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9.6 Enhancing diversity and creativity of thinking in teams and work practices

Communication with individuals and within teams must take into account social and cultural diversity. This mainly revolves around consideration of three variables affecting individuals:

Legislation and policy usually requires communication in a workplace comply with some basic rights and obligations. In Australia, for instance, to prevent discrimination against women companies with 100 or more employees in their corporate group, are covered by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999 (the Act) (for more details go to http://www.eowa.gov.au/ ). The protection of basic human rights of employees and customers against sexual harassment and discrimination is also advanced through a Federal Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and commissioner. Similar agencies exist within each state and territory. Generally human rights deal with rights that are not exclusive to any particular society or group of individuals, and are as relevant to people living in many countries. Requirements for employers are established by Act and publicised. (For Australian employers see http://www.hreoc.gov.au/info_for_employers/index.html ).

Table 2 Areas of Discrimination

Sex
Colour
Race
Sexuality
Physical or Mental Disability

Marital Status
Family Responsibilities
Personal Association
Physical characteristics
Pregnancy

Religion
National Extraction
Political Opinion
Social Origin
Age
Physical features

 

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