Interpersonal Communication And Diversity Building connections through understanding and embracing diversity in every interaction INTP 1104 Health

Interpersonal Communication and Diversity

Building connections through understanding and embracing diversity in every interaction
INTP 1104 Healthcare Communication

Topics

  • Diversity and Communication

  • Indigenous perspective of health and wellness: Medicine wheel and world view

  • Key areas:

    • Understanding Diversity: Describing Differences

    • Understanding Culture: Our Mental Software

    • Barriers of Intercultural Communication

    • Improving Intercultural Competence

01 Understanding Diversity

Differences that Influence Communication

  • Key Considerations:

    • Differences can include various factors like gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, age, and social class.

  • Challenges Faced:

    • Discrimination: Unfair or inappropriate treatment of individuals based on their group membership.

Sex and Gender Differences

Concept

  • Definition of Sex:

    • Refers to biological differences such as voice and physical attributes.

  • Definition of Gender:

    • Involves social constructs, including expectations, roles, and communication style.

Terms to Know:

  • 2SLGBTQIA+/ LGBTQ+:

    • Acronym representing diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.

  • Transgender:

    • Refers to people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

  • Homophobia:

    • Fear or prejudice against individuals based on their sexual orientation.

Implications

  • Be aware of and sensitive to contemporary societal issues and attitudes.

  • Use Inclusive Language to foster acceptance.

  • Approach interactions with a sensitively other-oriented mindset regarding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Race and Ethnicity

Groups Defined

  • Race:

    • Groups sharing common cultural history, nationality, geographic location, and genetically transmitted physical attributes.

  • Ethnicity:

    • Social classification influenced by nationality, religion, language, race, and ancestral heritage, usually sharing a common geographic origin.

Implications

  • Heritage influences our interactions with others.

  • White privilege may affect the dynamics of these interactions.

  • It’s crucial to empathize compassionately and pursue social justice and equality in communication.

Age and Ability

  • Age Differences:

    • Generational differences can lead to misunderstandings.

  • Different Abilities:

    • Variations in abilities may create communication challenges.

Social Class

  • Defined as perceived status, influence, authority, and power based on economic, educational, and familial history.

Exploring Diversity in Canada

Group Activity Guidelines

In groups of 4-5, discuss:

  • What does diversity mean to you as a Canadian?

  • Examples of diversity in Canada and its positive influences.

  • Select and creatively share one key aspect of diversity with the class, emphasizing its importance to Canada as a diverse nation.

A Cultural Mosaic

  • Concept:

    • Immigration enriches Canada’s cultural fabric and workforce.

  • Role of Interpersonal Communication:

    • Adaptability, empathy, and cultural competence are essential for equitable care.

    • Consider cultural preferences, beliefs about treatment, and potential communication barriers.

03 Understanding Culture: Our Mental Software

Culture as a Learned System

  • Co-culture:

    • A distinct culture within a larger culture.

  • Enculturation:

    • The process through which a group transmits its culture across generations.

  • Acculturation:

    • The adoption of new cultural traits, beliefs, and values through exposure to other cultures.

  • Cultural Values:

    • Reflect what a group of people appreciates or holds dear.

Why Indigenous Worldviews Matter in Communication

Key Elements

  • Relational Identity vs Individual Identity:

    • Indigenous cultures often emphasize collective identity based on community ties rather than individualism.

  • Land and Story as Knowledge:

    • Understanding and respect for the cultural significance of land and oral history.

  • Listening as Responsibility:

    • Recognizing listening as a virtuous act and a responsibility to the community.

Misinterpretation in Communication

  • Common Misunderstandings:

    • Silence can be erroneously interpreted as disengagement instead of respect.

    • Family involvement in decisions may be seen as dependence rather than cultural consideration.

    • Hesitation might be misconstrued as noncompliance.

    • Traditional healing practices may be dismissed as ineffective against conventional medicine, while they are often holistic.

Understanding Culture: Worldview

Definition

  • A worldview encompasses perceptions related to significant beliefs and issues.

