Attributes that Make Multi-Cultural Organization Effective - Research Proposal Example

A Research Proposal on Attributes that Make Multi-Cultural Organization (School) Effective College: Integrationof the diverse world’s cultures is one of the elements that have gained much attention in the modern world. It has been attributed by the fact that many business organizations have started internationalizing their operations with China being the leading destination of many corporates whose origins are diverse. As a result, there has been a pressing need for introduction of multiculturalism in the business organizations and in schools among other institutions, primarily to ensure that the country is well prepared for the world’s domination and peaceful co-existence between her citizens and other communities from other parts of the world. This research proposal is about a projected study on the attributes that make multicultural schools effective. The study will precisely focus on multiculturalism in elementary schools for these are believed to be the core foundation that can make integration of different communities faster and effective. The researcher will use both qualitative and quantitative methods of research in order to ensure that the obtained data can make a general and reliable conclusion about the general population. In this study, the researcher will apply a hybrid method of data collection; both qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments like interview, questionnaire, and use of secondary sources whereby the obtained data will then be checked for consistency and accuracy, then later analyzed and presented in a more understandable format. TABLE OF CONTENT Abstract 2 Table of Content 3 CHAPTER 1 4 1.1 Background Information 4 1.3 Research Objectives 5 1.4 Research Questions ….5 1.6 Scope of the Problem 6 CHAPTER 2 6 2.1Literature Review 7 CHAPTER 3 11 3.0 Methodology 11 3.1 Introduction 11 3.2 Research Design 10 3.3 Target Population 12 3.4 Sampling Technique 13 3.5 Methods of Data Collection 13 3.6 Data Analysis 14 4.0 Ethical Consideration 15 Appendix I (Time Schedule) 17 Appendix II (Budget) 18 List of References 20 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Introduction (Background Information) Ethnicity, racism, and segregation of human beings on bases of their differences have been a common problem for a long time even though the problem has been reducing in the modern world. Segregation and racism has caused many people and generations pain as some races, ethnic groups, and people from certain geographical regions view themselves as if they are more superior to the rest. In fact, such issues are blamed for the eruption of the World War I and II and other national ethnic crisis that have been witnessed in many countries, as some races and countries wanted to dominate others simply because they believed they were superior than the rest. In the recent past however, the problem has been reducing at a drastic rate as more people embrace the need for unison and peaceful coexistence between people of different origins, skin colors, and any other element that the past generations used as the bases of segregation. Among the factors that have greatly contributed to the reduction of this problem is the establishment of multicultural organizations be it schools, corporates, and in any other types of organizations that embrace all people irrespective of their origins (Mitchell and Salsbury, 2006, p.77). A multicultural organization refers to an organization whose work force or memberships include people from diverse racial, gender, and religious backgrounds with the minorities being well integrated across all the levels of the organization like in the executive positions and management (Cox, 2001, p.175). In such as organization, talent and criteria are the key elements that are used in determining the positions that every person should hold since there exist no discrimination and prejudice. The term ‘multicultural organization’ is relatively broad and different people can use it to mean different components ranging from schools, corporates, government agencies, and NGOs just to mention a few. However, this research study is going to emphasize on the attributes that make multicultural organization effective with respect to elementary schools. Multicultural education (schools) has been one of the key elements that have completely changed the world in terms of promoting peaceful coexistence, encouraging innovations, and in facilitating better distribution of opportunities among other benefits (Cox, 2001, p.155). Moreover, multicultural education has been a key factor that has made many nations among them the People’s Republic of China live peacefully despite their populations being made-up of people of cultural diversities. However, such countries have been experiencing some misunderstandings that at times have ended up being inter-ethnic conflicts, but multicultural education has been playing a major role in ensuring that all people live harmoniously irrespective of their differences. Multicultural education is a global aspect that should be promoted with all support it deserves though there seems to be a need for an extra emphasis in especially in the countries where segregation is still a major issue in the 21st century. This research study is going to focus on the attributes that make multicultural education effective in China particularly elementary education. 1.2 Research Objectives The aim of this research proposal is to meet the following research objectives 1 To analyze the concept of multicultural education with respect to elementary schools in China 2 To evaluate the role that multicultural education has played in ensuring that different communities in China live peacefully and harmoniously 3 To establish the main challenges threatening the effectiveness of multicultural elementary education in China 4 To establish possible measures that can be encompassed in the education in order to make multicultural education more effective in the country 1.3 Research questions 1 What is the concept of multicultural organization with respect to elementary schools in China?  