Intercultural competence – Definition of Terms
The publication "Interkulturelle Kompetenz – Die Schlüsselkompetenz im 21. Jahrhundert?” [Intercultural Competence - The Key Competence in the 21st Century?] of the Bertelsmann foundation and the Fondazione Cariplo foundation discusses key theses concerning the concept of intercultural competence. In this context, the foundations refer to the definition of the term according to Dr Darla Deardorff (2006), which has become established in the Anglo-American world and also gaining popularity in Germany.
Dealing with diversity in the company
The method case "Diversity in training. A method case for teachers and trainers in vocational education and training" serves to deal with discrimination practices in everyday training. The method kit provides teachers and trainers with specific concepts for dealing with discrimination in the workplace. In four different training units, trainees deal with discrimination and group-based misanthropy in general and racism and sexism in particular. Here they receive practical advice on how to deal with discriminatory statements and thought patterns in the workplace. You can download the method case free of charge.
The Diversity Charter is a network of companies in Germany that are committed to integrating diversity into their corporate culture. For this purpose, the guideline "Showing Diversity. Guideline for Signatories of the Diversity Charter" was developed. You can obtain further information on the website of the network.
The action recommendation "Diversity in the company/ Diversity management" of the Kompetenzzentrum Fachkräftesicherung (Centre of Competence for Securing Qualified Specialists) (KOFA) shows the advantages of diversity management for companies and lists concrete measures on how these can be implemented in the company. In addition, you will find a checklist for the implementation of diversity management measures on the website.
SME Offensive – good for Germany "INQA Check 'Diversity-conscious Company' - Successful through Diversity: A Self-Assessment for Companies".is a self-assessment tool to be used by the management and HR managers of small and medium-sised enterprises (SMEs). The check includes analysis questions and practical tips on the topics of diversity-conscious strategy, leadership, human resources work, work organisation and corporate culture.
The questionnaire "Diversity Check" of the IQ Competence Centre for Intercultural Competence Development and Antidiscrimination aims to promote the conscious discussion of critical topics such as diversity and intersectionality in the team. Mechanisms of unconscious exclusion and barriers to access will be addressed. Internal steps, structures and team behaviour are questioned and at the same time reflected upon by means of the Diversity Check.
The IQ Competence Centre for Intercultural Competence Development and Anti-Discrimination has developed an online SME check "Intercultural Diversity in the Company“. The check is an instrument for practice-oriented self-assessment of the diversity competence of one's own company. In a total of five fields of action, participants can assess their need for action and formulate ideas for an interactive action plan.
By means of the KMU-Toolbox the IQ Competence Centre for Intercultural Competence Development and Anti-Discrimination provides small and medium-sised enterprises with an online information tool for diversity and diversity-oriented personnel work. The toolbox contains over 70 cards under eight different headings, such as recruitment or staff development. The cards contain information and practical tips for a competent implementation and structuring of diversity in the workplace.
Dealing with religious diversity
On the topic of religion, the handout "Religious Diversity in the Workplace – Basic Principles and Practical Examples" of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency provides a legal overview and tips on how to deal with the issue sensitively.
The network Unternehmen Integrieren Flüchtlinge [Companies Integrate Refugees] of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) also provides practical tips for companies in the brochure "Religion. Practical tips for everyday working life". The brochure focuses on Islam, as many refugees belong to this religion.
Intercultural training courses
The publication "Qualitätsmerkmale für interkulturelle Fort- und Weiterbildungen unter dem Vielfaltsaspekt” [Quality characteristics for intercultural training and further education from a diversity perspective]" of the IQ Competence Centre for Intercultural Competence Development and Anti-Discrimination presents quality characteristics for intercultural further education and advanced training courses. The criteria serve to support personnel, education and training managers in companies, public administrations, job centres and all other organisations in the selection of intercultural further education and advanced training offers.