IMI Bizlab on Cultural Diversity
The Cultural Diversity Bizlab was set up as a joint venture by the IMI, the National Action Plan Against Racism and the Equality Authority and was led by Dr. Déirdre Crowe and Dr. Mary Hogan of the IMI. The BizLab comprised a learning network of HR practitioners, researchers and educators. It brought together a dynamic and proactive group of people who met regularly over two years (2007-2009) to exchange experiences and explore the challenges and opportunities presented by a culturally diverse workforce. Publications, public workshops and events were organised by the BizLab in order to share learning with the wider business community. The BizLab culminated with an international conference on Cultural Diversity in the Workplace in November 2008 and the publication of a widely recommended Toolkit for Organisational Success.
Key Publications
The IMI Cultural Diversity Toolkit is available to download here. The toolkit covers practical guidelines for the workplace in managing cultural diversity.
Contents:
- Introduction & Overview/Diversity Scorecard
- Recruitment & Selection
- Retention & Development
- Workplace Environment
- Integrating & Mainstreaming
- External / Customer Orientation
- Implementation
- Appendix, Web Resources & Links, References, Index
A hardcopy of the Toolkit is available in a practical ringbinder from the IMI library for €39 + p&p.
Contact IMI Knowledge Centre to order your copy
Discussion Paper and Case Studies Cultural Diversity in the Workplace published to mark the launch of the BizLab at the IMI National Management Conference in April 2007 is available to download on the right side of this page.
Key BizLab Events:
Cultural Diversity BizLab Conference - 5th November 2008
This conference brought together Irish and international speakers to focus on the strategic benefits of cultural diversity management as well as the practical issues of implementing workplace policies. The conference was addressed by Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister for Integration and Niall Crowley, CEO Equality Authority and member of the board of NPAR who launched the IMI BizLab’s Cultural Diversity Toolkit. The Toolkit provides very practical guidance on the management of cultural diversity in Ireland’s workplaces.
The conference was chaired by Fintan O'Toole, journalist and author. In addition to the speakers listed below, the conference included a lively panel discussion with immigrants on experiences and opportunities as well as an interactive theatre piece by Act for Business. The conference was closed by Sir Gerry Robinson, renowned management leader, who spoke on effective management, communication and the necessity of selecting the best person for the job regardless of their background.
Speaker presentations:
Achieving in Intercultural Workplaces - 25 January 2007
The objective of this workshop was to familiarise the HR managers and practitioners who attended with the imperatives for addressing diversity and develop an agenda for achieving intercultural workplaces. The half day seminar also looked at getting management and employee “buy-in” to address diversity and identifing possible follow-up support for companies. Conor Lenihan, TD. Minister of State for Integration opened the workshop which was also attended by Niall Crowley, CEO, Equality Authority.
Contributors included:
- Patrick Taran, ILO, International Migration Branch
- Kamaljeet Jandu, Indiquo (UK)
- Paul Abell, AENE (NL): a European example
- Pat Normanly, Dublin Bus
- August Gächter, Centre for Social Innovation, Vienna
Click below to see presentations by
April, 2007: Cultural Diversity was a major theme at the IMI National Management Conference with a presentation from Prof. André Laurent from INSEAD, France.
BizLab Member Organisations
Members of the Cultural Diversity BizLab straddle a broad range of sectors and experience including many leading organisations and award winners. Member organisations are committed to actively engaging in the BizLab through participation in regular meetings, workplace action and supporting research.
Due to the nature of the BizLab where we work closely with participants, membership is now closed although public events and publications are available to all.
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| Alltech Biotechnology | Irish Rail | Garda Síochána |
| PJ Hegarty | | PriceWaterhouseCoopers |
| Bus Eireann | Lionbridge | Irish Life & Permanent |
| Children's Hospital, Temple St | Dublin Bus | Public Appintments Service |
| McDonald’s | Dell | Irish Hospice Foundation |
| Defence Forces | | Tallaght Partnership |
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Contact the IMI Cultural Diversity BizLab
Dr Deirdre Crowe IMI Research Officer T. 01 207 8404
Dr Mary Hogan IMI Faculty T. 01 207 8551