Organizational Transformation Through Intercultural Development

Description

Following the murder of George Floyd and the unrest that damaged or destroyed nearly 1,500 properties, the American Institute of Architects – Minnesota (AIA MN) found itself needing to meet the moment. To do so, they leaned on more than three years of guidance and skill-building provided through a consulting agreement and partnership with Team Dynamics. The organization’s staff team had grown their ability to recognize and adapt toward differences related to race, gender, and other “differences that make a difference.”

This session will focus on AIA MN’s past and continuing journey toward intercultural competence, the capacities developed within the staff team, and how that culture and those skills were brought to bear in working with hundreds of stakeholders within the profession they serve and the broader community. Intercultural development as a “theory of change” has been embraced by this industry association and has led to real and meaningful change for racial and gender equity.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand intercultural development as a theory of change
• Link intercultural development to the capacity to pursue race and gender equity
• Learn from insights of a trade association bringing this approach to its industry