CDT Diversity & Inclusion Frameworks & Theories 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which framework uses the metaphor of an 'iceberg' to explain that most cultural values and assumptions are below the surface and not immediately visible?
- Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
- Edward Hall's Iceberg Model of Culture (Correct answer)
- Bennett's DMIS
- Kotter's Change Model
Correct answer: Edward Hall's Iceberg Model of Culture
Edward Hall's Iceberg Model illustrates that visible cultural elements (behavior, language) represent only a small portion of culture, while deeper values and beliefs remain hidden below the surface.
Question 2: In Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, the 'Uncertainty Avoidance' dimension measures:
- How much a society values individual achievement over group harmony
- The degree to which people feel threatened by ambiguity and unknown situations (Correct answer)
- Whether power is distributed equally or unequally in organizations
- The extent to which societies plan for the long-term future
Correct answer: The degree to which people feel threatened by ambiguity and unknown situations
Uncertainty Avoidance reflects a society's tolerance for ambiguity and the extent to which members feel uncomfortable with uncertainty, influencing rules, structure, and risk-taking.
Question 3: The 'Ally' role in diversity and inclusion work is best described as:
- A member of a marginalized group who advocates for their own community
- A person from a dominant group who actively works to dismantle systems of oppression (Correct answer)
- An HR professional responsible for enforcing diversity policies
- A neutral mediator between majority and minority groups
Correct answer: A person from a dominant group who actively works to dismantle systems of oppression
An ally is typically a person from a dominant or privileged group who uses their position to actively support and advocate for marginalized communities.
Question 4: Which theory posits that individuals hold multiple intersecting identities that together shape their unique experience of privilege or oppression?
- Social Identity Theory
- Intersectionality Theory (Correct answer)
- Social Learning Theory
- Attribution Theory
Correct answer: Intersectionality Theory
Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, holds that social identities such as race, gender, and class overlap to create compounding and unique experiences of discrimination or advantage.
Question 5: In the context of D&I training, 'psychological safety' refers to:
- Ensuring employees have access to mental health resources
- A belief that one will not be punished for speaking up, asking questions, or taking risks (Correct answer)
- Protecting employees from workplace harassment through legal policies
- Creating physically safe workspaces free from hazards
Correct answer: A belief that one will not be punished for speaking up, asking questions, or taking risks
Psychological safety, studied by Amy Edmondson, is the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, which is foundational to inclusive learning environments.
Question 6: The 'contact hypothesis' in diversity work, proposed by Gordon Allport, suggests that prejudice is reduced when:
- Minority groups are given preferential treatment in hiring
- Members of different groups interact under conditions of equal status and common goals (Correct answer)
- Organizations mandate diversity training for all employees
- Stereotypes are directly challenged through educational seminars
Correct answer: Members of different groups interact under conditions of equal status and common goals
Allport's contact hypothesis proposes that intergroup contact reduces prejudice when the interaction occurs under conditions of equal status, cooperative goals, institutional support, and interpersonal acquaintance.
Question 7: Which model describes a progression from 'Monoculturalism' to 'Multiculturalism' and is used to assess an organization's stage of diversity development?
- The Inclusion Maturity Model
- Diversity Inc.'s Top 50 Framework
- Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity
- The Cultural Competence Continuum (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The Cultural Competence Continuum
The Cultural Competence Continuum describes a spectrum from cultural destructiveness through monoculturalism to multiculturalism, helping organizations assess and improve their diversity practices.
CDT Diversity & Inclusion Frameworks & Theories 2
Which framework uses the metaphor of an 'iceberg' to explain that most cultural values and assumptions are below the surface and not immediately visible?