While researching to update our “Business Etiquette” title (splitting the tutorial into two parts), we discovered that etiquette, like language, is an evolving study.

Many cultures and subcultures have particularities on how to act in certain circumstances. Some of us still live by grandmother’s truths; others are creating our own. Send us your story of evolving mores and we will reward you with a three-month subscription to our latest JEDlet tutorial releases. Email journalcontest@jedlet.com.

To view an overview of our current Business Etiquette JEDlet title click here.

Identifying diversity issues and their impact in the workplace is no small challenge today. With North American and European companies hiring employees around the world, or outsourcing to near and offshore groups, the workplace is becoming increasingly complex. Management and equality equity issues, often regionally determined and legislated, cut across country borders, international time zones, and remote work teams. With new technologies and a young, more technically well-informed generation taking up the wheel, the rules of workplace interaction are changing. So where are we headed?

In a 2006 article, “Diversity at work: how it plays out depending on what it means”, Cynthia Reyes and Hamlin Grange principals of Toronto-based DiversiPro inc., pointed out:

“In some workplaces, however, the term diversity-and even the term cultural diversity-has come to mean its exact opposite. In Canada’s TV industry, for example, the term ‘diverse producers’ is now often used as a quick way to describe producers who are aboriginal, disabled, or from a visible minority group. Overnight, a term that values us all is being used to mean only a few.”

(View entire article using the advanced search feature at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com)

The need for a universally defined respectful workplace is paramount.

At JEDNM, we care about diversity.
Please take this opportunity to suggest topics that you would like us to cover in our upcoming JEDlet topic “Diversity: Respecting the Differences.” Everyone who submits a unique suggestion receives a complimentary JEDlet subscription. Email: ideas@jedlet.com We’re listening!

Browse the entire library at www.jedlet.com

In this issue, we salute the wonderful work of Momentum, a not-for-profit, community economic development organization, working with people in poverty to equip them with skills and knowledge for a sustainable livelihood. Momentum staff reflects many cultures and languages, and are huge supporters of lifelong learning. Momentum’s work is with the un- or under- employed, many of whom are new immigrants. Not only do those new to North America need tangible skills, they must incorporate behavior reflecting an inclusive and diverse workplace.

For more information contact Gabriela Townsend, associate manager at gabit@momentum.org or visit www.momentum.org

René J. Aerdts, Ph.D., EDS Fellow, EDS

Technology is both a great driver as well as an inhibitor for change. Who is not familiar with the promise in the mid 20th century of a flying car by the end of the century? Even though this promise did not come to fruition, many other technologies paved the way for the environment we are in today.

The same is true for workforce globalization. Many corporations are increasing their presence in countries across the globe to pursue talent as well as lower cost solutions. This globalization trend implies increased diversity and the need for cultural awareness.

Since technology has extended the enterprise across the globe, there is also a possibility that processes will become stagnant. However, workforce diversity not only increases the generation and flow of ideas, but also increases the need to use technology to communicate and interact.

The use and deployment of telecommunications technologies enabled workforce globalization. It is up to the individual companies to build upon the current momentum of a diverse workforce to create a competitive advantage in the market place.

News

Recently Dr. Kokovay Agnes, our colleague and client, was appointed Director of the College of Nyiregyház's e-learning center.

The College of Nyiregyház is translating three JEDlet titles into Hungarian that will be available to students through the college’s website at http://www.nyf.hu/. If you have a similar project in mind, please contact Tony at Tony@mmct.net.

JED New Media with the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) to speak about “Smooth Navigation of a Conflict Management Project” at the Canadian Society for Training and Development, one of Canada’s largest professional training symposiums. Go to www.cstd.ca/events. Contact: chiara@cstd.ca

Dr. Kathryn Chang Barker has accepted a terrific position as Director of e-Learning at eTQM College in Dubai. She is responsible for both the quality of eLearning at eTQM and the promotion of eLearning throughout the Arab World. She is creating a Centre of eLearning Excellence for the Arab World and an online journal.

Congratulation to the Training Top 125!

Events

International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) 2007 -
Conference, Seminar & Expo, 28 April - 3 May 2007. San Francisco, CA
Visit: http://www.ispi.org

Seventh International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations. 3-6 July 2007. Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Visit: http://diversity-conference.com

Noteworthy Snippets

JED New Media is currently developing a one-hour tutorial for supervisors and office staff on "Persuasive Writing." This online, self-study course will be available this summer and will assist professionals involved in writing proposals or funding requests to improve their arguments.

Now available:

Join “Aline in Wonderland” to practice your advanced French grammar and vocabulary! One of thirty-two interactive tutorials designed to help students of advanced French or French immersion perfect their French language skills will be available free-of-charge every week from April to June 2007. Chock full of expressions, games, and comprehension exercises, this program acts as a perfect complement to classroom training. For more information, contact sales@jedlet.com .

"Keep up the good work! "
Anonymous.

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