"Workplaces today often give us the opportunity to learn more about those whose life experiences and backgrounds - racially, ethnically, sexually or religiously - are different from our own," says Simon Burgess, a lecturer in ethical leadership at the University of New England (UNE). "The workforce is as good, if not better than sport in promoting harmony within groups. But simply bringing people together is not enough."
We've known for many years that to create harmony there also needs to be equality of status, the existence of common goals, intergroup cooperation, and the support of laws and customs. "All of these things are what organisations should be doing anyway," Simon says. "They are important to personal job satisfaction, teamwork and an organisation's productivity. The business benefits are well documented."
While he concedes that "we are all inherently imperfect and fragile creatures" and it's only natural to be somewhat cautious when confronted by difference, it's also natural to be curious - and that curiosity should be encouraged."
"Most people prefer to be open about what's most important to them, and there's plenty of evidence to suggest that when you talk to someone with a genuine sense of curiosity, you can ask them pretty well anything," Simon says. "They're actually not going to be offended or feel uncomfortable...
"...And wonderful things can happen when we start to recognise the unique stories, strengths, needs and vulnerabilities of those around us. It enhances the organisational culture and helps to create a harmonious, productive workplace."
While it's imperative that a workplace has policies and codes of conduct that enshrine basic respect and civility, and protect against racial discrimination and hostility towards minorities, Simon prefers to focus on the positive attitudes and friendships that are cultivated within teams. "It is these wonderfully proactive steps that help us to grasp the advantages available to us."
Simon actively incorporates cross-cultural education in his teaching of business ethics and organisational leadership. "We have invited people from all over the planet to be part of Australia's society and gained tremendously economically from their work," he says. "It's only right that they are genuinely welcomed and included in the workplace."
Within the UNE Business School, Simon works closely with people of Muslim, Confucian and Hindu backgrounds "and it is not just not an issue". "We're genuinely interested in one another as people, and so the acceptance and respect that we need to have for one another comes easily," he says. "Appointing professionals from all corners of the globe has been invaluable to our team. If you want real talent, you have to cast your net widely, and we are all richly rewarded for that."