2 What role has multicultural education played in ensuring that all people live peacefully and harmoniously irrespective of their differences in China? 3 What are the main challenges threatening the effectiveness of multicultural schools in China? 4 What are the possible measures that can be encompassed in the multicultural education in order to make its more effective in China? 1.4 Scope of the study This research study will focus on the multicultural organizations with respect to elementary schools in China, thus the researcher will carry out his or her research in elementary institutions of learning. However, the researcher may find it necessary to go the field like in the work places, estates, market places, countryside among other public places that might be having people of different origins in order to evaluate their actual behaviors and interpersonal relations amongst themselves, and towards people from other countries or origins. (Please specify the areas you would like to cover like two towns or several areas). CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0 Literature Review Multicultural schools/education is one of aspects that were introduced in in many countries in attempt to reduce the prevalence of racial, religious or/and ethnic segregation in most countries. The trend gained popularity rapidly as more supportive measures were being introduced now and then in order to support this incredible move (Coelho, 2008, p.113). One of the measures that have significantly been promoting multiculturalism is the partnership between government agencies and schools or institutions of high learning. Many states governments have closely been working with institutions of higher learning in order to ensure that they enroll students from different religious groups, geographical regions, races, ethnic groups among other diversities. One of such initiatives include offering of partial and/or full sponsorship to local and foreign students whose expenses are in most cases covered by the government in which the institution is based (Coelho, 2008, p.42). Multiculturalism is mostly common in the institutions of higher learning though it has started to be adopted in other levels of learning such as elementary schools though at a slower pace. Currently, there has been a gradual mushrooming of multicultural elementary schools (international schools) in various countries among them being China. China has a population of over 1.328 billion people making it the most populated nation on earth with a single majority ethnic group of Han accounting for 91.59% of the total population. The other 8.41% of the population is made-up of the minorities who comprises of 55 ethnic groups and immigrants who are from various parts of the world (Leibold and Chen, 2013, p.29). The country has always been multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, a factor that has made it has a long history of educational communication and cultural integration amongst the different ethnic groups and races. Currently, China has formed its own practice of multicultural education and theory whose aim is to offer the minority, women, disabled, the lower-social economic groups, and the migrants an opportunity to lead to a full life. The move is also meant for ensuring equity amongst all the country’s citizens as well as national and international understanding amongst them. In the recent past, there has been an increase in the number of foreign students in China’s institutions of learning thus continuing to increase the already existing cultural diversity in the country (Wiggan and Hutchison, 2009, p.108). Some of these students come from Africa, Asian countries, Europe, Australia as well as in America among other places, meaning that people of almost all cultural diversities currently inhabit the country (Leibold and Chen, 2013, p.65). Despite the fact that Chinese is one of the international languages used in various parts of the world, the state government has been focusing on how it can dominate the world on top of bringing an international understanding between her citizens and the international community (Fine, 2005, p.104). Spreading her language, culture as well as ensuring that there is an understanding between her citizens and the international society is an effective method of dominating and ensuring that all societies in the world harmoniously live as one people irrespective of their differences. Chinese government has therefore introduced friendly policies that are enabling integration of cultures in the institutions of learning and in the working places. By 2008, the country had over 71,294 foreign students in different institutions of learning with studies showing that a significant percentage of elementary and higher learning institutions having fully embraced multicultural education. The need for an effective cross-cultural interaction continues to increase as the demographics of the Republic of China changes to include the increasing number of foreigners who reside in the country as business people, diplomats, students and with others being in the country as tourists. All this integration is leading to expansion of the current business opportunities for the country’s citizens both locally and internationally as more people of Chinese origin migrate to other regions like Africa for business exploration (Mitchell and Salsbury, 2006, p.47). Past carried out studies on topic of multicultural elementary education have revealed that multicultural education has brought forth numerous advantages not only in China, but also in various parts of the world. One of the most notable benefits is the international understanding amongst people of diverse