  • Encourage reflection on personal worldviews and their influence on perceptions.

Seven Dimensions of Culture

  • Dimensions Include:

    • Uncertainty:

    • Approach to uncertainty in life and relationships.

    • Power:

    • Distribution and acceptance of power across social structures.

    • Time:

    • Orientation towards time (past, present, future).

    • Happiness:

    • Definitions and pursuits of happiness across cultures.

    • Individualism vs Collectivism:

    • Emphasis on individual rights vs group harmony.

    • Context:

    • High vs low context communication styles.

    • Gendered Values:

    • Expectations and norms regarding gender interactions.

Dimensions That Show Up in Healthcare

  • Power Distance:

    • Refers to the extent of hierarchy and authority.

  • Individualism vs Collectivism:

    • Demonstrates how care is approached and delivered.

  • High vs Low Context Communication:

    • Implications for clarity and misunderstanding in patient-provider interactions.

04 Breaking Down Barriers to Intercultural Communication

Key Barriers

  • Culture Shock:

    • Feeling of disorientation experienced by individuals when encountering a different culture.

  • Ethnocentrism:

    • Belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.

  • Different Communication Codes:

    • Variations in expression can lead to misunderstandings.

  • Assuming Similarities and Differences:

    • Misjudging the extent to which cultures share norms and practices.

  • Prejudice:

    • Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.

  • Stereotyping:

    • Oversimplified notions about a group that leads to misunderstandings.

Building Bridges: Strategies for Intercultural Competence

The Intercultural Competence Triangle

  • Components:

    • Knowledge:

    • Understanding of other cultures and perspectives.

    • Motivation:

    • Openness to learn from and adapt to diverse cultural contexts.

    • Skill:

    • Practical abilities in integrating knowledge and motivation into communication.

Strategies to Improve Intercultural Competence

  • Actively Seek Information:

    • Be proactive in learning about other cultures.

  • Listen and Ask Questions:

    • Engage in conversations to deepen understanding.

  • Create a Third Culture:

    • Find common grounds that respect all involved cultures.

  • Tolerate Ambiguity:

    • Accept uncertainty when dealing with cultural differences.

  • Be Mindful:

    • Stay attentive to both verbal and non-verbal communication cues.

  • Avoid Negative Judgment:

    • Approach differences without bias.

  • Be Creatively Flexible:

    • Adapt styles and messages to suit different audiences.

  • Become Other-Oriented:

    • Focus on the perspectives and needs of others.

  • Adapt Communication:

    • Modify one's approach based on the audience's cultural context.

Why This Matters in Healthcare

Implications of Intercultural Competence

  • Communication Errors:

    • Can lead to safety risks in care delivery.

  • Bias:

    • Affects the trust patients have in healthcare providers.

  • Inclusion:

    • Improves care outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The Platinum Rule

  • Definition:

  • Treat people how they want to be treated.

Diversity and Communication Takeaway

Key Messages

  • Diversity is inevitable.

  • Misunderstanding is preventable.

  • Competence in communication is a learnable skill.

Reflection Prompt

  • Consider: What will you do differently in your next conversation?

References

  • Beebe, S.A, Beebe, S.J., Redmond, M.V., & Salem-Wiseman, L. (2025). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others. (9th Canadian Ed.). Pearson Canada Inc.

  • Government of Canada. (2021). Common Definitions on Cultural Safety: Chief Public Health Officer Health Professional Forum. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-system-services/chief-public-health-officer-health-professional-forum-common-definitions-cultural-safety.html

  • Healthcare Excellence Canada (2025). Culturally safe and equitable care. Retrieved from https://www.healthcareexcellence.ca/en/what-we-do/culturally-safe-and-equitable-care/

  • Open Science and Data Platform. (2024). Society and Culture. Retrieved from https://osdp-psdo.canada.ca/en/learn-about/society-and-culture

  • Statistics Canada (2023). Ethnocultural and religious diversity. Retrieved from https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/hlt-fst/ethno/index-eng.cfm