Glossary | DEI Terms | ToughConvos
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Glossary

Key terms that make understanding different cultures and people easier and more rewarding

The value of understanding words correctly, with context and cultural nuance, cannot be overstated. It is crucial in fostering effective communication across cultures and mutual respect for that matter.

 

Welcome to our new glossary page so that you have somewhere to go as a reliable resource for words that may have several meanings depending on their context, many of which will help you resolve your cultural conundrums.

 

Ensuring you don't come off as ignorant or insensitive is our priority.

resources

11 steps approach to creating a more inclusive culture. (2023, July 03). In Hive Learning. Retrieved from https://www.hivelearning.com/resource/di-essentials/create-an-inclusive-culture-at-scale/ 

 

Anani, N. I. (2023, March 29). Between Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism. Medium. Retrieved from https://niawrites.medium.com/between-diversity-inclusion-and-anti-racism-cf7195b219b4

 

BC Black History Awareness Society. (n.d.). Definitions. Retrieved from https://bcblackhistory.ca/definitions/ 

 

Bond. (2022). Racism, power and truth: Experiences of people of colour in development. Retrieved from https://www.bond.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bond_racism_power_and_truth.pdf 

 

Build Together. (2018). INDIGENOUS ALLYSHIP - Build Together. Retrieved from http://buildtogether.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/02/BT-IndigAlly_Booklet_WebCopy_ENG.pdf 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). AWARENESS | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/awareness

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). CROSS-CULTURAL definition. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/cross-cultural

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). EXPOSURE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/exposure 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). FREEDOM | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/freedom 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). INTEGRITY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/integrity 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). MONOLITH | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/monolith 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). OPPORTUNITY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/opportunity 

 

Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). RIGHT | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/right 

 

CCL. (n.d.). How to Be a Successful Change Leader. Retrieved from https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/successful-change-leader/

 

Center on Extremism. (n.d.). White supremacy. Anti-Defamation League. https://extremismterms.adl.org/glossary/white-supremacy 

 

Chief Learning Officer - CLO Media. (2020, January 13). What is leadership, and who is a leader?. Retrieved from https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/2020/01/06/what-is-leadership-and-who-is-a-leader/

 

Cleverism. (2016, August 12). Managing A Difficult Conversation. Retrieved from https://www.cleverism.com/skills-and-tools/managing-difficult-conversation/ 

 

Collins English Dictionary. (n.d.). Beingness definition and meaning. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/beingness 

 

Collins English Dictionary. (n.d.). DIVERSE definition and meaning. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/diverse 

 

Connecting the dots: Structural racism in 2019. (n.d.). In The Runnymede Trust. Retrieved from https://www.runnymedetrust.org/blog/connecting-the-dots-structural-racism-in-2019-and-beyond

 

Conversational Leadership. (n.d.). Belief Systems. Retrieved from https://conversational-leadership.net/belief-systems/

 

Corporate Finance Institute. (n.d.). Groupthink. Retrieved from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/groupthink-decisions/

 

Course Sidekick. (n.d.). Socialization: Introduction to Sociology. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wmopen-introtosociology/chapter/socialization/ 

 

Decolonization and Indigenization. (2018, September 05). In Pulling 

MCC. (n.d.). Diversity Information. Retrieved from https://madisonville.kctcs.edu/about/student-life/cultural-diversity/diversity-information.aspx 

 

DEISLT Diversity Equity and Inclusion in Second Language Teaching. (n.d.). Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Second Language Teaching. Retrieved from https://deislt.arizona.edu/2021/11/21/what-does-language-means/ 

 

Dictionary.com. (n.d.). DISCOMFORT Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/discomfort

 

Dictionary.com. (n.d.). SLAVE TRADE Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/slave-trade 

 

Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks). (n.d.). Racism Defined. Retrieved from https://www.dismantlingracism.org/racism-defined.html

 

Diversity for Social Impact. (2020, November 14). Overt Racism vs Covert Racism – Understand Meanings and implications. Retrieved from https://diversity.social/covert-overt-racism/#4-what-is-covert-racism 

 

Diversity Matters: Dismantling Monolithic Thinking to Create an Inclusive Work Environment. (2023, March 14). In LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/diversity-matters-dismantling-monolithic-thinking-danielle

 

Division of Access Opportunity & Diversity - The University of Iowa. (n.d.). DEI Definitions. Retrieved from https://diversity.uiowa.edu/programs/dei-definitions

 

