The perceived influence of culture and ethnicity on the communicative dynamics of the United Nations Secretariat

This qualitative/interpretive exploratory study examines the perceived influence of culture and ethnicity on the communicative dynamics of the United Nations Secretariat. Eight research questions and thirty-three interview questions undergird the study.; Semi-structured interviews were used to bring forth the voices of eleven managers in a selected division of the Secretariat. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's (1994) grounded theory method. Based on constant comparisons of the interview transcripts in the analysis process, it was found that the existence of deep diversity at the Secretariat makes it possible for culture and ethilicity to influence communication. Emerging from major themes, deep diversity manifested itself through the core concept of understanding, and the following related concepts: a mission or charter inclusive of diversity; managers' influence and commitment to the mission; linguistic diversity as an asset, and respect for differences and similarities. Based on these concepts a Model of Co-Cultural and Co-Ethnic Communicative Understanding was developed. Furthermore, because the model is unable to optimally function within current social science paradigms, the researcher proposes a Paradigm of Inclusiveness.; Recommendations as to how corporate America may benefit from deep diversity as well as how deep diveristy might assist in uncovering new perspectives in the field of organizational communication are suggested.