare programs will enable teachers to impart learners with knowledge that they will use to alleviate poverty in the long-run. Equally important, I would encourage Miss Marshall to ensure that she plays a central role in implementing the established policies by setting a good example. In the same vein, I would advise Miss Marshall that strict adherence to the policies will be improved if she remains in the forefront by adhering to them.

References

Martin, G. C. (2014). The effects of cultural diversity in the workplace. Journal of Diversity Management (JDM), 9(2), 89-92.

https://www.clutejournals.com/index.php/JDM/article/view/8974

Tattersall, T. (2009). St. Matthew’s Case Study. Ivey Management Services