Eagle's Flight - Experiential Training Company. (2022, February 25). The Difference Between Change Management and Change Leadership. Retrieved from https://www.eaglesflight.com/blog/difference-between-change-management-and-change-leadership

 

Embley. (2020, June 19). Black Lives Matter: Covert Racism. Retrieved from https://www.embley.org.uk/black-lives-matter-covert-racism

 

Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). African Americans. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/African-American 

 

Ethics Unwrapped. (2022, November 05). Values. Retrieved from https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/glossary-tags/values

 

Gallup. (n.d.). The Black American experience: Here is what we have learned. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/352763/black-american-experience-what-we-have-learned.aspx

 

Harappa. (2021, March 22). The Key To Inclusive Leadership. Retrieved from https://harappa.education/harappa-diaries/the-key-to-inclusive-leadership/

 

History. (n.d.). Black history: Facts, people & month. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/black-history 

 

IGI Global. (n.d.). What is Curriculum Reform. Retrieved from https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/engaging-the-community-in-curriculum-reforms-for-more-engaged-learners/6473

 

Indeed.com. (n.d.). 8 Positive Ways To Lead by Example in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/lead-by-example

 

Investopedia. (n.d.). Cross Culture: Definition, Examples, and Differences Across Countries. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cross-culture.asp

 

J.E.D.I Collaborative – Justice – Equity – Diversity – Inclusion. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jedicollaborative.com/

 

Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. (n.d.). Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Glossary. Retrieved from https://business.rice.edu/about/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/glossary

 

Kendall, F. (2014). Understanding white privilege: Creating pathways to authentic relationships across race (Teaching/Learning Social Justice).

 

Leadership Freak. (2011, May 07). How to define an opportunity?. Retrieved from https://leadershipfreak.blog/2011/05/07/how-to-define-an-opportunity/

 

LinkedIn. (2019, July 19). White, N. What Does It Really Mean to Be an Ally?. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-really-mean-ally-dr-nika-white-iom-cde 

 

LinkedIn. (2023, January 19). Adopting a Growth Mindset. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adopting-growth-mindset-gogpac 

 

Livermore, D. (n.d.). Cultural intelligence: The proven way to measure cultural competency. David Livermore. Retrieved from https://davidlivermore.com/cq/ 

 

McKinsey & Company. (n.d.). The Black experience at work in charts. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/the-black-experience-at-work-in-charts

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Influence Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/influence

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Integrity Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Just Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Liberty Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberty

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Racialization Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racialization

 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Viewpoint Definition & Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viewpoint

 

Microaggressions at work: Recognizing & overcoming our biases. (2023, August 25). In Culture Amp. Retrieved from https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/microaggressions-at-work 

 

MSU Extension. (2018, October 02). Cultural privileges and volunteers: What's important?. MSU Extension. Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cultural_privileges_and_volunteers_whats_important

 

MultiBrief. (n.d.). What makes a difficult conversation difficult? Retrieved from http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/what-makes-a-difficult-conversation-difficult/business-management-services-risk-management

 

National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). Eugenics and Scientific Racism. Retrieved from https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Eugenics-and-Scientific-Racism

 

Office of Diversity and Outreach UCSF. (n.d.). Unconscious Bias Training. Retrieved from https://diversity.ucsf.edu/programs-resources/training/unconscious-bias-training

 

Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Inclusive Excellence. (2021, February 10). Interrupting Bias: Calling Out vs. Calling In. Retrieved from https://diversity.tufts.edu/resources/interrupting-bias-calling-out-vs-calling-in/

 

OHCHR. (n.d.). What are human rights? | OHCHR. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights

 

Oxfam GB. (n.d.). What is Global Citizenship?. Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/who-we-are/what-is-global-citizenship/

 

Project Abroad. (2018, August 26). Intercultural mind - Oz moments: Project Abroad: Expat coaching. Retrieved from http://www.projectabroad.eu/oz-moments-abroad/ 

 

Race Forward. (n.d.). Race Reporting Guide: Race Forward. Retrieved from https://www.raceforward.org/reporting-guide

 

Racism. No Way!. (2023, November 10). What is white privilege? An overview: Racism No Way. Retrieved from https://racismnoway.com.au/about-racism/understanding-racism/white-privilege/ 

 

Resolving Conflicts at Work - OU Human Resources. (n.d.). Employees. Retrieved from https://hr.ou.edu/Employees/Career-Development/Resolving-Conflicts-at-Work 

 

ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Intersectionality - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/intersectionality 

