Respect others and be Respected

 What?

What makes an environment that is fair and just to all people? Self-identification and developing an idea of yourself and your culture makes you have a better understanding of others' cultures which can create an atmosphere of dignity and respect for others that are dissimilar to you. This creates not only self-respect for our own identity and culture but should create dignity, respect, and an understanding of others and their cultures. When you have created a balance of self-respect and respect for others, that is maintained through humility (Hannum, 2010). No culture is perfect and no culture is worthless so it is important to practice cultural humility and respect.

So What?

Dignity is the ability to experience a sense of one's self-worth while also being principled about respecting the equal worth of other lives. Whereas with self, respect without respecting others becomes arrogance, and respect for others without self-respect can become humiliation (Hannum, 2010). Respect is centered on individuals being listened to and having their ideas, experiences, and views taken seriously by others and valued (Jones, Chant & Ward, 2003). Randy Hodson (2001) identified four main challenges to the dignity of employees of an organization: mismanagement and abuse, overwork, limits of autonomy, and contradictions of employee involvement (more commitment without job security). Notably, minority cultures and identity groups such as women and ethnic minorities are considered more vulnerable to these challenges and violations of their dignity and experience greater negative consequences (Hannum, 2010). Even minor events can undermine someone's self-esteem and self-worth. Jennifer Herrity identifies many reasons why it is beneficial for employees to respect others in the workplace and also how we can do it. Being respected in the workplace allows for ideas and creativity to flow more freely which increases collaboration and productivity in the organization. Now she suggests some of the ways we can practice respecting others' dignity in the workplace is to practice transparency and prevent implicit bias in the hope that it creates a more welcoming work environment. Acknowledging our different cultures and identities backgrounds can enhance rather than reduce our well-being and productivity in a work environment.

Now What?

As effective leaders, we are supposed to understand the importance and deeper relevance of inequities in our environment rather than dismissing events that may hinder someone's self-worth and dignity (Hannum, 2010). To do this not only are we supposed to understand our own social identity but also the social identities and culture of others in their own terms as well. Defining ourselves is always changing as it is fluid, not rigid so it should be important as leaders that we are also constantly trying to learn about others so that we can respect who they are and what they potentially stand for. Not everyone is going to have the same norms values and shared experiences and as a leader, it is important to understand that and consider how these different views are affected by your actions. By creating a culture of understanding, others will be more willing to create a system of collaboration and increased productivity. When we value others, more than likely they will reciprocate those actions and feelings back to us, so by creating a simple sense of common courtesy we can increase the positivity in the environment that can be productive while also being diverse.

References

Hannum, K., McFeeters, B. B., & Booysen, L. (2010). Leading across differences: Cases and perspectives. Pfeiffer.

Herrity, J. (2022, February 16). Respect in the workplace: How to show respect and promote it. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/workplace-respect

Hodson, R. (2001). Dignity at work. Cambridge University Press.

Trocmé Nicolas Maurice, Roy, C., & Knoke, D. (2003). Community collaboration and Differential Response: Canadian and International Research and emerging models of Practice. Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare = Centre d'excellence pour la protection et le bien-être des enfants.