HLTHIR404D - Relationships Based On Respect, Tolerance & Diversity

[Eyvonne]

Hi,
My question is....
What strategies might be employed to ensure that workplace and professional relationships are based on mutual respect, tolerance of diversity and a shared understanding of cultural safety?
Describe and expand on strategies related to supporting and accommodating protocols associated with verbal communication, negotiation, political structures of communities, non-verbal communication, respect for privacy and mutual respect.

I am having problems with negotiation, political structures of communities,
My answer so far.....
Possible strategies…..
• Ensure mutual respect for all colleagues, children, parents & external visiting professionals.
• Ensure the workplace is providing appropriate professional training & the communication & information sharing process is suitable
• Discard any inappropriate & culturally insensitive books, posters, signs & literature
• Do not stereotype or negatively label.
• Seek cultural knowledge when required.
• Treat everyone as individuals
• Keep an open mind & don’t form judgements
• Create an open communication workplace - staff & families are free to bring up any concerns
• Access an interpreter if required

Protocols are customs, laws & unwritten expectations. They refer to the way things are usually done & the way people feel they should be done. Agreement on protocols requires consultation & negotiation. This would involve a developed & maintained relationship of trust, honesty & consistently demonstrating mutual respect.
Because of past government policies & actions it is therefore necessary for education service providers to take action to counter that & build a sturdy base to establish rapport & credibility.
Respect for privacy & mutual respect
Confidentiality & privacy are major issues with Indigenous communities. We must always ensure that we are respectful of issues that are gender sensitive. Women’s business will be protected by the community & ONLY women will have access to it. Men’s business will also only be available to men. As service providers we need to respect their customs & give credence to their need to protect that information. Ensure that you take the necessary steps wherever possible to avoid causing Indigenous people to feel “Shame”. Shame refers to deep feelings of embarrassment; being ridiculed; losing face within a relationship; disempowerment/lack of control; loss of dignity. For Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people it goes far beyond mainstream understanding of shyness and embarrassment. Discussing confidential matters should be discrete. Maintaining confidentiality is vital in building trust.
Verbal & Non-verbal Communication
Speak using simple clear English (avoid slang). Use gentle tones as high tones may be perceived as patronising. Do not speak too fast. Slow down & be clear with your words. Many Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people do not use standard Australian English as their first language & in some cases it may be a second or third language/dialect. Do not make assumptions about the level of English proficiency of a person. Making an assumption may offend & may result in broken trust. Before talking with families find out what language they best understand. If English is limited, arrange to have a suitable family member or interpreter (an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer or Health Worker may be able to assist). Ensure that you are actively listening. Do not continually interrupt or speak over families. If there is a silence, watch for body language to gauge when it is appropriate to start speaking. Generally speaking, use of indirect eye contact in Aboriginal culture implies respect. Respect that some (but not all) Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people will therefore be uncomfortable with direct eye contact. It could very well be considered inappropriate &/or offensive if you touch someone that you do not know well. Touching very much depends on the context or environment, as well as the existing relationship & rapport with the receiver. Seek permission prior to touching, especially if the person is unknown. Once rapport is built, touch may be comforting & respectful.

I am seeking clarification with describe & expand on strategies related to supporting & accommodating protocols associated with negotiation & political structures of communities.....

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Eyvonne

[Lorina]

I think you got some really good information and a great start to your questions.

The following may also be able to help:

Different Cultures, Common Ground
Cultural Respect

Hope this helps,

,
Lorina