 

Scientific American. (n.d.). Race Is a Social Construct, Scientists Argue. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/race-is-a-social-construct-scientists-argue/ 

 

SDP. (n.d.). What is behavior? And so what? Retrieved from http://www.sdp.org/publications/papers/WhatIsBehavior.pdf 

 

SHRM. (2023, December 21). Today's Affinity Groups: Risks and Rewards. Welcome to SHRM. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/employment-law-compliance/todays-affinity-groups-risks-rewards

 

Sources of Insight. (n.d.). What is a Mindset?. Retrieved from https://sourcesofinsight.com/what-is-mindset/

 

SparkNotes. (n.d.). Identity and Reality: Sociology. Retrieved from https://www.sparknotes.com/sociology/identity-and-reality/section1/ 

 

SpringerLink. (1970, January 01). Eurocentrism. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-1-4020-9160-5_25

 

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2021, May 20). Science and Pseudo-Science. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-science/#PseuPseu

 

Systemic racism: individuals and interactions, institutions and society. (2021, December 20). In Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications. Retrieved from https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-021-00349-3 

 

The Balance. (2020, September 17). What Is Company Culture? Retrieved from https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-company-culture-2062000

 

The Balance. (2023, January 27). What Is Leadership?. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/leadership-definition-2948275

 

The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2022, February 23). Racialized minorities. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/racialized-minorities 

 

The Conversation. (2023, November 14). Explainer: What is systemic racism and institutional racism? Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-systemic-racism-and-institutional-racism-131152

 

The eLearning Blog. (2023, September 5). How cultural intelligence is shaping the future of business. Retrieved from https://elearning.company/blog/how-cultural-intelligence-is-shaping-the-future-of-business/ 

 

The Free Dictionary. (n.d.). Equal Rights. Retrieved from https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Equal+Rights

 

The Process of Racialization. (n.d.). In THE PROCESS OF "RACIALIZATION. Retrieved from https://www.yorku.ca/lfoster/2006-07/sosi4440b/lectures/RACIALIZATION_THEPROCESSOFRACIALIZATION.html

 

Together A Guide for FrontLine Staff Student Services and Advisors. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/indigenizationfrontlineworkers/chapter/decolonization-and-indigenization/

 

Toppr. (2019, November 27). What is Responsibility: Definition, Concept and Meaning. Retrieved from https://www.toppr.com/guides/fundamentals-of-economics-and-management/organising/concept-of-responsibility/ 

 

United Nations. (n.d.). International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/observances/slavery-abolition-day

 

U.S. Census Bureau. (2022, March 1). About the topic of race. Census.gov. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/topics/population/race/about.html

 

Verywell Mind. (2022, September 20). Why Cultivating a Growth Mindset Can Boost Your Success. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-mindset-2795025

 

Verywell Mind. (2022, November 08). What Is Prejudice? Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-prejudice-5092657 

 

Verywell Mind. (2023, February 22). Why Empathy Is Important. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-empathy-2795562 

 

Virginia Wesleyan University. (n.d.). Unconscious Bias. Retrieved from https://www.vwu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/unconscious-bias.php

 

What are Values? - Ethics Sage. (2018, August). In Ethics Sage. Retrieved from https://www.ethicssage.com/2018/08/what-are-values.html

 

What is Collaboration? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aiim.org/what-is-collaboration

 

What Does Racism Look Like? Overt vs Covert - Anti-racism Resources - Research Help at Fitchburg State University. (n.d.). Research Help: Anti-racism Resources: What Does Racism Look Like? Overt vs Covert. Retrieved from https://fitchburgstate.libguides.com/c.php?g=1046516&p=7619360 

 

What Racism Looks Like. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fpg.unc.edu/sites/fpg.unc.edu/files/resource-files/What%20Racism%20Looks%20Like--References.pdf

 

Webb, Dr. S. L. (n.d.). THE URGENT MATTER OF COLORISM: A MISSING LINK IN DEI. 

 

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Equality before the law. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equality_before_the_law 

 

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Eurocentrism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocentrism 

 

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Person of color. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person_of_color 

 

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Truth. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth

 

YourDictionary. (n.d.). Multicultural Definition. Retrieved from https://www.yourdictionary.com/multicultural

 

YSC Consulting, part of Accenture. (2022, September 12). Meritocracy: The hidden risks to inclusion and the benefits of equity. Retrieved from https://www.ysc.com/news/meritocracy/ 

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