Diversity and Affirmative Action!

One more thing that I read about (though it was not covered in this book) is that may people mistake diversity as being similar or the same as affirmative action. People should know that this is not the case! This is a common misperception that needs to be corrected! Affirmative Action is defined ias the purposeful steps taken by an organization to create employment opportunities for minorities and women; it is also required by law in many states, and the primary purpose is to compensate for past discrimination. On the contrary, diversity is defined as the variety of demographic, cultural and personal differences among an organizations's employees and the customers; Diversity is a broader focus that is not required by law, and its primary purpose is to create a positive work environment where no one is advantaged or disadvantaged. Diversity programs make good business sense because it reduces turnover, drives business growth and retains workers because there is no preferrential treatment. With affirmative action, some people who acheive high positions in the workplace might be perceived as unqualified and chosen soley because of their race. Regardless of which practices your employer chooses to use, please know that there is a difference between the two.

Embracing Cultural Differences!

Chapter 14 was all about recognizing cultural differences and achieving successful cross-cultural Public Relations. This chapter brought out several very interesting points. For one, Americans should realize that this is not just a country of "hot dogs and pie," and that there is much diversity in this country, even down to our time priorities. For instance, Whites spend more likely than Blacks or Asians at work; Asians spend more time on Education that Blacks, Whites and Hispanics; Blacks spend more time than any other race at church, and Hispanics spend more time than anyone else with their families. Therefore, we should all be educated in knowing that everything, from our values to the food and music that we like, vary. This is also the case in cross-cultural businesses. Some of the basic approaches that you can take to educate yourself are awareness, commitment, and research, upon several other steps. One of the most important steps in all of that is the last one, which is continuing education. Recognizing cultural differences is never-ending, there is always room for more knowledge. In doing these things, you will expand your knowledge on cultural differences, which will help you in your respective field.

Copyrighting Issue

Today was also a very informative day. I always knew that there were ways to be prosecuted/sued for violation of copyright laws, but I never realized that there is constant illegal copyrighting everywhere and in everything that we do! For instance, I did not realize that it would be illegal to show a powerpoint that used a page from a book or website in a corporate setting. I also never realized that YouTube, Myspace, and several other websites are constantly breaking these copyright laws by posting music and exerpts from films and things of that nature. Although I think in most cases these situations are harmless, I do think that there should be restrictions that force these websites and users to have permission for usage. But, on the other hand, these things are also helping to give exposure to the artist or actor. For instance, you might browse your friend's Myspace page, where they have a video of an artist that you liked, but didn't know too much about (say you were familiar with the song, but not the artist). This might lead you to go to a music store and buy the album. I think that this kind of scenario probably occurs often in thed Myspace world. Nevertheless, usage of anyone else's property is unethical without their consent.

Chapters 12, 14!

This week was very informative. I think two of the most important information that we discussed were in chapters 12 and 14. Chapter 12 is all about crisis communication. What seems to be most important about crisis communication is HOW we respond to chaotic situations, and HOW QUICKLY we respond! It is invaluble to every organization that there is a crisis comm plan and that it is practiced; one very interesting and disturbing fact that you gave on Wednesday was that only about half of all companies have a contingency plan of this kind, and of that half only one-third have actually practiced the plan! That is very disturbing. In chapter 14, there was a lot of good info on Cultural attributes that companies need to keep in mind when communicating cross-culturally, especially for companies with international offices. Also, it is important to have a crisis management team (CMT), or crisis planning team (CPT) in these situations. As you said, lawyers and their legal advice are not always needed in these crisis situations. There was also alot of important info on p. 403 about risk assessment. Overall, I have learned a lot about the importance of structure, organization, and "covering all bases" within your company.