I would like to talk about a recent article By Marielle
Legair called “A Cultural Code: Will the PR Profession Ever Reflect the Society
It Serves?” This article explains how Marielle is one of very few black, female
public relations professionals and how the concept of diversity should be
simple to grasp.
Marielle explains that accepting diversity is as easy as
three simple steps. First accept that
everyone looks different. This is
self-explanatory. By accepting that
everyone looks different and speaking to everyone as whole, this will help
messages to be received effectively.
This does not mean to eliminate culture, just simple embrace it and make
necessary changes for languages barriers.
Second, recognize the value in diversity. Marielle explains that having friends from
different cultures makes the process rich with synergy. I think that having the knowledge of how to
relay messages to many different cultures is beautiful. I also think that having different cultures
in the room allows you to have the best possible sounding board. This means you can make sure your message is
sent in the right context at all times.
Third, she says that your network is your net worth. This applies to everyone everywhere. Having professionals that you keep in touch
with that are related to your field is an asset that is very valuable. I feel that being able to pick up the phone and
figure out the answer to any question is amazing. I appreciate having those people in my corner
when I need it.
There is diversity in our world and that is what makes it
amazing. Having many different cultures
allows us to continue learning and developing.
It is also important to keep in mind we need it in the business world to
help reach those different cultures.
Without learning about a culture or having someone who knows the culture
we are setting ourselves up for failure, and possibly even hatred from
others.
Here is a link to the article in case anyone would like to
read it. http://www.prsa.org/Intelligence/Tactics/Articles/view/10867/1102/A_Cultural_Code_Will_the_PR_Profession_Ever_Reflec#.VH_T6tLF-T8
I would like to start off by saying I really enjoyed reading this article. I think the main point’s mentions are great. Without diversity everything would be the same, and that would be boring. Without it, there would be no need for anything really because everyone would want the same thing. Meeting and having friends from different cultures is awesome. I learned things I never would have even thought of and I really like how you mentioned the networking part. Even though they are half way around the world, they are my good friends and would be happy to help me out. Besides, having something different makes you stand out from the competition and just might land you the job. Overall I really enjoyed this post!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with the three tips to improve cultural diversity in the PR profession recommended by Marielle Legair. Not only in the workplace but also in a group of publics who is interested in a certain firm are culturally diversified. When one of the employees in one firm is recognized as a racist or very biased person by public, the firm will have irrecuperable damages. Thus, PR professionals should see differences among everyone as one's strengths. Once the professionals do that, they will be able to have team members with different but very strong skills committed to the firm. Once people see other races or others from different culture as human beings same as them, they will be able to see and find stronger power and how important everyone is in their firm. This article is for not only PR professionals but also anyone who is working with people from different cultures or is seeking to get a job and students who are doing group projects.
ReplyDeleteJessicca, I really enjoyed your discussion. It is extremely important to accept different cultures and realize that everyone looks different in speaking to all people as a whole in today’s global world. I also believe that “different cultures makes the process rich with synergy.” Learning to live with and respect a variety of people’s cultures and backgrounds is necessary as our world is constantly changing. It is a great article!
ReplyDeleteMinji
I am enjoy to read this article. Diversity is an important element for PR. From PR standard point, they need collect all the information from different cultures, genders and background. Get more knowledge from different kinds of people will help ourselves to think more comprehensive, it will also help us during the work, let us think more before we make decision.
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