religions, cultures, and races (Fine, 2005, p.83). As a result of integration, many people have been able to understand very basic elements about the other communities like how they communicate, their interaction styles and traditions, as well as other elements that were initially used by primitive individuals to cause attitudes, that were automatically leading to segregation problems (Wiggan and Hutchison, 2009, p.108). In the People’s Republic of China for instance, multicultural education has led to harmonious coexistence amongst the 56 different ethnic groups and foreigners that struggle for a common prosperity. All these ethnic groups inclusive of other migrants are currently living peacefully despite the fact that there used to be some misunderstanding between the minorities and the majorities a couple of years ago. The government has been promoting multicultural education in China with the main goals being to provide equal opportunities and education rights to the whole society irrespective of their cultural differences, developing cross-cultural understanding and interactive capabilities, promote national unity and social harmony amongst the 56 ethnic groups among other foreigners, as well as eradicate all cultural and social discriminations. However, in the past few decades, there have not been much upheavals amongst the country’s population due to adoption of education policies that promote peaceful co-existence amongst all the citizens irrespective of their differences. In China, multicultural education is helping school administrators and teachers in designing programs that facilitate cross-cultural understanding amongst students both in the elementary and tertiary institutions. According to the carried out studies, multicultural education should primarily focus much on the elementary education since this is likely to have a greater impact because children are not born with attitudes that adults use as the basis of discriminating their neighbors (Stevens, Dworkin and Palgrave Connect (Online service), 2014, p.52). Instead, they quickly acquire them as they listen and watch what other people say about particular groups. Therefore, introducing multicultural education/schooling from a tender age can be a stepping-stone in encouraging children to view other societies without preconceived attitudes or notions. This can be achieved by ensuring that teachers of different origins and races are encompassed in teaching as well as in the general management of elementary education centers. Doing so would play a vital role in making the students (children) in these institutions develop a better perception towards the other communities and races as they get to understand them. Moreover, such a move would offer them an opportunity to get international exposure with respect to not only education, but also social lives. Another benefits that many studies have attributed with the aspect of multicultural education at elementary school level are the components of high level of innovation, greater realization in marketing to minorities, and better dissemination of opportunities among others (Vang, 2010, p.85). Moreover, multiculturalism in the education sector encourages attainment of quality and standard education for most of the society members if not all. In most cases, the type of education offered in these multicultural education centers is top class since it involves more international elements (Stevens, Dworkin and Palgrave Connect (Online service), 2014, p.52). Various studies have shown that multicultural schools provide high quality education. However, introduction of foreign teachers in the Chinese elementary public schools is likely to pose management challenge as well as communication barriers between them and the pupils since most pupils are only conversant with the local languages (Zhang, 2011, p.93). Introduction of foreign teachers in the Chinese local public schools would mean they have to be included in the general management of the institutions, which is likely to prompt to management problems. This is likely to occur because of language barrier as well as application of different approaches that each side might be conversant with. In some instances, embracing foreign teachers from different settings would require the schools to invest more in acquiring necessary resources that would make their stay and working effective. Foreign teachers are likely to require some basic training about the local languages and cultural practices so that they can adapt to the new environment. This would involve hiring new tutors who have an understanding of the languages spoken by the locals and that of the foreign teachers (Zhang, 2011, p.92). This might end up being an expensive undertaking though the investment is worth if one focuses on its short term and long term benefits. Other costs may include meeting the foreign and the marginalized teachers’ special needs. Primary school managements together with the policy makers can significantly make the idea of introducing foreign teachers into the Chinese elementary public schools a success or a failure. This can be achieved by ensuring that the type of relationship between the foreign teachers and the locals has a sense of respect and understanding to all irrespective of their religious, cultural, linguistic, and racial backgrounds. Moreover, they should create an enabling environment for the foreign teachers by promoting collaboration between them and the locals not only in the work places, but also in other social aspects. School managements should work hard in promoting equity and fairness like ensuring that promotions are awarded on bases of performance rather than prejudice, race or any other difference. There has been little study that has been carried out on the idea of promoting multiculturalism in China by introducing foreign teachers in elementary primary public schools (Leibold and Chen, 2013, p.55). This