Mental and behavioral health in diversity management: an East-West perspective

Abstract

Among diverse cultures, mental and behavioral health is always the foundation to overall health, well-being and productivity. It is the basis for successful families, communities, and societies. A workforce with diversified ethnic and cultural backgrounds can often foster innovations and creativity because new energies are created in the process of cross fertilization of thoughts and behavioral adaptations. This chapter explores a psychosocial dimension of diversity management in terms of mental and behavioral health. It introduces a transcultural perspective in understanding the meanings of health and accommodation to differences in diversity management by exploring how Chinese culture, the adaptation of concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophies and practices and Western values can be utilized to strengthen a diversified and synergistic environment for managers and executives in problem analysis and intervention. It also introduces an integrative approach to mental and behavioral health that speaks to a language of inclusiveness and diversity.