Collaboration : Diverse Voices and Contributions / Barbara J. Thayer-Bacon and Sherlon Pack-Brown.

This paper examines the impact of ethnocultural diversity on the process of collaboration. Section 1 shares stories of several different experiences with collaborative efforts, highlighting key assumptions about how people work together and how culture impacts assumptions. Section 2 discusses problems and issues related to collaborating. For example, people do not necessarily agree on what it means to collaborate; many collaborative efforts are initiated through formal channels rather than developed naturally; ineffective communication can stop collaborative efforts before they start; collaborative efforts need structure to thrive; and the use of employee evaluation and rewards based on individual merit can undermine collaboration. Section 3 suggests ways that educators and supervisors can help students and trainees develop and use the necessary skills to become better collaborators. The recommendations include: enhancing peoples' awareness in order to facilitate the process of getting to know and understand others; encouraging genuine and heightened efforts that allow people to get to know each other and develop trust and respect; and finding opportunities for people to share time together and rewarding them for their efforts. (Contains 24 references.) (SM)

Microfiche. [Washington D.C.]: ERIC Clearinghouse microfiches : positive.