means that there exists a big research gap that calls for a pressing need for further studies. This research study is going to explore the attributes that can make multicultural elementary education effective in China. The study will explore the possible challenges that may hinder multiculturalism in elementary public schools especially if the government hires foreign teachers. CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction This part of a research proposal explains the research methodology that the researcher will apply while conducting his or her research. Methodology shows the research design that the researcher will use, his or method of data collection, research instruments that will be applied as well as the analyzing method the researcher will use in analyzing the obtained data. 3.2 Research Design This part of the research proposal explains what the researcher will do, in what method and give reasons to why he or she will use that particular research design. As a result, the researcher is able to a set a clear plan on how the data will be collected and analyzed in an effective and easy manner. This research will be conducted using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, meaning that the researcher will combine both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The researcher will apply quantitative tactics in collecting data relating to effectiveness of multicultural education/schools. In this case, the researcher will distribute more than 600 copies of questionnaires in various institutions of education in country to ensure that every part of the population is represented. The researcher will employ qualitative methods in collecting data using data collection instruments such as interviews. Application of an integration of those two research methods will significantly reduce the cost of data collection and analysis. In addition, application of that hybrid method of research design will ensure that the data collected is well detailed, reliable, and quantifiable so that a general conclusion can be drawn from the research. Application of a hybrid of these methods will also give the researcher an opportunity to interact with the respondents thus able to verify the data obtained easily. However, the main disadvantage of these methodologies is the fact that collecting and analyzing data is likely to be time consuming and tiresome. 3.4 Sampling Techniques The safest way to ensure that the collected data is from the population is representative is by using a random selection procedure. The researcher will use a stratified random sampling procedure, in order to ensure that there is proportional representation of population subgroups. Subgroups in this study may include setting different age groups between the respondents, using the social-economic status as the criteria of setting the subgroups or/and using other set ups like classifying the respondents according to their place of residence for instance countryside against those in the urban centers. The main chief advantage of selecting this stratified random sampling id the fact that it is very accurate to the sense that it’s select respondents from different subgroups who relevant to the research being conducted. This method of choosing samples gives all the subsets of the frame an equal probability, meaning that each element (persons being researched) has an equal probability of being selected. 3.3 Data collection a Questionnaire Under this method of data collection, more than 600 questionnaire forms inclosing sets of questions relating to the effectiveness of multicultural education among other questions related to the above-mentioned objectives. All the questions enclosed in the questionnaire forms will be open (respondents will be free express themselves without limitations). Moreover, the questionnaire forms will only be disbursed to relevant parties whose field is preparing curriculum, tutors, students, members of the society and teachers among other relevant respondents. The main advantage of using this method of data collection is that it provides reliable data even though this method is likely to be relatively expensive due to the high costs of printing questionnaires and other costs like delivery costs. b Personal Interview The researcher will also apply this method of data collection in collecting data from the relevant respondents as mentioned in the subheading questionnaire. This will preferably involve live interviews, phone call interviews and video call interviews using Skype. The main advantage of this method is that the researcher will be able to get reliable information since direct interactions give room for verifying and checking the credibility of the respondent together with the information provided. However, the method could be a bit expensive since it involves travelling a lot or making lengthy phone calls. Credibility and reliability of the given information can be determined by checking the consistency of the given information relating to similar questions asked to different respondents. c Secondary methods of data collection Secondary methods of data collection like researching in the internet, reading written books and journals, as well as going through previously carried out studies on this topic will also be applicable. The researcher will ensure that the collected data is from reliable and credible sources so that the conclusion of the research can be used for future reference or can be cited on matters relating to this topic. The cost incurred while using this method is likely to be relatively low though it is likely to be time consuming and exhaustive. d Observation The researcher is going to observe the behaviors of the students, members of the society who have gone through a multicultural education/school and the educators teaching in these education institutions in order to evaluate its effectiveness of multicultural education. However, this method of data collection cannot be used on its own; it will involve other methods like interviews since applying it alone could be time consuming. The main advantage of using this method is the fact that the researcher will easily evaluate the credibility of the information collected using the other instruments since it provides first hand evidence that is not corrupted or exaggerated. 