ABSTRACT
As covered in this chapter, with the advent of new technologies, social media, and social movements that show promise for a more integrated and communicative world, understanding cultural diversity and inclusion are vital to reaching many stakeholders both locally and internationally. Diversity is based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities and attributes, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. National origin and perceived behaviors such as different lifestyles, speech accents, culturally based practices, and values constitute diversity as well. Yet, a diverse culture is more than hiring quotas. It includes tolerance or a permissive attitude toward those persons who are different and, beyond tolerance, it is acceptance or thinking, feeling, and behaving in a manner respecting and consistent with diversity. This acceptance happens in small one-on-one relationships, in small groups, in large groups, in organizations, in sectors of society, and in an entire society. Inclusion involves actions associated with the acceptance of diverse beliefs, values, and acceptance. It occurs through programs designed to support and integrate diverse individuals in a group or organizational culture. Once inclusion occurs, a multicultural organization can thrive.