3.4 Data analysis The collected data will then be edited in order to remove possible errors, check its consistency and completeness, code, cross it, and then tabulate any statistical figures for easy analysis. The researcher will use descriptive statistics in order to identify and describe the level of effectiveness of multicultural education. Statistical figures like the number of students and tutors who will report a significant improvement of their social lives after going through a multicultural education will be analyzed using percentages and weighted mean. Coding of the data will involve labeling the collected grouping the related ones together in form of topics and paragraphs in order to easily catalogue major concepts while still maintaining the context within which the concepts transpire. The coded data will then be analyzed using deductive approaches that involve use of a predetermined structure or framework while analyzing the data. 4. Ethical considerations Ethical consideration of a research refers to analyzing the ethical challenges that the researcher is likely to encounter while conducting the research. It also requires the researcher to come up with appropriate guidelines and strategies in order to safeguard respondents from any form of violation of their rights. In this case, the researcher is likely not to encounter situations whereby he or she is likely to violate the rights of the respondent. However, the researcher will safeguard respondents’ right to privacy by withholding any information that the respondent may feel confident or secretive. Moreover, the researcher will not publish any information that is likely to cause any damage to the peaceful coexistence amongst the society or between various people who have different origins. In case respondents give very sensitive information that is likely to cause damage to the society, the researcher is entailed to edit it and phrase it in a manner that will ensure that no individual, race, or society feels humiliated or less as some respondents may put it. The goal of this research study is to narrow down the gap that might be existing between various communities, rather than creating a more serious problem. In addition, the researcher will be required to seek the local and the university ethical approval in order to ensure that the study is conducted with all the professionalism it deserves. Appendix I: Time schedule inform of Gantt chart (I need to have the stipulated timeframe for the project in order to feed the months accordingly. Alternatively, you can do it yourself once you are given the set timeframe by your lecturer) The following is the timetable for the proposed research whose timeframe is presumed to be six months. Task to be completed May June July Aug. Sep Oct 1. Finalize the research Proposal 2. Data Collection (Conduct Field Survey) 4. Preparation for data entry 5. Data cleaning and preliminary analysis 5. Data analysis and report writing 6. Finalizing the report 7. Presentation and dissemination of the dissertation Appendix II: RESEARCH Study BUDGET May 1, 2014 - October 30, 2014 Budget Items Unit Cost Multiplying factors Total cost (£) Remarks 1 .Transport Inter-town Internal travel by public means 400.00 Intra-town: 500.00 2.  Living costs Accommodation in fieldwork (per day) 5 4 200.00 3. Equipment Audio-visual Equipment 1 100.00 Hire Camera 1 100.00 Hire 4. Materials and Supplies Stationery 50.00 Books, diaries and maps 50.00 Printing Photocopying & Binding 50.00 pre-testing questionnaires, 50.00 data coding and analysis 100.00 Acquisition of literature in libraries 50.00 5.Communications Phone calls 250.00 Post, emails and access to internet 70.00 6. Consultation fee 100.00 7. Overheads and other miscellaneous 10% of total cost 10% *2070 207.00 Grand Total 2,277.00 Budget Explanation Transport: - Inter-town: this involves traveling using public vehicles within the major cities of the country (China) to various schools and other relevant destinations where respondents of this research study might be located (be specific on the region you want to cover like a province or any other size of an area that you can comfortably cover ). - Intra-town involves travelling outside the city (Note: you can vary the budget to suit your pocket) Bibliography Coelho, E. 2008. Teaching and learning in multicultural schools: An integrated approach. Multilingual Matters. Clevedon, Angleterre. Cox, T. 2001. Creating the multicultural organization: A strategy for capturing the power of diversity. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco. Fine, M. G. 2005. Building successful multicultural organizations: Challenges and opportunities. Quorum Books. Westport, Conn. [u.a. Leibold, J., & Chen, Y. 2013. Minority education in China: Balancing unity and diversity in an era of critical pluralism. Quorum Books. Westport, Conn. [u.a. Mitchell, B. M., & Salsbury, R. E. 2006. Multicultural education: An international guide to research, policies, and programs. Greenwood. Westport, Conn. Stevens, P. A. J., Dworkin, A. G., & Palgrave Connect (Online service). 2014. The Palgrave handbook of race and ethnic inequalities in education. Brill. Leiden. Vang, C. T. 2010. An educational psychology of methods in multicultural education. Peter Lang. New York. Wiggan, G. A., & Hutchison, C. B. 2009. Global issues in education: Pedagogy, policy, practice, and the minority experience. Rowman & Littlefield Education. Lanham, Md. Zhang, X. 2011. Chinas education development and policy, 1978-2008. Brill. Leiden. Read More